Quick Proposal Generation
Quick Proposal Generation refers to the streamlined, automated creation of solar proposals—often within minutes—using software workflows that combine system design, financial modeling, shading analysis, and customer-ready documentation. In modern solar designing workflows, it eliminates manual calculations, reduces preparation time from hours to seconds, and enables sales teams to deliver accurate, visually polished proposals while customer intent is still high.
For EPCs, installers, channel partners, and solar sales professionals, quick proposal generation improves close rates, shortens sales cycles, and ensures proposal assumptions remain aligned with engineering logic established during early Solar Layout Optimization and Stringing & Electrical Design.
It has become a core capability for high-performing solar organizations—especially in residential solar and small commercial solar markets where speed directly impacts conversion.
Key Takeaways
- Shortens sales cycles and increases close rates
- Automates layout, production, and financial modeling
- Maintains accuracy at scale
- Aligns sales and engineering workflows
- Essential for high-velocity solar sales teams
What It Is
Quick proposal generation is a digital workflow that allows solar teams to create customer-ready proposals—including system size, layout, shading impact, energy yield, bill savings, ROI, and financing—significantly faster than manual processes.
These proposals typically include:
- PV system layout created through solar designing software
- Shading insights from Shadow Analysis
- Financial projections such as payback period, IRR, and incentives
- System components including modules, inverters, and Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Visual summaries optimized for on-site and virtual selling
Instead of exporting spreadsheets or manually building PDFs, teams generate proposals through unified Solar Proposals workflows that support high-volume sales and faster customer decision-making.
How It Works
Quick proposal generation follows a structured, software-driven flow designed to minimize manual intervention while preserving accuracy.
1. Site & System Inputs
Users enter:
- Customer address
- Utility and tariff
- Roof geometry or ground layout
- Preferred modules and inverters
Advanced platforms automatically detect roof planes, tilt, azimuth, and usable area using Auto-Design and Solar Layout Optimization logic.
2. Automated System Modeling
The system instantly calculates:
- DC/AC ratio and inverter loading
- Expected annual production
- Loss factors (soiling, mismatch, temperature, shading)
- Inverter clipping behavior
Built-in tools such as the AC Size Calculator, Solar Panel Sizer, and Voltage Drop Calculator help ensure electrical and performance accuracy.
3. Financial Modeling
The platform automatically generates:
- Cash, loan, lease, or PPA scenarios
- Utility bill offset analysis
- Incentive and subsidy calculations
- Lifetime savings and ROI projections
This step aligns closely with Solar Proposal Sales and Solar Business Growth & ROI workflows.
4. Proposal Rendering
The software generates a branded, customer-ready proposal containing:
- 2D or 3D system designs
- Annual energy production estimates
- Financial breakdowns
- Environmental impact metrics
- Equipment summary and system overview
These documents are optimized for immediate sharing and presentation.
5. Instant Sharing
The finalized proposal can be:
- Downloaded as a PDF
- Shared via a secure link
- Presented live during sales conversations
Fast delivery improves customer confidence and significantly reduces lead drop-off.
Types / Variants
1. Instant Proposal (Under 60 Seconds)
- Fully automated generation
- Ideal for residential walk-ins and canvassing
- Minimal user input required
2. Guided Proposal
- Allows manual adjustment of layout, equipment, and incentives
- Common in commercial solar sales workflows
3. Engineering-Ready Proposal
- Includes electrical sizing, array details, and BOM
- Bridges sales and engineering teams
- Syncs with Stringing & Electrical Design and Mounting Structure planning
4. Proposal Refresh / Regeneration
- Quickly updates pricing, production, or shading assumptions
- Useful when incentives, tariffs, or equipment costs change
How It’s Measured
Quick proposal generation performance is evaluated using several operational metrics.
⦿ Generation Time
- Typically between 10 seconds and 5 minutes
- High-performing teams target under 60 seconds
⦿ Proposal Accuracy
- Production estimates within ±5–10%
- Financial models aligned with verified tariff data
⦿ Conversion Rate Lift
- Sales teams often see 15–40% higher close rates when proposals are delivered instantly
⦿ Workflow Efficiency
Measured by:
- Proposals generated per rep per day
- Reduction in redesign cycles
- Reduced engineering review time
Practical Guidance
1. Standardize Inputs
Use consistent defaults for losses, pricing, and components to maintain proposal consistency across teams.
2. Automate Where Possible
Leverage Auto-Design for tilt, azimuth, and spacing decisions to reduce manual errors.
3. Integrate Shading Early
Always include results from Shadow Analysis to avoid overestimating production.
4. Offer Multiple Financing Options
Include cash, loan, and PPA options to improve customer conversion.
5. Use Proposals as Live Collaboration Tools
Review and modify proposals in real time during video calls or site visits.
6. Ensure Engineering Compliance
Keep proposal assumptions aligned with:
- Stringing & Electrical Design
- Mounting Structure
- Equipment compatibility rules
Real-World Examples
Residential Example
A sales rep generates a complete proposal—including layout, production, and loan payments—on-site using a tablet. The homeowner receives the proposal instantly, resulting in a same-day close.
Commercial Example
A 200 kW rooftop project requires multiple iterations. The sales engineer regenerates proposals with different module and inverter options, allowing decision-makers to compare ROI scenarios immediately.
Utility-Scale Example
A developer evaluates several DC/AC ratios for a 5 MW site. Quick proposal generation enables fast comparison of layouts, shading impacts, and financial outcomes for stakeholders.
.svg)
