Proposal API

A Proposal API is a programmatic interface that allows solar software platforms, CRMs, ERPs, sales tools, and custom applications to automatically generate, update, retrieve, and manage solar proposals—without manual work. Instead of relying on sales reps to create proposals one-by-one, a Proposal API enables seamless automation by pulling data from solar designing workflows, pricing logic, financing structures, performance simulations, and customer records to generate ready-to-send proposal documents.

In modern solar workflows, Proposal APIs eliminate repetitive tasks, shorten sales cycles, and allow installers, EPCs, and enterprise solar companies to integrate proposal generation directly into their internal systems. This unifies design, financial modeling, and proposal delivery into one automated pipeline powered by Solar Proposals.

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Key Takeaways

Proposal APIs automate solar proposal creation at scale
Integrate design, performance, and financial data
Ideal for CRMs, enterprise sales platforms, and dealer networks
Reduce manual effort and sales cycle time
Improve proposal accuracy and consistency

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What It Is

A Proposal API acts as the backend engine that handles on-demand proposal creation. Instead of interacting with user interfaces, external systems send structured API requests to:

Generate a new proposal
Insert system size, equipment selections, and pricing
Apply incentives and financing options
Calculate energy production and savings
Produce digital or PDF proposals
Track proposal status and updates

It serves as the bridge between solar design data, financial calculations, and proposal presentation layers—ensuring consistency, compliance, and scalability.

Proposal APIs are widely used by companies integrating solar designing workflows into CRMs, dealer portals, or enterprise sales platforms. When combined with production modeling and Shadow Analysis, proposal creation becomes instant, repeatable, and highly accurate.

How It Works

A Proposal API typically operates through the following workflow:

1. Input Data Sent via API Request

An external system sends structured inputs such as:

System size and layout data
Module and inverter selection
Pricing, financing, and incentives
Customer location and utility details

These inputs often originate from solar designing or sizing tools like the Solar Panel Sizer.

2. Design & Performance Data Integration

The API connects with the platform’s design engine and retrieves:

Layout outputs from Solar Layout Optimization
Electrical rules from Stringing & Electrical Design
Production values from PV System Performance
Shading losses calculated using Shadow Analysis

3. Financial Modeling & Incentive Application

The API automatically applies:

Local incentives and tax credits
Tariffs and utility assumptions
Energy offset calculations
ROI and savings projections using tools like the Solar ROI Calculator

This step is critical for sales accuracy and investor-grade proposals.

4. Proposal Generation

All design, financial, and performance data is compiled into a standardized proposal template—digital, interactive, or PDF—powered by Solar Proposals.

5. Response & Delivery

The API returns:

Proposal ID
Shareable proposal URL
Downloadable document

These outputs can be embedded directly into CRMs, sales dashboards, or automated email workflows.

6. Proposal Lifecycle Management

Advanced Proposal APIs also support:

Proposal updates and revisions
Pricing or financing changes
Recalculation of savings
Status tracking and acceptance events

When connected with Solar Project Planning & Analysis, the entire lead-to-proposal workflow becomes fully automated.

Types / Variants

1. Basic Proposal APIs

Generate standardized proposals using fixed templates and minimal inputs.

2. Advanced Proposal APIs

Support dynamic pricing logic, incentive mapping, and real-time design + performance data.

3. Real-Time Interactive Proposal APIs

Embed live proposal presentations directly inside CRMs or sales platforms used by solar installers.

4. End-to-End Sales Automation APIs

Cover lead capture → design → proposal → financial summary → contract generation within one API ecosystem.

How It’s Measured

Proposal APIs are evaluated using the following metrics:

1. Response Time

Time taken to generate proposals (ideal: under 3 seconds).

2. Reliability / Uptime

Measured via SLA commitments (typically 99%–99.99%).

3. Data Accuracy

Consistency between proposal outputs and underlying design + performance calculations.

4. Template Flexibility

Ability to customize branding, structure, and proposal logic.

5. Integration Complexity

Developer effort required to integrate with CRMs, ERPs, or sales systems.

Practical Guidance

For Solar Designers

Use Proposal APIs to eliminate repetitive proposal creation.
Standardize configurations across projects using solar designing workflows.

For Installers & EPCs

Trigger instant proposals from CRMs after lead qualification.
Track proposal engagement to improve close rates.

For Sales Teams

Embed proposal generation directly into sales flows using Solar Proposals.
Combine with Solar Proposal Sales strategies to reduce turnaround time.

For Developers & Enterprise Teams

Build custom dealer portals and proposal engines.
Support multi-market expansion aligned with Solar Business Growth & ROI.
Integrate seamlessly with solar designing platforms.

Real-World Examples

1. Residential Solar – Automated Lead-to-Proposal Flow

A homeowner submits a lead form.

The CRM sends location and utility data to the Proposal API.

The API generates a complete proposal instantly using preset designs and pricing—allowing sales teams to respond within minutes.

2. Commercial Solar – Multi-Version Scenario Modeling

A commercial EPC generates multiple system-size and financing scenarios for a rooftop project.

The Proposal API produces all variants in seconds, replacing hours of manual modeling.

3. Utility-Scale Solar – Enterprise Integration

A developer integrates proposal generation into its assessment platform.

Once land and layout data are modeled, the Proposal API delivers investor-ready summaries, LCOE comparisons, and financial projections automatically.

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Releated Terms

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