Top Solar Proposal Software for Dutch Installers in 2025

Explore the best solar proposal software for Dutch installers in 2025. Compare tools that offer fast quoting, detailed savings reports, and seamless design-to-sale workflows.

Rainer Neumann
July 5, 2025

The Netherlands continues to lead Europe in photovoltaic adoption, with over 24 GW of installed solar capacity and one of the highest rooftop PV densities in the world. Yet for many Dutch installers, the quoting process remains unnecessarily complex—relying on separate tools for CAD layouts, Excel-based ROI models, and generic PDF proposals.

This fragmented workflow is not just inefficient—it risks non-compliance with critical regulations such as saldering (net-metering phase-out), 0% VAT invoicing, and client documentation requirements in Dutch.

In 2025, modern solar sales teams need more than just design software. They require fully integrated proposal systems that:

  • Accurately model LIDAR-based shading and energy output
  • Forecast net-export ROI and saldering impact
  • Generate Dutch-language contracts, invoices, and offer letters
  • Embed eSignature and payment links to reduce sales friction

This article reviews the top solar proposal tools available in the Netherlands—and shows why SurgePV is emerging as the market leader, offering a seamless layout-to-contract pipeline optimized for Dutch regulations, workflows, and customers.

Why Dutch Installers Need Specialized Proposal Tools

The Dutch solar market presents a unique set of challenges that generic quoting software is simply not equipped to handle. Installers in the Netherlands must manage a combination of dense urban environments, evolving regulatory requirements, and increasingly digital-savvy customers—all while maintaining full compliance with national subsidy and tax structures.

Saldering Phase-Out: As net-metering is being gradually phased out through 2025 and beyond, proposals must clearly model export losses, self-consumption rates, and dynamic ROI forecasts. This is essential for setting accurate homeowner expectations and securing financing.

0% VAT Rules: The 0% VAT regulation for residential solar requires accurate, compliant invoices. Proposal tools must support this automatically—calculating tax scenarios and structuring final pricing accordingly.

Dual-Language Documentation: Many clients (particularly in border regions and international cities like Amsterdam) expect documentation in both Dutch and English. Installers need tools that can generate multilingual PDFs, invoices, and proposal links.

LIDAR-Based Shading Models: Dutch rooftops—often steep, gabled, and shaded by chimneys or trees—demand precision. LIDAR integration ensures accurate roof mapping and per-panel shade loss projections.

Digital Sales Process: Seamless workflows with integrated eSignature and QR-based payment systems help shorten the sales cycle and improve close rates.

From Quote to Permit: A modern proposal system must bundle all technical and commercial documentation—Bill of Materials (BOM), Single-Line Diagrams (SLD), string layouts, and ROI tables—into a single, professional-grade export.

Without these capabilities, Dutch installers are left relying on a patchwork of disconnected tools, manual edits, and versioning risks. In today’s fast-paced PV market, that’s no longer acceptable.

Solar Proposal Software for Dutch Installers 2025

1. SurgePV – Best for End-to-End Dutch Workflows

SurgePV is a Netherlands-optimized solar proposal software platform built to handle LIDAR-based design, per-panel shading, saldering financial logic, and end-to-end digital workflows. It offers full Dutch-language support, including invoices, contracts, and permit-ready PDFs. Built with EPCs in mind, SurgePV replaces CAD, Excel, and manual quoting with a fast, visual, and automated system.

Its includes integrations for 0% VAT logic, smart inverter syncing, and Dutch net-metering phase-out simulations.

Key Features:

  • Built-in logic for saldering phase-out (post-2025)
  • 0% VAT-ready invoice templates
  • Full Dutch/English export options for all documents
  • Per-panel shading simulation using AI and LIDAR
  • ROI modeling integrated with shading and layout
  • Payment-ready proposals with QR and iDEAL support
  • CRM, BOM, SLD, and contract auto-generation

Pros:

  • Tailored for the Dutch market and regulations
  • All-in-one platform (from design to contract)
  • Rapid quote preparation (<30 minutes)
  • Bankable outputs for financing and audit

Cons:

  • Geared toward medium-to-large EPCs, not freelancers
  • Requires LIDAR coverage for best output

2. Solargraf – Lightweight, NL-Compatible LIDAR Quoting

Solargraf is a fast, cloud-based solar quoting platform that has expanded into the EU with support for Dutch addresses. It focuses on speed and usability, particularly for residential installations. It integrates LIDAR imagery and simple panel layout tools, helping small teams deliver polished proposals. However, financial modeling for incentives like saldering must be handled outside the system.

Solargraf's intuitive UX makes it popular among field sales teams, but it’s still developing its compliance features for local markets like the Netherlands.

Key Features:

  • 3D roof mapping and LIDAR visual support
  • Customizable visual proposals
  • Integrated price calculator for components
  • Quick quote builder for residential scale
  • Web-based dashboard with team access

Pros:

  • Fast to learn and deploy
  • Solid for visual sales quoting
  • Supports Dutch addresses and imagery

Cons:

  • No built-in saldering or 0% VAT logic
  • Dutch support is UI-level only, not in document exports

3. Aurora Solar – Visual Design Powerhouse

Aurora Solar is a US-based global platform known for its high-quality 3D design and simulation environment. It includes powerful features such as sun-path animation, PV performance simulations, and customer-ready visual reports. While Aurora is expanding into Europe, its Dutch-specific features (like feed-in tariffs and VAT logic) are not yet native to the platform.

It is a strong choice for visually driven proposals, though its outputs often require manual compliance work for Dutch EPCs.

Key Features:

  • AI-powered 3D roof layout tools
  • Time-based shading simulations
  • Dynamic proposal customization
  • Utility tariff imports via API
  • Contract generation with e-signature tools

Pros:

  • Excellent visuals for customer presentations
  • Detailed shade and irradiance maps
  • Integrates with major CRMs and databases

Cons:

  • No native support for Dutch VAT or saldering
  • Invoices and ROI forecasts must be added manually

4. Pylon – Speed-Oriented Design and CRM Tool

Pylon is an Australian-founded solar design and quoting platform now growing across the EU. The company focuses on simplicity, quoting speed, and team-friendly interfaces. It offers high-resolution aerial imagery, basic LIDAR-based shading, and PDF quotes.

Pylon’s Dutch UI support and visual design tools make it a fast-quoting favorite, but advanced financial calculations and localization (e.g., Dutch tariffs, VAT, invoices) are still evolving.

Key Features:

  • 3D panel layout over Dutch imagery
  • Per-panel shading maps
  • Proposal automation with branding and e-sign
  • Basic CRM with lead tracking
  • Support for Dutch UI language

Pros:

  • High-speed quoting (<5 minutes)
  • Affordable pay-as-you-go model
  • Clean UX for teams of all sizes

Cons:

  • No built-in ROI calculator
  • Lacks native Dutch financial rules and exports

5. OpenSolar – Free Proposal Software with EU Reach

OpenSolar is a free-to-use design and sales platform that supports solar professionals worldwide. With satellite-based 3D modeling, layout tools, and proposal generation, it offers essential features for new or cost-conscious installers.

However, while OpenSolar is expanding across Europe, Dutch support is currently limited. Key limitations include a lack of local tariff logic, formal Dutch invoice formats, and advanced net-metering simulation.

Key Features:

  • Accurate shading engine (NREL/PVEL validated)
  • White-label customizable proposals
  • CRM and lead management
  • Free global deployment
  • Integrated payment (via CashFlow)

Pros:

  • Zero software cost
  • Wide hardware/financing integrations
  • Ideal for growing companies or budget-conscious users

Cons:

  • Limited Dutch-language exports and VAT modeling
  • Less shading precision in complex urban layouts

6. Enact – Proposal + ERP Hybrid

Enact offers a hybrid proposal + CRM platform that aims to streamline both design and post-sale operations. It allows for decent layout and shading tools, CRM management, and installation tracking. While useful for midsize teams, it lacks full localization for Dutch policy needs such as saldering calculations or 0% VAT formatting.

Enact is better suited to companies with broader operational complexity, but it may be too heavy for smaller residential-focused EPCs.

Key Features:

  • Shade modeling and proposal tools
  • CRM integration for pipeline tracking
  • Operations module (assets, timelines, roles)
  • Dashboards and reporting analytics

Pros:

  • Suitable for growing EPCs and commercial teams
  • Decent for team collaboration and tracking
  • Visual builder for customer presentations

Cons:

  • No Dutch proposal language or tariff logic
  • Longer learning curve; not ideal for solo installers

7. SolarEdge Designer – Optimized for SE Hardware

SolarEdge Designer is a free layout and proposal tool built to optimize installations using SolarEdge equipment. It automatically sizes systems based on inverter/optimizer configurations and includes shading overlays tied to SolarEdge’s real-world behavior.

The software is tied to the SolarEdge ecosystem and lacks customizable proposal logic, Dutch-language output, or net-metering simulations. It’s a strong pick for those already committed to the SolarEdge stack but isn’t general-purpose for broader Dutch compliance needs.

Key Features:

  • Automatic inverter/string matching
  • Layout and optimization based on SE specs
  • Sun-path overlays and obstruction alerts
  • Supports SE monitoring integration

Pros:

  • Best-in-class for SolarEdge systems
  • Hardware-native optimization

Cons:

  • Locked to SolarEdge ecosystem
  • No Dutch compliance features (e.g. saldering, VAT)
  • No financial modeling or branded proposals

Why SurgePV Is the Leading Solar Proposal Platform for Dutch Installers

SurgePV’s Dutch-Ready Feature Highlights

SurgePV is purpose-built to meet the complex regulatory, financial, and workflow requirements of solar companies operating in the Netherlands. It goes beyond simple layout or quoting tools by delivering fully automated, compliant, and sales-optimized proposals—all in one interface.

Saldering Simulation

SurgePV includes a dedicated saldering module that calculates forecasted financial return under phased net-metering reductions. It automatically adjusts for consumption vs. export dynamics, showing real-world energy flows and financial impact post-2025.

0% VAT Integration

For residential homeowners, SurgePV applies 0% VAT logic natively to all invoices and quotes—ensuring compliance with Dutch tax regulations. No external calculator or manual editing is needed.

Dual-Language Templates

Whether your customer prefers Dutch or English, SurgePV generates fully localized proposals, invoices, and reports with a single click. Each document includes accurate legal and financial language formatted for client clarity and permitting submissions.

AI-Powered LIDAR Shading

Accurate shading visuals are key in Dutch urban layouts. SurgePV uses LIDAR and artificial intelligence to generate per-panel shade maps that account for obstructions like chimneys, dormers, and neighboring structures common in cities like Utrecht, Amsterdam, and The Hague.

Dynamic ROI Calculator

With real-time updates, SurgePV models IRR, payback period, monthly savings, and tariff-adjusted cash flow. The system accounts for different financing scenarios (cash vs. loan) and supports both residential and small commercial workflows.

Unified Proposal Workflow

From layout to shading, from ROI to contract signature and invoice—SurgePV manages it all. A single dashboard handles quoting, eSignatures, iDEAL-compatible QR payments, and CRM export, minimizing errors and saving time.

Hardware-Neutral Compatibility

SurgePV integrates with major European inverter and mounting brands including SMA, Fronius, SolarEdge, and KOSTAL. You’re not tied to a single vendor’s ecosystem.

“SurgePV is the only solar proposal platform engineered for the Dutch market—blending LIDAR visuals, tariff compliance, ROI forecasting, and digital contracts into one clean system.”

How to Move Forward with SurgePV in the Netherlands

Stop stitching together Excel sheets, PDFs, LIDAR screenshots, and CAD exports. SurgePV gives Dutch installers a seamless, compliant, and scalable proposal engine—with all the tools needed to meet 2025’s expectations for saldering, 0% VAT, LIDAR shading, and dual-language documentation. It’s faster, more accurate, and designed specifically for the Dutch solar workflow.

Experience the only proposal platform optimized for the Netherlands. During your session, you’ll:

  • Simulate saldering ROI with 8760-hour yield forecasts
  • View LIDAR-based per-panel shade maps for Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam rooftops
  • Auto-generate Dutch-language proposals, invoices, and payment links
  • Walk through a complete design-to-contract workflow in under 30 minutes

Book Your SurgePV Demo for the Netherlands

FAQs for Dutch Installers

Q1: Does SurgePV support Dutch saldering and VAT logic?

Yes. SurgePV includes a built-in saldering phase-out model, 0% VAT logic for residential installations, and energy export modeling—all aligned with Dutch fiscal and policy standards.

Q2: Can I create Dutch-language proposals and invoices with SurgePV?

Yes. All client-facing documents—including quotes, contracts, invoices, and ROI summaries—can be generated in Dutch, with full localization of line items and tax terms.

Q3: How accurate is LIDAR shading in cities like Amsterdam or Eindhoven?

SurgePV uses high-resolution government LIDAR datasets for Dutch rooftops, enabling accurate per-module shade analysis even in dense urban conditions or multi-pitched roofs.

Q4: Does SurgePV support QR-code payments or deposit links?

Yes. Proposals can include embedded QR codes compatible with Dutch iDEAL payments, making it easy for clients to approve and pay with a single scan.

Q5: What’s the time saving compared to Excel and CAD?

Dutch installers report saving 60–80% of time on proposals. A typical 4–6 hour manual quoting process is reduced to under 45 minutes with SurgePV’s integrated toolset.