Proposal Generation
Proposal Generation in the solar industry refers to the complete process of creating a polished, accurate, and sales-ready solar proposal for a homeowner, business, or utility client. It combines technical design outputs, energy forecasts, financial modeling, incentive calculations, savings projections, and compliance documentation into a single decision-ready document.
In modern solar workflows, proposal generation is tightly integrated with solar designing, shadow analysis, financial calculators, and CRM-driven sales processes. A well-structured proposal directly impacts close rates, making it a critical capability for solar installers, EPCs, channel partners, and solar sales teams.
Key Takeaways
- Proposal generation turns solar design and financial data into a sales-ready document
- Accuracy in design and shading directly affects close rates
- Faster proposals increase sales velocity
- Strong proposals balance technical depth with visual clarity
- Automation is essential in modern solar sales workflows
What It Is
Proposal generation is the structured conversion of engineering data and financial assumptions into a customer-facing solar proposal. It transforms raw design inputs—such as system size, layout geometry, tilt, shading losses, and equipment selection—into a document that clearly communicates value, feasibility, and return on investment.
A strong solar proposal typically explains:
- Expected system performance and performance ratio
- Long-term savings and payback
- Design logic and layout decisions
- Equipment selection and mounting structure
- Incentives, financing, and ownership options
- Visual layouts and 3D representations
Design workflows such as solar layout optimization, stringing & electrical design, and bill of materials (BOM) feed directly into proposal creation, ensuring consistency from early design to contract signing.
How It Works
A modern proposal generation workflow follows a structured, automation-driven sequence.
1. Site & Customer Data Collection
- Address, utility bills, and energy consumption history
- Roof geometry, obstructions, and orientation
- Shading inputs derived from shadow analysis
- Utility tariffs, incentives, and AHJ requirements
2. System Design Creation
- Automated layouts using auto-design tools
- Panel placement and array configuration
- Inverter selection and stringing & electrical design
- Pitch and orientation validation using tools like the roof pitch calculator and sun angle calculator
3. Performance Modeling
- Annual energy production estimates (kWh/year)
- Loss modeling for shading, temperature, and soiling
- DC vs AC sizing checks using the AC size calculator
- Yield validation tied to layout and shading accuracy
4. Financial Modeling
Using integrated tools such as the solar ROI calculator, solar loan calculator, and battery size calculator, the proposal models:
- Total installed cost
- Incentives and subsidies
- Monthly payments and cash-flow scenarios
- Payback period, IRR, and lifetime savings
5. Proposal Assembly
The finalized proposal typically includes:
- System layout visuals and shading reports
- Equipment specifications and warranties
- Energy production graphs
- Side-by-side financing comparisons
- Bill of Materials (BOM) summary
- Project timeline and milestones
- Branding, certifications, and disclaimers
These outputs are often generated directly inside solar proposals workflows.
6. Delivery & Customer Review
Most modern proposal systems enable:
- Dynamic updates if designs change
- Digital sharing and e-signatures
- CRM tracking and follow-up automation
- Faster revisions with fewer manual errors
Types / Variants
1. Basic Solar Proposal
Early-stage proposal with system size, estimated savings, and high-level pricing.
2. Engineering-Grade Proposal
Includes detailed layouts, BOM, shading reports, and performance models—used by EPCs and developers.
3. Financial-Focused Proposal
Emphasizes ROI, incentives, loan scenarios, and cash-flow modeling.
4. Hybrid Proposal
A complete, visually polished proposal combining design, engineering, and financial depth—standard in modern solar sales workflows.
How It’s Measured
Proposal effectiveness is evaluated using multiple KPIs:
MetricDescriptionGeneration AccuracyDifference between modeled and actual kWh/yearFinancial AccuracyCorrect ROI, incentive, and loan modelingProposal Conversion Rate% of proposals converted to contractsTime-to-ProposalSpeed from lead to complete proposalRevision CountFewer revisions indicate higher design accuracy
Units commonly used include kW, kWh, $/W, IRR, NPV, and payback period.
Practical Guidance
For Solar Designers
- Finalize layouts before exporting proposals using solar layout optimization.
- Validate electrical assumptions using the voltage drop calculator.
For EPCs
- Include a preliminary BOM to align procurement and construction.
- Keep proposal assumptions consistent with final engineering.
For Sales Teams
- Use visuals over spreadsheets.
- Offer multiple financing scenarios to improve conversion rates.
For Developers
- Highlight long-term yield stability and land-use efficiency.
- Include interconnection timelines and AHJ considerations.
For Channel Partners & OEMs
- Standardize proposal templates across installer networks.
- Maintain updated component libraries and pricing data.
Real-World Examples
Residential Example
A homeowner’s utility data is imported, a 6.5 kW system is auto-designed, shading is analyzed, and a proposal is generated showing:
- 7,800 kWh/year production
- 6.2-year payback
- Loan vs cash comparison
- 3D layout and BOM
The proposal is signed digitally the same day.
Commercial Example
A 180 kW rooftop system is modeled for a manufacturing facility, producing:
- 240,000 kWh/year forecast
- ROI and depreciation analysis
- Phased installation plan
The proposal supports internal capex approval.
Utility-Scale Example
A 12 MW ground-mount proposal includes layout concepts, interconnection assumptions, LCOE modeling, and 25-year financial projections—forming the basis for land lease and PPA discussions.
.svg)
