Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aurora Solar - AI-powered cloud platform for solar design, accurate energy modeling, and professional quoting to streamline sales proposals.
- 2#2: OpenSolar - Free end-to-end solar design and quoting software with 3D modeling, financial analysis, and unlimited project proposals.
- 3#3: Solargraf - Professional solar quoting and design tool that generates customized proposals with roof modeling and financial breakdowns.
- 4#4: Pylon - Collaborative solar sales platform for quick quoting, design visualization, and customer proposal generation.
- 5#5: Helioscope - Advanced commercial solar design and quoting software optimized for large-scale PV system layout and performance analysis.
- 6#6: Energy Toolbase - Comprehensive platform for solar project financial modeling, proposal generation, and investment analysis.
- 7#7: PVsyst - Detailed PV system simulation software used for accurate performance predictions and quote justifications.
- 8#8: System Advisor Model (SAM) - Free tool from NREL for techno-economic modeling of renewable energy systems to support solar quoting.
- 9#9: SolarEdge Designer - Integrated design and quoting tool for SolarEdge systems with string optimization and proposal exports.
- 10#10: Enphase Designer - Cloud-based designer for Enphase microinverter systems enabling layout, simulation, and quote generation.
Tools were evaluated based on feature depth, accuracy, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring they meet the needs of installers ranging from small teams to large commercial operations.
Comparison Table
Solar quote software simplifies creating accurate, competitive solar installation proposals, and selecting the right tool is key for efficiency and success. This comparison table details features of top options including Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, Solargraf, Pylon, Helioscope, and more, enabling readers to identify the best fit for their business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora Solar AI-powered cloud platform for solar design, accurate energy modeling, and professional quoting to streamline sales proposals. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | OpenSolar Free end-to-end solar design and quoting software with 3D modeling, financial analysis, and unlimited project proposals. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | Solargraf Professional solar quoting and design tool that generates customized proposals with roof modeling and financial breakdowns. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Pylon Collaborative solar sales platform for quick quoting, design visualization, and customer proposal generation. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Helioscope Advanced commercial solar design and quoting software optimized for large-scale PV system layout and performance analysis. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Energy Toolbase Comprehensive platform for solar project financial modeling, proposal generation, and investment analysis. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | PVsyst Detailed PV system simulation software used for accurate performance predictions and quote justifications. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | System Advisor Model (SAM) Free tool from NREL for techno-economic modeling of renewable energy systems to support solar quoting. | other | 8.1/10 | 9.7/10 | 4.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 9 | SolarEdge Designer Integrated design and quoting tool for SolarEdge systems with string optimization and proposal exports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Enphase Designer Cloud-based designer for Enphase microinverter systems enabling layout, simulation, and quote generation. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
AI-powered cloud platform for solar design, accurate energy modeling, and professional quoting to streamline sales proposals.
Free end-to-end solar design and quoting software with 3D modeling, financial analysis, and unlimited project proposals.
Professional solar quoting and design tool that generates customized proposals with roof modeling and financial breakdowns.
Collaborative solar sales platform for quick quoting, design visualization, and customer proposal generation.
Advanced commercial solar design and quoting software optimized for large-scale PV system layout and performance analysis.
Comprehensive platform for solar project financial modeling, proposal generation, and investment analysis.
Detailed PV system simulation software used for accurate performance predictions and quote justifications.
Free tool from NREL for techno-economic modeling of renewable energy systems to support solar quoting.
Integrated design and quoting tool for SolarEdge systems with string optimization and proposal exports.
Cloud-based designer for Enphase microinverter systems enabling layout, simulation, and quote generation.
Aurora Solar
specializedAI-powered cloud platform for solar design, accurate energy modeling, and professional quoting to streamline sales proposals.
AI-powered instant 3D design and photometric shading analysis for unmatched accuracy in under 60 seconds
Aurora Solar is a leading cloud-based solar design and sales platform that enables solar professionals to create accurate 3D PV system designs, perform energy yield modeling, and generate professional proposals. Leveraging satellite imagery, LiDAR data, and AI-driven tools, it automates complex engineering tasks while ensuring NABCEP-compliant documentation. Ideal for scaling sales teams, it integrates seamlessly with CRMs and monitoring systems to accelerate project pipelines from site assessment to permitting.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate 3D modeling and energy production forecasts using real-world data sources
- Streamlined proposal generation with financial analysis and e-signatures
- Robust integrations with CRM, monitoring, and permitting tools
Cons
- High pricing suitable only for mid-to-large operations
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced features
- Limited free tier or trial depth for small users
Best For
Mid-to-large solar installation companies and EPC firms needing precise, scalable quoting and design for high-volume sales.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$200/user/month, with tiered plans based on features and usage; annual contracts required.
OpenSolar
specializedFree end-to-end solar design and quoting software with 3D modeling, financial analysis, and unlimited project proposals.
Fully free access to professional-grade 3D design and quoting tools without usage limits
OpenSolar is a cloud-based solar design and proposal software that enables solar professionals to create accurate 3D system designs, generate professional quotes, and manage sales pipelines in one platform. It features instant modeling with drag-and-drop tools, shade analysis, financial calculators, and CRM integration for streamlined workflows. The platform supports a vast library of panels, inverters, and batteries, making it ideal for residential and commercial solar quoting.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited designs and quotes
- Lightning-fast 3D modeling and accurate shade analysis
- Integrated CRM, permitting tools, and mobile app support
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Occasional rendering delays on complex roofs
- Limited customization for non-standard hardware
Best For
Solar sales teams and installers seeking a powerful, no-cost platform for high-volume quoting and design.
Pricing
100% free for core features with unlimited use; optional premium support plans starting at $99/month.
Solargraf
specializedProfessional solar quoting and design tool that generates customized proposals with roof modeling and financial breakdowns.
One-click 3D solar designs with precise roof measurements pulled directly from Google satellite imagery
Solargraf is a cloud-based solar design and proposal software that automates the creation of accurate 3D solar system designs, professional quotes, and financial analyses using satellite imagery and aerial measurements. It streamlines the sales process for solar installers by generating permit-ready plans, interactive proposals, and customer-facing 3D visualizations in minutes. The platform also includes CRM tools, project management, and integrations with leading solar hardware databases for comprehensive quoting.
Pros
- Rapid 3D design generation from satellite imagery
- High-quality, interactive proposals that impress clients
- Built-in financial modeling and incentive calculators
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Fewer third-party integrations than top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers and EPCs focused on visually compelling designs and fast proposal turnaround to close more deals.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (Pro plan) with tiered options up to $499/month for teams; annual billing offers discounts.
Pylon
specializedCollaborative solar sales platform for quick quoting, design visualization, and customer proposal generation.
Interactive 3D proposals with client-facing walkthroughs and customization options
Pylon (pylon.solar) is a solar sales and proposal platform designed for installers to create interactive 3D solar designs and professional quotes quickly. It combines design tools, CRM, and sales automation to streamline lead management, proposal delivery, and deal closing. The software supports accurate shading analysis, incentive calculations, and financing integrations for comprehensive solar quoting.
Pros
- Highly interactive 3D proposals that impress clients
- Built-in CRM and sales pipeline management
- Fast design-to-quote workflow with accurate production estimates
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams
- Learning curve for advanced design features
- Fewer integrations than some top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers focused on visually compelling proposals to accelerate sales cycles.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Pro plan; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Helioscope
specializedAdvanced commercial solar design and quoting software optimized for large-scale PV system layout and performance analysis.
Autonomous PV layout optimizer that designs thousands of modules across complex terrains in minutes
Helioscope is a cloud-based solar PV design and engineering software primarily targeted at commercial and utility-scale projects. It enables rapid 3D modeling of sites, autonomous layout optimization, accurate energy production forecasting, and generation of professional proposals with financial analysis. While powerful for detailed engineering, it supports quoting through integrated sales tools but is less focused on residential quick-quote workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast autonomous design for large-scale arrays
- Precise 3D shading and terrain analysis
- Strong collaboration and proposal generation tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-engineers
- Higher pricing limits appeal for small residential installers
- Less optimized for simple residential quoting compared to sales-focused tools
Best For
Solar engineering firms and EPCs handling commercial and utility-scale projects requiring detailed design accuracy and optimization.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at $199/user/month for basic access, up to custom enterprise plans; free trial available.
Energy Toolbase
enterpriseComprehensive platform for solar project financial modeling, proposal generation, and investment analysis.
Granular hourly resolution modeling engine with automated battery optimization and real-time incentive calculations
Energy Toolbase is a robust solar and energy storage modeling platform that provides accurate hourly performance simulations, financial analysis, and professional proposal generation for PV and battery systems. It excels in handling complex commercial and utility-scale projects by incorporating real-time incentives, tariffs, and degradation factors. The software supports design optimization, cash flow projections, and integration with CRM tools to streamline sales processes for solar professionals.
Pros
- Advanced hourly modeling for PV + storage with tariff and incentive integration
- Professional, customizable proposal templates
- Scalable for commercial and utility projects with CRM/ERP compatibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small residential installers
- Limited focus on simple residential quoting workflows
Best For
Commercial solar developers, EPCs, and financiers managing mid-to-large scale PV and battery projects requiring detailed financial modeling.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing upon request; typically starts at several thousand dollars annually based on user seats and project volume.
PVsyst
specializedDetailed PV system simulation software used for accurate performance predictions and quote justifications.
Sophisticated 3D near-shading module with row-level and horizon obstruction modeling for unmatched accuracy in loss predictions
PVsyst is a professional-grade photovoltaic (PV) system design and simulation software widely used by engineers for detailed modeling and performance prediction of solar installations. It offers comprehensive tools for system sizing, shading analysis, yield forecasting, and financial evaluations using a vast database of modules, inverters, and meteorological data. Ideal for complex projects, it simulates real-world conditions including near-shading, soiling, and mismatch losses to optimize PV system efficiency.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate physics-based simulation engine validated against real data
- Extensive databases of PV modules, inverters, and global meteo stations
- Advanced 3D shading and horizon analysis for precise loss calculations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring engineering expertise
- High cost prohibitive for small installers or beginners
- Primarily Windows-based with limited mobile or cloud integration
Best For
Professional PV engineers and engineering firms handling large-scale or complex solar projects needing precise simulations for quotes and designs.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from €790 (basic) to €1,590 (full version), plus optional annual updates around €200-400.
System Advisor Model (SAM)
otherFree tool from NREL for techno-economic modeling of renewable energy systems to support solar quoting.
Advanced parametric analysis and LCOE calculations validated against real-world data for research-grade accuracy
The System Advisor Model (SAM) is a free, open-source software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for simulating the performance and financial metrics of renewable energy systems, with comprehensive support for solar PV, CSP, wind, and other technologies. It enables users to input detailed system designs, weather data, and financial parameters to generate hourly performance simulations, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), cash flows, and payback analyses. Primarily targeted at technical users, SAM excels in research-grade modeling rather than rapid consumer quoting.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate and validated physics-based simulations
- Free with no licensing fees and open-source access
- Extensive library of components, weather data, and financial incentives
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring engineering knowledge
- Time-intensive setup not suited for quick quotes
- Interface feels dated and lacks modern sales-oriented workflows
Best For
Solar engineers, researchers, and analysts needing precise, detailed performance and financial modeling for project feasibility studies.
Pricing
Completely free to download and use from NREL's website.
SolarEdge Designer
specializedIntegrated design and quoting tool for SolarEdge systems with string optimization and proposal exports.
AI-driven string optimization with integrated LiDAR-based 3D shade analysis for highly accurate system designs.
SolarEdge Designer is a free, web-based solar PV system design tool from SolarEdge that enables users to create accurate 3D rooftop models using satellite imagery and LiDAR data. It performs shade analysis, optimizes string layouts for SolarEdge inverters and modules, and generates professional proposals, single-line diagrams, and permit packages. Ideal for streamlining solar quotes, it integrates seamlessly with the SolarEdge monitoring platform for post-installation insights.
Pros
- Completely free with no subscription required
- Precise 3D modeling and optimization using real-world LiDAR and satellite data
- Generates exportable proposals, SLDs, and permit docs tailored for SolarEdge systems
Cons
- Limited compatibility primarily to SolarEdge inverters and select modules
- Requires a free SolarEdge account to access full features
- Learning curve for complex sites or non-SolarEdge users
Best For
Solar installers and designers focused on SolarEdge ecosystems who need cost-free, accurate PV design and quoting tools.
Pricing
Free to use with no paid tiers.
Enphase Designer
specializedCloud-based designer for Enphase microinverter systems enabling layout, simulation, and quote generation.
Microinverter-specific design optimization with individual module performance predictions tied to Enphase Enlighten monitoring
Enphase Designer is a free web-based tool from Enphase Energy for designing solar PV systems optimized for their microinverters and batteries. It uses satellite imagery and aerial data to create detailed 3D models of rooftops, enabling drag-and-drop panel placement, energy production simulations, and automated proposal generation. The software integrates seamlessly with the Enphase ecosystem, providing equipment lists, financial analysis, and sales-ready PDFs for installers.
Pros
- Completely free with no subscription fees
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface on accurate satellite imagery
- Strong integration with Enphase hardware for precise microinverter-level modeling
Cons
- Limited to Enphase-compatible equipment, lacking third-party flexibility
- Fewer advanced shading or financial modeling tools than competitors
- Requires an Enphase installer account for full access
Best For
Enphase-certified solar installers needing a quick, no-cost tool for designing and quoting microinverter-based systems.
Pricing
Free for Enphase partners and certified installers.
Conclusion
Among the top solar quote tools, Aurora Solar leads as the top choice, with AI-driven design and accurate energy modeling streamlining sales processes. OpenSolar and Solargraf stand out as strong alternatives, offering free end-to-end solutions and customizable proposals, respectively, to meet varied needs. Each tool enhances efficiency, making them valuable for diverse workflows from residential to commercial projects.
Start with Aurora Solar to leverage its robust capabilities, or explore OpenSolar or Solargraf if their features align better with your priorities—taking your solar quoting to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
