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Environment Energy

Top 10 Best Commercial Solar Proposal Software of 2026

Discover top 10 commercial solar proposal software tools to streamline workflows, boost sales. Compare features, find the best fit, start today.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In the fast-growing commercial solar sector, reliable proposal software is essential for designing accurate systems, streamlining sales processes, and winning client trust. With a range of tools from AI-powered platforms to industry-standard simulators, choosing the right solution directly impacts project success and competitive edge.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Aurora Solar - AI-powered platform for designing commercial solar systems, generating accurate proposals, and streamlining sales workflows.
  2. 2#2: HelioScope - High-speed PV design and optimization software tailored for large-scale commercial and utility solar proposals.
  3. 3#3: OpenSolar - Free, full-featured solar design and proposal software with financial modeling for commercial projects.
  4. 4#4: Energy Toolbase - Commercial solar project modeling platform for creating investment-grade proposals and financial analysis.
  5. 5#5: PVsyst - Industry-standard PV performance simulation software used to validate commercial solar proposals with detailed yield predictions.
  6. 6#6: PVcomplete - Automated electrical design and proposal generation tool for commercial solar installations.
  7. 7#7: Solargraf - 3D solar design software that produces professional proposals with photorealistic renders for commercial rooftops.
  8. 8#8: Sighten - AI-driven solar layout optimizer that accelerates commercial proposal creation with automated designs.
  9. 9#9: PV*SOL - Comprehensive PV simulation and design software for generating detailed commercial solar project proposals.
  10. 10#10: System Advisor Model (SAM) - Free techno-economic modeling tool from NREL for analyzing and supporting commercial solar financing proposals.

We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including feature robustness (e.g., design precision, financial modeling), ease of use, simulation accuracy, and value for commercial-scale applications, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of solar professionals.

Comparison Table

Choosing the right commercial solar proposal software is key to efficient project documentation and client engagement; this comparison table features tools including Aurora Solar, HelioScope, OpenSolar, Energy Toolbase, PVsyst, and more, guiding readers to evaluate options based on features, pricing, and usability for their unique commercial solar needs.

AI-powered platform for designing commercial solar systems, generating accurate proposals, and streamlining sales workflows.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
9.1/10
Value
9.3/10
2HelioScope logo9.1/10

High-speed PV design and optimization software tailored for large-scale commercial and utility solar proposals.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
8.7/10
3OpenSolar logo8.7/10

Free, full-featured solar design and proposal software with financial modeling for commercial projects.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
9.3/10
Value
9.9/10

Commercial solar project modeling platform for creating investment-grade proposals and financial analysis.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
8.5/10
5PVsyst logo7.8/10

Industry-standard PV performance simulation software used to validate commercial solar proposals with detailed yield predictions.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
5.5/10
Value
7.0/10
6PVcomplete logo8.3/10

Automated electrical design and proposal generation tool for commercial solar installations.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
7Solargraf logo8.1/10

3D solar design software that produces professional proposals with photorealistic renders for commercial rooftops.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
7.6/10
8Sighten logo8.1/10

AI-driven solar layout optimizer that accelerates commercial proposal creation with automated designs.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.5/10
9PV*SOL logo8.2/10

Comprehensive PV simulation and design software for generating detailed commercial solar project proposals.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
6.8/10
Value
7.4/10

Free techno-economic modeling tool from NREL for analyzing and supporting commercial solar financing proposals.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
5.5/10
Value
10.0/10
1
Aurora Solar logo

Aurora Solar

specialized

AI-powered platform for designing commercial solar systems, generating accurate proposals, and streamlining sales workflows.

Overall Rating9.8/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
9.1/10
Value
9.3/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered autonomous design optimization that automatically generates optimal layouts with shading and production analysis in minutes

Aurora Solar is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for solar design, engineering, and sales proposals, with robust capabilities for commercial projects including complex rooftop and ground-mount systems. It leverages advanced 3D modeling from satellite, drone, and LiDAR data to generate accurate shading analysis, energy production forecasts using bankable PVsyst-validated models, and fully customizable financial proposals. The software streamlines workflows from site assessment to permitting and customer handover, integrating with CRMs and project management tools for end-to-end commercial solar operations.

Pros

  • Exceptional accuracy in 3D modeling and irradiance forecasting validated against real-world data
  • Automated proposal generation with detailed financial modeling for PPAs, leases, and ownership
  • Seamless integrations with Salesforce, Procore, and other enterprise tools for commercial workflows

Cons

  • Premium pricing may be prohibitive for small to mid-sized installers
  • Steep initial learning curve for advanced commercial features
  • Occasional slowdowns when processing very large-scale projects

Best For

Large-scale commercial solar EPCs, developers, and engineering firms needing precise, bankable designs and proposals for complex projects.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $500-$1,000/month per team (billed annually), with options for per-user ($150-$300/user/month) or project-based licensing; contact sales for quotes.

Visit Aurora Solaraurorasolar.com
2
HelioScope logo

HelioScope

specialized

High-speed PV design and optimization software tailored for large-scale commercial and utility solar proposals.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Realtime 3D hour-by-hour shading analysis engine for unparalleled production accuracy

HelioScope is a powerful solar design and proposal software optimized for commercial and utility-scale PV projects, offering advanced 3D modeling, shading analysis, and energy production forecasting. It automates complex engineering tasks like layout optimization and irradiance modeling to generate accurate proposals with integrated financial analysis. Users benefit from seamless workflows that reduce design time while maintaining high precision for rooftop and ground-mount installations.

Pros

  • Superior 3D shading and production modeling for accurate yield predictions
  • Automated design optimization for large-scale commercial projects
  • Integrated financial modeling and professional proposal generation

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Higher pricing limits accessibility for small firms
  • Less suited for simple residential or very small commercial jobs

Best For

Commercial solar EPCs and engineering firms handling mid-to-large rooftop and ground-mount projects that demand engineering-grade precision.

Pricing

Subscription-based starting at ~$300/user/month, with tiered plans and enterprise custom pricing.

Visit HelioScopehelioscope.com
3
OpenSolar logo

OpenSolar

specialized

Free, full-featured solar design and proposal software with financial modeling for commercial projects.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
9.3/10
Value
9.9/10
Standout Feature

TrueShape technology for instant, high-accuracy 3D roof models from aerial imagery

OpenSolar is a cloud-based solar design and proposal software that automates the creation of professional proposals, 3D designs, and financial analyses for both residential and commercial solar projects. It leverages aerial imagery and AI-driven tools like TrueShape for accurate roof modeling and instant system layouts. The platform streamlines sales workflows with CRM integrations and customer portals, making it efficient for solar businesses.

Pros

  • Completely free with no paywalls or usage limits
  • Rapid proposal generation with professional templates
  • Accurate 3D modeling and financial tools suitable for most commercial projects

Cons

  • Limited advanced engineering for very large-scale or complex industrial sites
  • Financial modeling lacks deep customization for enterprise needs
  • Requires reliable internet and may have learning curve for non-sales users

Best For

Commercial solar sales teams and mid-sized installers needing fast, cost-free proposals without heavy engineering demands.

Pricing

100% free for all features, no subscription or hidden fees.

Visit OpenSolaropensolar.com
4
Energy Toolbase logo

Energy Toolbase

enterprise

Commercial solar project modeling platform for creating investment-grade proposals and financial analysis.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Proprietary rebate and incentive engine that automates tracking, compliance, and cash flow optimization across multiple jurisdictions

Energy Toolbase is a cloud-based platform tailored for commercial solar developers, EPC firms, and financiers, enabling precise energy production modeling, detailed financial pro forma analysis, and professional proposal generation. It supports complex tariff structures, incentives, and rebate tracking to optimize project economics. The software integrates with design tools like Aurora Solar and Helioscope, streamlining workflows from simulation to sales handoff.

Pros

  • Advanced energy modeling with bankable accuracy using validated datasets
  • Comprehensive financial tools including IRR, NPV, and incentive optimization
  • Seamless proposal customization and export for sales teams

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for non-expert users
  • Pricing lacks transparency and suits enterprise-scale users best
  • Limited built-in CRM or lead management features

Best For

Mid-to-large commercial solar developers and EPCs needing robust financial modeling and proposal automation for complex projects.

Pricing

Custom enterprise subscriptions starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually per user or team, with project-based tiers; requires demo for exact quote.

Visit Energy Toolbaseenergytoolbase.com
5
PVsyst logo

PVsyst

specialized

Industry-standard PV performance simulation software used to validate commercial solar proposals with detailed yield predictions.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
5.5/10
Value
7.0/10
Standout Feature

Sophisticated 3D near-shading scene builder with ray-tracing for precise loss calculations

PVsyst is a leading PV system simulation software used for detailed design, performance prediction, and analysis of solar installations ranging from residential to large commercial and utility-scale projects. It excels in modeling complex factors like near and far shading, module soiling, mismatch losses, and grid interactions to provide accurate energy yield forecasts. While not a full proposal generation tool, it's integral for commercial solar proposals requiring validated technical simulations.

Pros

  • Industry-leading simulation accuracy validated against real-world data
  • Advanced 3D shading and horizon analysis tools
  • Extensive database of PV modules, inverters, and trackers

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring engineering expertise
  • Lacks integrated proposal generation, financial modeling, or CRM features
  • Windows-only desktop application with high upfront licensing costs

Best For

Technical engineers and design teams at commercial solar firms needing precise performance simulations to support proposals.

Pricing

Perpetual licenses from €590 (basic) to €1,190 (pro), plus annual maintenance (~20% of license cost) for updates.

Visit PVsystpvsyst.com
6
PVcomplete logo

PVcomplete

specialized

Automated electrical design and proposal generation tool for commercial solar installations.

Overall Rating8.3/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Horizon360 LiDAR-powered shading analysis for unmatched accuracy in commercial environments

PVcomplete is a specialized software platform for commercial solar proposal generation, offering advanced 3D modeling, precise shading analysis with LiDAR integration, and comprehensive financial pro formas. It enables solar professionals to design rooftop PV systems, forecast energy production accurately, and produce professional-grade proposals tailored for commercial clients. The tool excels in handling complex commercial projects with detailed economic analysis and customizable reporting.

Pros

  • Superior LiDAR-based shading analysis for accurate commercial designs
  • Robust financial modeling with IRR, ROI, and cash flow projections
  • Professional proposal templates that impress commercial clients

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users due to advanced features
  • Higher pricing compared to entry-level competitors
  • Limited native integrations with some CRM or project management tools

Best For

Commercial solar EPCs and engineering firms handling complex rooftop projects that require precise shading and financial analysis.

Pricing

Subscription plans start at $299/month per user for Pro tier; custom Enterprise pricing for teams with advanced needs.

Visit PVcompletepvcomplete.com
7
Solargraf logo

Solargraf

specialized

3D solar design software that produces professional proposals with photorealistic renders for commercial rooftops.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Instant AI-powered 3D solar designs and proposals generated directly from an address using satellite and LiDAR data

Solargraf is an AI-powered solar design and proposal software tailored for commercial solar projects, enabling users to generate professional proposals in minutes using satellite imagery and LiDAR data. It automates 3D modeling, shade analysis, energy production forecasts, and financial modeling with integrated incentives and ROI calculations. The platform also facilitates permitting documentation and stakeholder presentations, streamlining the sales process for solar EPCs and developers.

Pros

  • Rapid AI-driven proposal generation from any address
  • Highly accurate 3D modeling and shade analysis using real-world data
  • Comprehensive financial tools with incentive tracking and cashflow projections

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for high-volume users without volume discounts
  • Limited advanced customization for ultra-large commercial rooftops
  • Occasional need for manual overrides on complex sites due to AI limitations

Best For

Mid-sized commercial solar installers and EPCs prioritizing speed and visual appeal in proposals to close deals faster.

Pricing

Monthly subscriptions start at $199/user for Pro plan; Enterprise custom pricing; pay-per-proposal options from $49/project.

Visit Solargrafsolargraf.com
8
Sighten logo

Sighten

specialized

AI-driven solar layout optimizer that accelerates commercial proposal creation with automated designs.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Automated 3D site modeling with real-time shading and production analysis for accurate commercial proposals

Sighten is a cloud-based software platform tailored for commercial solar proposal generation, enabling users to create professional proposals with integrated 3D modeling, shading analysis, and financial modeling. It automates the design-to-proposal workflow, supporting complex rooftop and ground-mount systems for industrial and commercial clients. The tool emphasizes accuracy in irradiance calculations and customizable financial outputs to streamline sales processes.

Pros

  • Specialized commercial solar tools with advanced 3D shading and irradiance modeling
  • Rapid one-click proposal generation with embedded financials
  • Seamless integrations with CAD, CRM, and design software

Cons

  • Higher pricing may deter smaller firms
  • Learning curve for advanced customization
  • Limited support for residential or utility-scale projects

Best For

Commercial solar EPC firms and sales teams managing mid-to-large scale industrial projects requiring precise financial and design proposals.

Pricing

Subscription starts at ~$499/user/month for Pro plan; Enterprise custom pricing with volume discounts.

Visit Sightensighten.ai
9
PV*SOL logo

PV*SOL

specialized

Comprehensive PV simulation and design software for generating detailed commercial solar project proposals.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
6.8/10
Value
7.4/10
Standout Feature

Sophisticated 3D ray-tracing engine for hyper-accurate shading and yield predictions on irregular commercial structures

PV*SOL from Valentin Software is a professional-grade photovoltaic design and simulation tool tailored for detailed planning of solar systems, including commercial installations. It enables 3D modeling of complex roofs and structures, precise shading analysis via ray-tracing, energy yield simulations, and generation of professional PDF proposals with economic evaluations. Primarily a desktop application for Windows, it supports large-scale commercial projects with extensive module and inverter databases.

Pros

  • Advanced 3D modeling and ray-tracing shading analysis for accurate commercial simulations
  • Vast database of over 100,000 modules and 5,000 inverters
  • Comprehensive economic analysis and customizable professional reports

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring engineering expertise
  • High upfront cost with limited trial options
  • Windows-only desktop software without robust cloud integration

Best For

Experienced solar engineers and firms designing complex commercial rooftop PV systems needing precise simulations.

Pricing

One-time licenses from €1,900 (PV*SOL pro) to €2,900 (premium); optional annual maintenance ~20% of license fee.

Visit PV*SOLvalentin-software.com
10
System Advisor Model (SAM) logo

System Advisor Model (SAM)

other

Free techno-economic modeling tool from NREL for analyzing and supporting commercial solar financing proposals.

Overall Rating8.0/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
5.5/10
Value
10.0/10
Standout Feature

NREL-developed, validated physics-based performance models that deliver industry-leading accuracy for solar system simulations.

The System Advisor Model (SAM), developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is a free, open-source software tool for simulating the technical and financial performance of renewable energy systems, with a primary focus on solar PV, CSP, wind, and other technologies. For commercial solar proposals, it excels in detailed energy yield predictions, shading analysis, and financial metrics like LCOE, IRR, and payback periods using physics-based models. Users can input site-specific weather data, module specs, and financing details to generate precise outputs for project feasibility studies. However, it's geared more toward engineering analysis than streamlined sales proposals.

Pros

  • Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
  • NREL-validated physics-based models for superior accuracy
  • Comprehensive techno-economic analysis including advanced financial metrics

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring technical expertise
  • Dated interface not intuitive for quick use
  • Local installation needed; no cloud-based collaboration

Best For

Solar engineers and analysts needing precise, research-grade modeling for commercial project proposals and feasibility studies.

Pricing

Free (open-source download from sam.nrel.gov; no licensing or subscription fees).

Conclusion

The top 10 tools reviewed provide exceptional support for commercial solar proposal creation, with Aurora Solar leading as the top choice due to its AI-driven design and workflow streamlining. HelioScope impresses for large-scale projects with its high-speed optimization, and OpenSolar offers a robust free option with comprehensive financial modeling. These solutions cater to varied needs, ensuring businesses of all sizes can thrive in crafting effective proposals.

Aurora Solar logo
Our Top Pick
Aurora Solar

Take the first step toward more efficient, standout proposals—explore Aurora Solar to unlock its advanced features and streamline your commercial solar sales process.