Proposal Builder
A Proposal Builder is a software tool or automated workflow used to create professional, accurate, and conversion-ready solar proposals. It centralizes system design data, pricing, production estimates, financial modeling, and branding into a single, streamlined document that sales teams can confidently present to homeowners, businesses, and project stakeholders.
In modern solar designing workflows, a Proposal Builder plays a critical role by transforming technical engineering outputs into a clear, customer-friendly format. Whether used by solar installers, EPCs, sales professionals, or channel partners, it ensures proposals remain consistent, compliant, and persuasive at scale.
Most advanced Proposal Builders integrate directly with Shadow Analysis engines, system design tools, and Solar Proposals workflows—automating proposal creation while significantly reducing manual effort and errors.
Key Takeaways
- Proposal Builders convert complex solar data into customer-friendly proposals
- They reduce manual work and improve speed, accuracy, and consistency
- Integrated workflows align design, sales, and finance teams
- Financial modeling and visuals are critical for conversion
- High-quality proposals significantly improve close rates
What It Is
A Proposal Builder is a structured system—typically part of a broader solar design or sales software platform—that assembles all project data into a polished, client-ready proposal packet. It commonly includes:
- Visual solar layouts generated during solar layout optimization
- System size, inverter, and component specifications
- Shading and production results from solar shading analysis
- Financial models such as payback period, IRR, and ROI
- Incentive calculations and policy assumptions
- Utility bill comparisons and savings forecasts
- Contract-ready documentation aligned with AHJ compliance
In real-world workflows, a Proposal Builder bridges the gap between engineering and customer communication. It pulls structured data from Stringing & Electrical Design, Bill of Materials (BOM), and mounting configurations such as mounting structure, then converts them into easy-to-understand visuals and tables.
How It Works
A Proposal Builder typically operates through the following automated steps:
1. Input or Auto-Import Project Data
The system imports system capacity, layout geometry, equipment selections, and site parameters directly from solar designing software or connected CRMs.
2. Generate Energy Production Estimates
Using irradiance modeling and shading loss data from Shadow Analysis, the Proposal Builder calculates annual and lifetime energy generation in kWh.
3. Apply Local Incentives, Tariffs & Utility Rates
Location-specific rules are applied to estimate rebates, tax credits, feed-in tariffs, and net-metering benefits—essential for regionally accurate proposals.
4. Build Financial Models
Savings, cashflow, loan scenarios, and ROI projections are calculated using tools such as the Solar Loan Calculator and Solar ROI Calculator.
5. Assemble Proposal Sections Automatically
The system compiles:
- Layout visuals
- Production charts
- Financial tables
- Environmental impact metrics
- Equipment specifications
All elements are assembled into a clean, branded document aligned with solar proposal sales best practices.
6. Export or Share
Completed proposals can be exported as PDFs, shared via secure web links, or synced with sales pipelines for tracking and follow-ups.
This automation dramatically shortens sales cycles and improves accuracy across teams.
Types / Variants
1. Basic Proposal Builder
Simple tools focused on pricing and system summaries—best suited for small installers or early-stage teams.
2. Design-Integrated Proposal Builder
Directly connected to solar designing workflows, automatically importing layout, production, and electrical design data.
3. Financial-Heavy Proposal Builder
Advanced modeling for TOU rates, demand charges, and complex financing—ideal for commercial solar and utility-scale projects.
4. CRM-Connected Proposal Builder
Embedded within sales workflows, enabling automation, deal-stage tracking, and reporting for solar sales professionals.
5. Enterprise Proposal Builder
Multi-region, multi-brand systems with permissions, version control, and custom template engines—commonly used by large EPCs and OEM networks.
How It’s Measured
Proposal Builders are evaluated using workflow and sales performance metrics rather than electrical parameters:
MetricDescriptionProposal Creation TimeTime from finalized design to client-ready proposalFinancial AccuracyReliability of ROI and payback estimatesConversion Rate LiftImpact on deal closure ratesTemplate QualityBranding, clarity, and customizationIntegration CoverageAbility to connect with design tools, CRMs, and calculators
Practical Guidance
For Solar Designers
- Finalize layouts, shading, and electrical assumptions before exporting.
- Validate array boundaries using tools like array boundary tool and auto-design workflows.
For Sales Teams
- Customize proposal templates by segment (residential vs C&I).
- Keep financial messaging simple: monthly savings, ROI, and payback.
For EPCs & Installers
- Ensure BOM outputs align with procurement standards.
- Cross-check feasibility before contract execution.
For Developers
- Include long-term degradation assumptions and performance ratio modeling.
For Channel Managers & OEMs
- Standardize templates across partners to maintain compliance and brand consistency.
Real-World Examples
Residential Example
A 7 kW rooftop system proposal is generated by importing layout and shading data, modeling savings, and producing a shareable digital proposal—reducing back-and-forth and accelerating homeowner decisions.
Commercial Example
A 200 kW system proposal includes TOU billing, demand charges, incentive modeling, and side-by-side design comparisons for stakeholders.
Utility-Scale Example
For a 10 MW project, the Proposal Builder compiles energy simulations, interconnection constraints, degradation curves, and investor-grade financial projections.
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