Quick Overview
- 1#1: OpenSolar - Comprehensive free platform for solar sales, CRM, design, proposals, and project management streamlining solar business operations.
- 2#2: Aurora Solar - AI-powered solar design and sales software with CRM integration, financial analysis, and customer proposal tools for efficient solar ERP workflows.
- 3#3: Solgen Power - Solar-specific CRM and sales automation software that handles leads, proposals, financing, and project tracking for solar installers.
- 4#4: ERPNext - Open-source ERP system offering inventory, accounting, project management, and manufacturing modules ideal for solar businesses.
- 5#5: Odoo - All-in-one open-source ERP with customizable CRM, inventory, sales, and project apps tailored for solar energy operations.
- 6#6: JobNimbus - Construction CRM platform with job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and integrations popular for solar roofing and installation projects.
- 7#7: ServiceTitan - Field service management software providing dispatching, invoicing, inventory, and reporting for solar installation companies.
- 8#8: NetSuite - Cloud ERP suite with financials, CRM, inventory, and project management supporting renewable energy and solar industry needs.
- 9#9: Acumatica - Cloud ERP platform with construction and project accounting modules suitable for managing solar installation and supply chain.
- 10#10: SAP Business One - SMB ERP solution offering integrated financials, sales, inventory, and production planning adaptable for solar manufacturing.
We ranked tools based on industry-specific features—including CRM, design, and project tracking—user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they align with the diverse needs of installers, manufacturers, and service providers.
Comparison Table
Explore this comparison table to compare leading solar ERP software tools like OpenSolar, Aurora Solar, Solgen Power, ERPNext, and Odoo, and learn how their features, pricing, and integration strengths match your operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenSolar Comprehensive free platform for solar sales, CRM, design, proposals, and project management streamlining solar business operations. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Aurora Solar AI-powered solar design and sales software with CRM integration, financial analysis, and customer proposal tools for efficient solar ERP workflows. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Solgen Power Solar-specific CRM and sales automation software that handles leads, proposals, financing, and project tracking for solar installers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | ERPNext Open-source ERP system offering inventory, accounting, project management, and manufacturing modules ideal for solar businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Odoo All-in-one open-source ERP with customizable CRM, inventory, sales, and project apps tailored for solar energy operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 6 | JobNimbus Construction CRM platform with job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and integrations popular for solar roofing and installation projects. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | ServiceTitan Field service management software providing dispatching, invoicing, inventory, and reporting for solar installation companies. | enterprise | 7.3/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 8 | NetSuite Cloud ERP suite with financials, CRM, inventory, and project management supporting renewable energy and solar industry needs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Acumatica Cloud ERP platform with construction and project accounting modules suitable for managing solar installation and supply chain. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | SAP Business One SMB ERP solution offering integrated financials, sales, inventory, and production planning adaptable for solar manufacturing. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive free platform for solar sales, CRM, design, proposals, and project management streamlining solar business operations.
AI-powered solar design and sales software with CRM integration, financial analysis, and customer proposal tools for efficient solar ERP workflows.
Solar-specific CRM and sales automation software that handles leads, proposals, financing, and project tracking for solar installers.
Open-source ERP system offering inventory, accounting, project management, and manufacturing modules ideal for solar businesses.
All-in-one open-source ERP with customizable CRM, inventory, sales, and project apps tailored for solar energy operations.
Construction CRM platform with job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and integrations popular for solar roofing and installation projects.
Field service management software providing dispatching, invoicing, inventory, and reporting for solar installation companies.
Cloud ERP suite with financials, CRM, inventory, and project management supporting renewable energy and solar industry needs.
Cloud ERP platform with construction and project accounting modules suitable for managing solar installation and supply chain.
SMB ERP solution offering integrated financials, sales, inventory, and production planning adaptable for solar manufacturing.
OpenSolar
specializedComprehensive free platform for solar sales, CRM, design, proposals, and project management streamlining solar business operations.
Fully free access to enterprise-grade solar design, CRM, and ERP tools without any subscription costs
OpenSolar is a comprehensive, cloud-based ERP platform tailored for solar businesses, providing end-to-end tools for design, sales, CRM, project management, invoicing, and operations. It allows solar installers to create stunning 3D proposals, manage customer relationships, automate permitting, and track projects from lead to completion seamlessly. With a massive global user base powering millions of solar installations annually, it's the leading solution for streamlining solar ERP workflows.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden fees or subscriptions
- Powerful 3D design and proposal tools integrated with full CRM and project management
- Scalable for teams of any size with real-time collaboration and mobile access
Cons
- Advanced customization may require developer support
- Internet-dependent as a cloud platform
- Occasional performance lags during peak usage
Best For
Solar installers, sales teams, and EPC companies seeking a free, all-in-one ERP to scale operations efficiently.
Pricing
100% free forever, with no credit card required; optional paid add-ons for premium integrations.
Aurora Solar
specializedAI-powered solar design and sales software with CRM integration, financial analysis, and customer proposal tools for efficient solar ERP workflows.
AI-powered instant 3D design from satellite imagery with patented high-fidelity shading analysis
Aurora Solar is a cloud-based solar design and sales platform that enables solar professionals to create accurate 3D PV system models using satellite imagery, LiDAR data, and AI-driven tools. It streamlines proposal generation, energy production forecasting, and sales processes with customizable templates, e-signatures, and customer portals. While excelling in design and upfront sales, it offers limited full ERP capabilities like inventory or accounting but integrates with CRM and financial tools for broader workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate 3D modeling and shading analysis with LiDAR integration
- Rapid proposal creation and sales enablement tools
- Strong analytics, reporting, and third-party integrations (e.g., CRM, financing)
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive ERP functions like inventory management, job costing, or dispatching
- Pricing can be steep for small solar businesses
- Advanced features require training despite intuitive interface
Best For
Mid-to-large solar sales and design teams needing precise modeling and proposal tools over full operational ERP.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; starts around $100-200/user/month for core plans, with volume discounts and add-ons.
Solgen Power
specializedSolar-specific CRM and sales automation software that handles leads, proposals, financing, and project tracking for solar installers.
Built-in Aurora Solar integration for instant, accurate design-to-proposal generation directly in the platform
Solgen Power is a cloud-based ERP and CRM platform designed specifically for solar installation companies, automating workflows from lead management and quoting to project execution, inventory, procurement, and accounting. It integrates seamlessly with tools like Aurora Solar for design proposals and supports financing integrations for streamlined sales. Ideal for scaling solar businesses, it provides end-to-end visibility and operational efficiency in the solar industry.
Pros
- Solar-specific features like integrated quoting and permitting automation
- Strong integrations with Aurora, financing partners, and accounting tools
- Scalable for growing teams with robust project and inventory management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to comprehensive functionality
- Pricing can be high for smaller operations
- Occasional reports of slower performance during peak usage
Best For
Mid-sized solar installation companies seeking a comprehensive, industry-tailored ERP to manage growth and operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $299/user/month, with tiered plans based on company size and features.
ERPNext
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system offering inventory, accounting, project management, and manufacturing modules ideal for solar businesses.
Unlimited open-source customizability to build solar-specific modules like warranty tracking and design integration without vendor lock-in.
ERPNext is a versatile open-source ERP platform that offers modular tools for managing sales, projects, inventory, manufacturing, and accounting, making it adaptable for solar businesses handling installations, equipment tracking, and customer service. It supports solar-specific workflows through custom apps for quoting photovoltaic systems, project scheduling for deployments, and maintenance tracking for panels and inverters. While not pre-built for the solar industry, its flexibility allows tailored solutions without high licensing costs.
Pros
- Completely free open-source core with no user limits
- Highly customizable for solar-specific needs like project-based installations and inventory for panels/inverters
- Comprehensive coverage of ERP essentials including CRM, accounting, and asset management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires customization for solar out-of-the-box use
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS ERPs
- Self-hosting demands technical expertise for optimal performance
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers or EPC firms with developers or IT resources seeking a highly customizable, cost-free ERP backbone.
Pricing
Free open-source software; hosted on Frappe Cloud starts at $10/site/month for basics, scaling to $100+/month for larger teams with support.
Odoo
enterpriseAll-in-one open-source ERP with customizable CRM, inventory, sales, and project apps tailored for solar energy operations.
Extensive modular app store with solar industry add-ons for quick specialization
Odoo is a modular, open-source ERP platform adaptable for solar energy businesses, handling inventory management for panels, inverters, and components, sales quoting, CRM, and project tracking for installations. It integrates manufacturing, field service, and accounting modules to streamline solar operations from procurement to customer billing. While not natively solar-focused, its extensive app store and customization capabilities enable tailored solar ERP workflows.
Pros
- Highly modular with 70+ integrated apps for inventory, projects, and sales
- Cost-effective open-source community edition available
- Strong customization via app store including solar-specific modules
Cons
- Requires developer expertise for advanced solar customizations
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Enterprise edition needed for full scalability and support
Best For
Small to mid-sized solar distributors and installers seeking a flexible, customizable ERP without high upfront costs.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at $24.90/user/month (billed annually).
JobNimbus
specializedConstruction CRM platform with job tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and integrations popular for solar roofing and installation projects.
Visual job board with real-time task automation and team notifications
JobNimbus is a cloud-based CRM and project management platform tailored for contractors, including solar installers, offering tools for lead tracking, job scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication. It excels in streamlining workflows from quote to completion with mobile accessibility and integrations like QuickBooks. However, it lacks deep solar-specific features such as PV design optimization or incentive tracking, making it more of a general contractor ERP adaptable to solar businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop job pipelines for efficient workflow management
- Robust mobile app for on-site updates and photo documentation
- Seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Limited built-in solar-specific tools like panel layout or shading analysis
- Basic reporting capabilities requiring custom workarounds
- Scalability challenges for very large solar enterprises
Best For
Small to mid-sized solar installation companies seeking straightforward CRM and job management without complex solar design needs.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month for Core plan, up to $199/user/month for Premium, with custom Enterprise options.
ServiceTitan
enterpriseField service management software providing dispatching, invoicing, inventory, and reporting for solar installation companies.
AI-powered Smart Dispatch that automatically optimizes technician routes, schedules, and job assignments for efficient solar project execution
ServiceTitan is a robust field service management (FSM) platform primarily designed for home service contractors, including solar installers, offering tools for scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, CRM, and reporting. It streamlines day-to-day operations for solar companies by managing jobs from lead to payment, with mobile apps for technicians and real-time insights. While adaptable for solar ERP needs like project tracking and customer management, it lacks specialized solar features such as panel design optimization, rebate tracking, or permitting automation specific to the industry.
Pros
- Powerful dispatching and scheduling with GPS tracking for solar installations
- Integrated invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks sync for efficient billing
- Comprehensive reporting and performance analytics to optimize solar business operations
Cons
- No native solar-specific tools like incentive/rebate management or design software integrations
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small solar firms
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for non-enterprise users
Best For
Mid-sized solar installation companies seeking scalable field service management with strong operational tools over niche solar ERP features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $200+ per user/month plus setup fees, scaling to thousands monthly for larger teams.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP suite with financials, CRM, inventory, and project management supporting renewable energy and solar industry needs.
OneWorld multi-subsidiary management for global solar supply chains and operations
NetSuite is a robust cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that delivers comprehensive business management, including financials, inventory, CRM, procurement, and project management, making it adaptable for solar EPC firms through customizations and SuiteApps. It excels in handling complex supply chains for solar components like panels and inverters, while supporting project-based billing and compliance reporting. However, it requires significant configuration to fully optimize for solar-specific workflows such as installation scheduling and renewable energy incentives tracking.
Pros
- Highly scalable for enterprise-level solar operations with real-time analytics
- Deep customization via SuiteBuilder and industry apps for solar inventory and projects
- Seamless integration of financials, CRM, and supply chain in one platform
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive training
- High implementation costs and ongoing fees
- Not solar-specific out-of-the-box, needing custom development
Best For
Large solar EPC companies or manufacturers needing a fully integrated, customizable enterprise ERP for complex operations.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; typically $999-$2,000+ per user/month plus $50,000-$500,000+ implementation fees.
Acumatica
enterpriseCloud ERP platform with construction and project accounting modules suitable for managing solar installation and supply chain.
Resource-based pricing model that scales with business growth without user limits
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for mid-market businesses, offering modules for financial management, inventory control, project accounting, and CRM that can be adapted for solar operations. It supports solar companies in managing installations as projects, tracking inventory of panels and components, handling customer contracts, and processing incentives or rebates through customizable workflows. While not solar-specific out-of-the-box, its flexibility allows for tailored solutions to streamline supply chain, compliance, and service operations in the renewable energy sector.
Pros
- Highly customizable to fit solar project workflows and inventory needs
- Unlimited users regardless of company size
- Strong financials and project accounting for installation tracking
Cons
- Requires significant customization and ISV partners for solar-specific features like rebate management
- Steep learning curve for non-ERP users
- Implementation can be time-intensive and costly
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers and distributors seeking scalable, customizable ERP for project-based operations.
Pricing
Consumption-based subscription starting at ~$1,800/month for Standard edition (financials + distribution), scaling to $5,000+/month for Premium/Enterprise with project management; no per-user fees.
SAP Business One
enterpriseSMB ERP solution offering integrated financials, sales, inventory, and production planning adaptable for solar manufacturing.
Highly customizable workflows and add-on marketplace for solar project management and inventory optimization
SAP Business One is a robust ERP platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering modules for finance, sales, inventory, procurement, and CRM that can be adapted for solar energy operations. It supports inventory management for solar panels and components, project tracking for installations, and financial reporting tailored to renewable energy incentives with custom configurations. While not natively solar-focused, its extensibility via add-ons and partner solutions enables effective solar ERP functionality for growing firms.
Pros
- Comprehensive core ERP modules adaptable to solar inventory and projects
- Strong scalability and integration with SAP ecosystem for enterprise growth
- Robust reporting and analytics for financials and compliance in renewables
Cons
- Lacks out-of-the-box solar-specific features like rebate tracking or panel lifecycle management
- High implementation costs and complexity requiring customization
- Steep learning curve for non-technical solar business users
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers or distributors seeking a scalable, enterprise-grade ERP with customization potential.
Pricing
Cloud subscription from $99/user/month; perpetual licenses start at ~$3,200/user plus 18-22% annual maintenance.
Conclusion
The reviewed solar ERP tools span diverse needs, from free, comprehensive platforms to AI-driven design and cloud-based ERP suites. OpenSolar leads as the top choice, streamlining operations through integrated sales, CRM, and project management. Aurora Solar and Solgen Power follow, offering strong alternatives—Aurora with AI capabilities and Solgen with sales automation—catering to specific business requirements. Together, they highlight how ERP software optimizes solar workflows.
Start with OpenSolar's free, all-in-one functionality to streamline your solar business operations, or explore Aurora Solar or Solgen Power based on your unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
