Sales Development Representative (SDR) - Inbound Lead Qualification

As the first point of contact for most new prospects, the Sales Development Representative (SDR) plays a critical role in shaping the customer experience and setting the stage for successful solar sales. This position focuses on handling inbound inquiries—primarily from prospective customers—and qualifying leads for handoff to our Solar Consultant sales team.

You'll represent our brand with professionalism and warmth, guiding potential solar buyers through the early stages of their journey. While you won't be closing sales, your ability to build rapport, ask the right questions, and make a great first impression is essential to our success.

Who This Role Is Great For

This role is a great fit for someone with inbound call center experience in industries like telecommunications, cable/internet, insurance, utilities, or automotive sales. If you've worked in a structured environment taking inbound calls, qualifying customers, and using scripts or CRM systems, you likely already have the core skills needed to succeed here. On site in office at Lexington Kentucky.

But unlike big, high-volume call centers, you won't just be another headset. You'll be the go-to expert in this function at a smaller, purpose-driven solar company, where your ideas and initiative matter. It's a chance to apply your skills in a more flexible, meaningful setting—helping people take the first step toward energy independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle inbound phone calls from prospective solar customers (approx. 80% of total calls), as well as current customer inquiries and service requests (approx. 20%)
• Qualify inbound leads using a standardized script and criteria: gather essential information, assess fit, and gauge readiness to move forward
• Warm up prospects by embodying our brand voice, building rapport, and helping them feel confident and informed
• Route qualified leads to our Solar Consultants for technical follow-up, proposal generation, site visits and closing
• Document interactions and lead details thoroughly in our CRM to ensure a smooth transition for the sales team
• Make outbound follow-up calls to missed leads, voicemails, and form fills to re-engage prospects quickly and efficiently
• Respond to inbound emails from interested parties and engage in initial email outreach when appropriate
• Filter out non-sales-related calls (e.g., B2B vendors, service requests) and route them appropriately within the organization
• Conduct customer satisfaction calls after installation to ensure a positive experience and identify any unresolved issues
• Request online reviews and referrals from happy customers to help build our brand and generate additional leads
  
  

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Customer-first attitude with a warm, professional presence
• Ability to learn and follow lead qualification scripts and criteria
• Comfort using a CRM system (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce, etc.); experience with HubSpot is a plus
• Organized and detail-oriented with strong follow-through
• The ability to work independently
• Prior experience in a sales or customer service role is preferred
  
  

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE

• High contact-to-lead conversion rate
• Positive feedback from prospects and internal Solar Consultants
• Accurate and thorough lead records
• Proactive engagement that leads to increased customer reviews and referrals
• Fast, friendly, and professional response to all inquiries
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on skills and personal and company performance bonus system
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off
• Company 401K
• Company ESOP
• Fully paid solar trade training, if wanted
  
  

About Solar Energy Solutions

Formed in 2006, Solar Energy Solutions delivers high-quality renewable energy solutions throughout Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and West Virginia.

Our goal is to be the defining player in all areas of solar development in Kentucky and the surrounding states, make a tangible difference to society by building a new clean energy economy and do that through the creation of well-paid stable sustainable jobs.

We specialize in the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of residential, commercial, institutional and utility photovoltaic systems. Our personnel are the best in the region, holding specialized licenses and certifications in all relevant renewable fields. We are growing fast and want people with skills and stretch to come with us on this exciting growth journey that is only just beginning.

Solar Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.