Discover the in-depth OpenSolar Review 2025, exploring features, pros & cons. Learn how this platform streamlines solar design – discover now!
Are you tired of shelling out hundreds every month just to create a clean proposal? We get it. In this OpenSolar Review, you’ll discover a powerful, fully free platform that brings design, CRM, proposals, and remote assessments under one roof—no hidden fees, no surprises.
Imagine ditching multiple subscriptions and still delivering professional quotes in minutes. That’s exactly what OpenSolar promises for small to mid-sized solar teams and independent reps.
You shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and functionality. OpenSolar flips the script by offering:
We’ll walk through:
Ready to see if OpenSolar can power up your workflow—without powering down your budget? Let’s dive in.
Ever wondered if there’s a completely free solar software that actually runs like a pro tool? OpenSolar was born to answer that question. Founded in Sydney by veterans from Sungevity, these solar insiders had seen too many teams struggle—paying steep fees for design, hopping between clunky CRMs, and wrestling with outdated proposal apps.
Their mission was straightforward: democratize clean energy by giving every installer and designer a powerful, zero-cost platform. And with over 25,000 active users in 160+ countries, they’re well on their way.
Unlike traditional vendors that charge per seat or lock key features behind paywalls, OpenSolar funds itself through a partner ecosystem—manufacturers, financiers, and permitting services—so you never pay for the software.
But don’t let “free” fool you. OpenSolar delivers industry-grade tools for:
All of it lives in a fully cloud-based workspace, so you can design, manage, and close deals from anywhere. Ready to see how a free tool can outperform costly alternatives? Keep reading this OpenSolar Review to find out.
Here’s how OpenSolar compares to other top solar software platforms in 2025, with SurgePV emerging as the strongest all-in-one alternative.
Ever wondered if a completely free solar platform could replace your entire tech stack? In this OpenSolar Review, we’ll show you how you can ditch expensive, disconnected tools and run design, CRM, proposals, and more—all from one intuitive workspace.
You’ll craft detailed system layouts in minutes using HD aerial imagery and interactive 3D tools. While it may not match the precision of specialized software like Aurora or PVsyst, it’s more than accurate for residential and small C&I projects—and fast enough to run live demos in sales meetings.
Why juggle PDFs and email attachments when you can share a sleek online proposal? OpenSolar lets you include:
Imagine sending a polished quote from your tablet—and hearing “When can we start?” before you even leave the driveway.
From that first lead ping to your final invoice, OpenSolar keeps everything in one place:
No more flipping between apps—you stay focused on closing deals.
Skip the site visit when you can. Built-in shading tools and aerial analysis let you evaluate roof obstructions and tree cover remotely—saving you travel time and boosting your efficiency.
OpenSolar auto-pulls local tariffs, time-of-use schedules, and incentives so your energy savings projections are always spot-on and compelling.
Want OpenSolar to look and feel like your own platform? You can white-label the interface and integrate via open API with your ERP, lead system, or custom dashboard.
Tap into an expanding ecosystem of hardware vendors, permitting services, and financers—all from within OpenSolar. It’s one seamless path from design to install.
Believe it or not, all these features live in a simple, browser-based interface—no downloads required. Mobile and tablet support means you can quote on a rooftop or in a client’s living room without skipping a beat.
Most teams get from zero to live quotes in under a day. Guided setup, template workflows, and interactive tutorials mean we have your back every step of the way.
Even with so many features under one roof, OpenSolar feels refreshingly simple. Whether you’re a design veteran or a sales rep who’s never opened CAD, you’ll find the interface intuitive—and you’ll be up and running in no time.
Have you ever lost track of which version of a tool you’re using? With OpenSolar, that’s a worry of the past. You just open your browser—no downloads, no updates, no conflicts. Need to quote on your tablet while you’re on a client’s roof? It works just as smoothly there as it does on your desktop.
Most teams go from zero to live quotes in under a day, and many learn the ropes in a few hours. How? OpenSolar guides you every step of the way, with:
It’s like having a personal trainer for your solar software—without any of the sweaty gym sessions.
Imagine this: a lead hits your inbox, you sketch out a design, customize a proposal, and send a contract—all without hopping between apps. OpenSolar keeps leads, layouts, quotes, and signatures under one virtual roof, so you stay focused on closing deals instead of clicking through menus.
When we break it down, OpenSolar packs a lot of punch for a free platform—but it isn’t perfect for every scenario. Here’s the real talk on what you’ll love and where you might hit a snag.
100% Free Core Platform
You read that right—no licenses, no per-seat fees, no contracts. You get unlimited access to design, proposals, CRM, and e-signatures without ever needing a credit card.
End-to-End Sales Stack
Why juggle three or four apps when one will do? OpenSolar combines site design, remote shading, proposal generation, CRM, and e-signatures into a single cloud workspace—replacing multiple paid tools in one swoop.
Speed from Lead to Close
With interactive quotes and built-in finance options, you can move from first contact to signed contract in under an hour. Imagine closing a deal before your competitor even sends a follow-up email.
Global Accessibility
Whether you’re quoting in dollars, euros, or rupees, OpenSolar has you covered. Localized utility rates, multi-currency support, and regional incentive data make it a go-to for teams across the U.S., Europe, India, Australia, and beyond.
Beginner-Friendly UX
Even if you’ve never touched a design app, you’ll pick up OpenSolar in just a few hours. Its intuitive interface is ideal for new hires, solo reps, or anyone who prefers clicking over coding.
“It’s beautiful and efficient. Everything from the proposal design to the CRM is ridiculously easy to use.” – Google Play Reviewer
Simplified 3D & Electrical Modeling
If you need bank-grade LIDAR analysis or NEC-compliant stringing, you’ll find Aurora or PVsyst more precise. OpenSolar leans into speed and ease, not deep technical detail.
Web-Only Platform
No offline mode means that in low-connectivity areas, you might be left waiting for pages to load. If you’re installing in remote locations, keep backup plans handy.
Not Ideal for Utility-Scale
OpenSolar shines for residential and light commercial projects. When you’re tackling megawatt-scale arrays or complex interconnections, you’ll likely need a more robust electrical modeling solution.
Data Sharing Concerns
Because it’s free, OpenSolar monetizes through its partner ecosystem. Some users wonder how their customer leads might be shared or used behind the scenes—so read the privacy details carefully.
CRM Limitations
The built-in CRM is great for small teams, but it can’t match the customization of standalone giants like HubSpot or Salesforce. If you need deep CRM workflows, you may still plug in an external tool.
“Great for smaller teams, but once we needed utility layouts and offline access, we had to explore other tools.” – Capterra Reviewer
OpenSolar is consistently praised for value, ease of use, and proposal quality.
“Very useful… design, presentation, and sale—all in one platform.” – Martín Eduardo
“Accuracy is key… and it’s easy to change panels and recalculate.” – Lakshman B.
“I’d choose OpenSolar over them even if OpenSolar charged $250/month.”
– Installer with experience using Aurora and HelioScope
If you’re part of a small to mid-sized solar team, our OpenSolar Review shows that this platform is one of the best bargains out there. And we don’t mean “cheap”—we mean complete and powerful, all at zero cost.
You get everything you need to hit the ground running:
For many installers and EPCs, OpenSolar covers the entire workflow—design, proposal, CRM, and more—without ever touching your software budget.
But let’s be real: OpenSolar isn’t for everyone. If your projects demand complex electrical modeling, utility-scale precision, or reliable offline CAD workflows, you might outgrow it quickly. In those cases, paid platforms like Aurora, PVcase, or SurgePV offer deeper technical features.
Start with OpenSolar. Get your process dialed in, see how it fits your team, and only consider upgrading if your requirements surpass its capabilities.
Still not sure? OpenSolar shines for sales-focused pros and growing teams looking for a no-cost, all-in-one platform. It’s free, easy to learn, and scales beautifully for residential installs.
If you find yourself bumping into its limits—or if you crave more customization, advanced collaboration, or true mixed-use (residential + commercial) support—then SurgePV could be the better long-term choice.
👉 Book your free SurgePV demo today
No pressure. No obligation. Just clear answers and real results.
Absolutely! You get unlimited access to core design, CRM, and proposal tools—completely free, for as many users and projects as you need. No hidden fees, no trial periods.
Good question! OpenSolar stays free by partnering with hardware suppliers, financiers, and permitting services. We don’t charge you for the software—you benefit from a thriving partner ecosystem instead.
OpenSolar shines for residential and light commercial jobs. If you’re tackling megawatt-scale arrays or highly complex interconnections, you’ll want a more specialized tool with deep electrical modeling.
Yes—OpenSolar lives entirely in your browser. You’ll need a stable connection to design, generate proposals, and track projects. Think of it like your favorite web app—always up to date, always at your fingertips.
OpenSolar is truly global. You can quote in dollars, euros, rupees, and more, with localized utility rates and incentive data for regions including the U.S., UK, EU, Australia, and India.
Still have questions? Drop us a line or dive into our help center for more details!