D2D glossary / Roles and companies
What does self-gen mean in solar sales?
Self-gen: Self-gen is short for self-generated: a deal where the same rep found the customer by knocking and closed the sale, with no setter and no company-supplied lead. Self-gen deals pay the full commission.
In solar, a deal can come from a setter, from a purchased or company lead, or from the closer's own prospecting. When you generate the lead yourself, nobody else is paid a share for finding it, so the rep keeps the setter's portion as well as the closer's.
Self-gen is harder because you do both jobs, and it is why strong closers still knock doors. Pay plans often list separate rates for self-gen deals and for deals from company leads.
Ask before you sign
What is the commission difference between a self-gen deal and a company lead?
Related terms
Read next
- Setter vs. Closer in Door-to-Door Sales
- Door-to-door solar sales jobs · Solar sales FAQ
- Door-to-door roofing sales jobs · Roofing sales FAQ
Self-gen: quick answers
What does self-gen mean in solar sales?
Self-gen is short for self-generated: a deal where the same rep found the customer by knocking and closed the sale, with no setter and no company-supplied lead. Self-gen deals pay the full commission.
What should I ask a company about self-gen deals?
Ask this before you sign: "What is the commission difference between a self-gen deal and a company lead?" Get the answer in writing, in the rep agreement or the pay plan.