TL;DR: Sunbase Data is an all-in-one solar CRM known for lead management, proposal generation, and sales automation. Based on 2,843 Capterra reviews (4.4/5), users praise its CRM capabilities but note limited engineering depth. For commercial EPCs needing electrical documentation, SurgePV offers automated SLD generation and wire sizing that Sunbase lacks.
What Is Sunbase Data?
Sunbase Data is an all-in-one solar CRM and sales platform designed for solar businesses looking to unify lead management, proposals, and project tracking. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the bootstrapped company serves over 8,000+ solar professionals across multiple international markets.
The platform positions itself as a complete solution for solar sales teams. You get native CRM capabilities, proposal generation, basic design tools, project management, and mobile access. This matters because many solar companies struggle with disconnected systems for leads, quotes, and installations.
Sunbase targets small to midsize solar businesses primarily focused on residential and light commercial installations. With $5.6M in annual revenue and a team of 20-51 employees, they've built a solid presence in the solar CRM category.
The core value proposition is simple: replace multiple disconnected tools (separate CRM, proposal software, project tracking) with one unified platform. For sales-focused teams not requiring deep electrical engineering, this approach delivers real value.
However, commercial EPCs building 100kW-10MW projects hit limitations quickly. Sunbase Data lacks electrical engineering features like Single Line Diagram (SLD) generation, wire sizing calculations, and NEC compliance tools. If you need permit-ready electrical documentation, you'll still need AutoCAD or another tool.
Sunbase Data Features Analysis
CRM and Lead Management
Sunbase Data's native CRM is its primary strength. The platform captures leads from multiple sources—website forms, door-to-door canvassing, partner referrals—and funnels them into a unified lead tracking system.
You get automated follow-up sequences, task assignment, and AI-powered predictive analytics to identify which leads are most likely to convert. Sales teams appreciate the built-in workflow automation that eliminates manual email reminders and status updates.
According to Trustindex reviews, users consistently praise the CRM depth: "After trying a dozen different CRM platforms... Sunbase has by far better than any other CRM and Production support software I have tried."
The door-to-door canvassing tools stand out. Route optimization, performance monitoring, and lead tracking are built specifically for field sales teams—a workflow most general solar software ignores.
Proposal Generation
Proposal generation includes customized branded templates, financing options integration, ROI reports, and digital e-signature capabilities. You create solar proposals inside the platform, add solar production estimates, layer in financing scenarios (cash, loan, lease, PPA), and send them directly to customers.
The proposal workflow integrates with the CRM. Once a lead converts to opportunity, you transition into proposal creation without exporting data or switching tools. This matters for sales velocity.
However, proposals rely on basic solar design data. If you need engineering-grade electrical specifications or detailed P75/P90 bankability metrics, you won't find them here.
Solar Design Tools
Sunbase offers basic 2D/3D visualization, panel layout capabilities, and simple shading analysis. You can place modules on roof planes, adjust tilt and azimuth, and get energy yield estimates.
But this is not engineering-grade simulation. The platform doesn't generate Single Line Diagrams. It doesn't calculate wire sizes or voltage drop. It doesn't verify NEC Article 690 compliance. It doesn't support carport structures or solar trackers.
For residential sales proposals where customers care about monthly savings and payback period, these design tools work. For commercial EPCs submitting permit applications requiring electrical documentation, these design tools fall short.
Project Management
Project management features include milestone tracking, timeline management, task assignment, and status updates. Field teams access mobile apps to upload site photos, capture utility bills, and update project progress.
You track installations from contract signing through final inspection. Automated notifications keep teams aligned. Financial tools handle billing, payment tracking, and financing coordination.
What Sunbase Data Lacks
Here's what you won't find in Sunbase Data:
- No automated SLD generation: You can't create electrical schematics showing DC arrays, combiners, inverters, disconnects, and AC panels. Commercial projects requiring permit-ready electrical documentation must use separate tools like AutoCAD.
- No wire sizing calculations: The platform doesn't calculate DC and AC wire sizes based on current load, distance, temperature correction, and voltage drop limits per NEC Article 690.8.
- No NEC/IEC compliance tools: No built-in code compliance verification for electrical calculations.
- No carport or tracker design: Missing support for commercial solar structures like parking canopies and single/dual-axis tracking systems.
- No P50/P75/P90 bankability metrics: Only basic energy estimates, not the conservative P75 or P90 metrics financiers require for commercial projects.
For sales-focused teams, these limitations may not matter. For commercial EPCs needing permit-ready electrical documentation, this is a critical gap.
If electrical engineering matters to your workflow, SurgePV delivers automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes, wire sizing calculations, and NEC-compliant electrical documentation—without AutoCAD dependency.
Sunbase Data Pricing
Sunbase Data starts at $10/user/month according to Capterra. However, the company uses a custom pricing model requiring sales conversations for detailed quotes.
Public pricing information is limited. You can access a free trial without a credit card to test the platform. No free version exists.
This pricing opacity creates challenges. You can't compare total cost across platforms without scheduling demos and requesting quotes. For teams evaluating 5-10 software options, this slows decision-making.
Hidden Costs to Consider
If you need electrical documentation for commercial projects, add AutoCAD licensing ($2,000/year per user) and 2-3 hours per project for manual SLD creation.
SurgePV Pricing Comparison
SurgePV offers transparent, public pricing:
- Individual Plan: $1,899/year for 3 users = $633/user/year
- For 3 Users Plan: $1,499/user/year = $4,497/year total
- For 5 Users Plan: $1,299/user/year = $6,495/year total
SurgePV includes electrical engineering features (automated SLD generation, wire sizing, voltage drop calculations) without requiring AutoCAD.
See full SurgePV pricing details
Value Analysis
Sunbase Data offers a lower entry price point for basic CRM and sales workflows. If electrical engineering doesn't matter to your business, the starting price is attractive.
However, for commercial EPCs requiring electrical documentation:
Sunbase ($10/user/month) + AutoCAD ($2,000/year) + Manual labor (2-3 hours/project)
vs
SurgePV ($1,499/user/year for 3 users) with built-in electrical engineering
Total cost of ownership favors SurgePV when you account for tools, labor, and workflow efficiency.
What Real Users Say
Overall Satisfaction
Based on verified reviews:
- Capterra: 4.4/5 stars (2,843 reviews) - Source
- Trustindex: 4.8/5 stars (25+ reviews aggregated) - Source
Review volume is significant. Over 2,800 Capterra reviews provide substantial user feedback data.
Top Praised Features
1. All-in-One Platform (most mentioned)
Users consistently highlight having CRM, proposals, and project management unified in one place. "By far better than any other CRM and Production support software I have tried," notes one Trustindex reviewer.
2. Customer Service
Responsive support and willingness to implement custom feature requests appear frequently in positive reviews. "Great customer service, quick responses" is a common theme.
3. Customization
The platform adapts to specific business needs. Feature requests actually get implemented, according to long-term users.
4. Long-Term Value
Multiple reviews mention companies using Sunbase since 2017 with continued success, indicating the platform scales with growing businesses.
Top Criticisms
1. Setup Complexity
Multiple users report initial setup challenges: "Not simple if you don't have computer programming skills." Admin configuration requires technical knowledge or vendor support.
2. Learning Curve
Initial training time is required, especially for non-technical users. Onboarding takes weeks, not days.
3. Support Response Time
While some praise support, others report delays: "Months of time for simple requests" according to critical reviews. Response quality appears inconsistent.
4. Limited Engineering Depth
Reviews note the platform "may not offer advanced simulation data like Aurora or HelioScope." Commercial teams needing electrical engineering must supplement with other tools.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Native CRM - Lead management built directly into the platform without third-party integration
- All-in-One Workflow - CRM, proposals, and project tracking unified
- Door-to-Door Tools - Route optimization and canvassing features built for field sales teams
- Customization - Platform adapts to specific business workflows
- Customer Service - Generally responsive support (when working well)
- Mobile Access - Field-ready capabilities for installers and sales teams
- Affordable Entry - Starting at $10/user/month for basic access
- Free Trial - Test the platform before buying
Cons
- No Electrical Engineering - No SLD generation, wire sizing, or voltage drop calculations
- Limited Commercial Capabilities - Not designed for large commercial projects requiring engineering documentation
- Setup Complexity - Initial configuration requires technical skills or vendor support
- Pricing Opacity - Contact sales required for detailed pricing beyond starting rate
- Basic Simulation - Energy estimates lack bankable-grade P75/P90 accuracy
- No Carport/Tracker Support - Missing commercial structure design capabilities
Sunbase Data vs SurgePV Comparison
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
CRM and Sales Workflow
Sunbase Data has a clear advantage here. The native CRM includes lead capture, automated follow-ups, sales pipeline tracking, and door-to-door canvassing tools. If your business prioritizes sales workflow over engineering depth, this matters.
SurgePV integrates with specialized CRMs rather than building one natively. For teams already using Salesforce, HubSpot, or other CRMs, this integration approach works. For teams starting from scratch wanting everything unified, Sunbase's native CRM delivers value.
Electrical Engineering
This is where the platforms diverge completely.
Sunbase Data has no electrical engineering capabilities. You can't generate SLDs. You can't size wires. You can't calculate voltage drop. For residential sales proposals focused on monthly savings, this doesn't matter. For commercial projects requiring permit-ready electrical documentation, this is a dealbreaker.
EPCs using Sunbase must add AutoCAD ($2,000/year per user) and spend 2-3 hours per project creating electrical schematics manually.
SurgePV includes automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes), wire sizing calculations (instant), and voltage drop analysis—all built into the platform without AutoCAD dependency. This eliminates tool-switching and saves 1.5-2.5 hours per commercial project.
Commercial Project Support
Sunbase Data focuses on residential and light commercial installations. The platform lacks features required for larger commercial projects:
- No carport solar design
- No tracker support (single or dual-axis)
- No East-West racking optimization
- No P75/P90 bankability metrics
SurgePV is built for commercial EPCs working on 100kW-10MW projects. The platform includes carport design (only platform with native support), tracker modeling, and bankable P75/P90 production estimates financiers require.
Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership
Sunbase Data Workflow (for commercial projects needing electrical docs):
- Sunbase Data: From $10/user/month
- AutoCAD (for SLDs): +$2,000/year per user
- Manual labor: +2-3 hours per project
- Total: Higher time and tool costs
SurgePV Workflow (all-inclusive):
- SurgePV For 3 Users plan: $1,499/user/year
- AutoCAD: $0 (built-in electrical)
- Manual labor: Eliminated (automated)
- Total: Lower total cost of ownership
For residential-only teams not needing electrical documentation, Sunbase's lower entry price wins. For commercial EPCs requiring complete engineering, SurgePV delivers better value.
SurgePV includes automated SLD generation, wire sizing, and voltage drop calculations—eliminating AutoCAD dependency and saving 2-3 hours per commercial project.
Who Should Choose Sunbase Data vs SurgePV
Sunbase Data Is Best For:
- Sales-focused residential installation teams
- Companies prioritizing CRM features over engineering depth
- Door-to-door sales organizations needing field tools
- Teams needing basic proposals quickly
- Businesses comfortable using separate tools for electrical engineering
SurgePV Is Best For:
- Commercial EPCs designing 100kW-10MW projects
- Teams needing electrical documentation without AutoCAD
- Companies wanting to eliminate tool-switching
- Businesses requiring bankable metrics (P75/P90) for financing
- Operations spanning India and US markets
Decision Framework
Migration from Sunbase Data to SurgePV
Common Reasons Teams Switch
- Outgrew CRM-only approach - Commercial projects require electrical engineering capabilities Sunbase doesn't provide
- Need electrical documentation - Permit applications require SLDs, wire sizing, and code compliance verification
- Want to eliminate AutoCAD dependency - Licensing costs and manual labor add up quickly
- Require bankable metrics - Financiers demand P75/P90 production estimates for commercial projects
Migration Process
The transition from Sunbase Data to SurgePV typically takes 2-3 weeks:
- Export CRM data from Sunbase Data
- SurgePV onboarding and setup
- Team training on electrical engineering features
- Parallel testing period
- Full transition
Migration Support from SurgePV
- Dedicated onboarding specialist
- 3-minute average support response time
- Training resources included
- Ongoing technical support
SunBase Data vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How SunBase Data compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict
Sunbase Data Summary
Strengths: Native CRM, all-in-one sales workflow, door-to-door canvassing tools, customization, strong user review base (2,843 Capterra reviews at 4.4/5)
Ideal For: Residential sales teams, CRM-focused workflows, door-to-door operations, businesses comfortable supplementing with external engineering tools
Limitations: No electrical engineering, limited commercial project support, pricing opacity, setup complexity
SurgePV Summary
Strengths: Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes), wire sizing calculations, carport design (only platform), bankable P75/P90 accuracy, transparent pricing starting at $1,499/user/year, 2-3 week onboarding
Ideal For: Commercial EPCs (100kW-10MW projects), teams needing electrical documentation without AutoCAD, businesses requiring bankable metrics, India + US operations
Why Teams Switch: Outgrow CRM-only approach, need engineering capabilities, want to eliminate AutoCAD licensing and manual labor, require P75/P90 bankability for financing
Our Recommendation
For sales-focused residential teams prioritizing CRM, lead management, and proposal generation, Sunbase Data is a solid choice. The native CRM eliminates third-party integrations. The all-in-one workflow streamlines sales operations. The $10/user/month entry price is accessible.
However, for commercial EPCs, growing installers moving into commercial projects, or any team needing electrical documentation:
SurgePV delivers complete design-to-engineering workflow that Sunbase Data cannot match.
Bottom Line
Sunbase Data excels at CRM and sales automation but lacks the electrical engineering depth that commercial solar projects require. SurgePV fills this gap with automated SLD generation, wire sizing, voltage drop calculations, and bankable simulation—all without AutoCAD dependency.
If electrical engineering matters to your workflow, SurgePV eliminates the tool-switching, manual labor, and AutoCAD licensing costs that plague Sunbase Data users building commercial projects.
Ready to Compare Sunbase Data with SurgePV?
If you're evaluating solar software and need more than CRM capabilities, see how SurgePV's integrated electrical engineering can transform your workflow.
See SurgePV in Action
What you'll see:
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual)
- Wire sizing and voltage drop calculations
- Carport solar design (only platform with native support)
- Bankable P50/P75/P90 metrics
- Your specific use case, tailored demo
No pressure, no obligation
Not ready?
FAQ Section
Is Sunbase Data good for solar businesses?
Yes for sales-focused teams; limited for engineering-heavy workflows.
Sunbase Data delivers real value for residential solar sales teams prioritizing CRM, lead management, and proposal generation. The all-in-one workflow eliminates tool-switching between CRM, quote tools, and project tracking.
However, commercial EPCs needing electrical engineering will hit limitations. No SLD generation, no wire sizing, no voltage drop calculations means you'll supplement with AutoCAD or similar tools—adding cost and complexity.
How much does Sunbase Data cost?
Starting at $10/user/month, but custom pricing requires contacting sales.
Capterra lists a $10/user/month starting price. However, Sunbase uses a custom pricing model. Full pricing details require scheduling a sales conversation and requesting a quote based on your company size and needs.
A free trial is available without a credit card to test the platform before committing.
Does Sunbase Data have solar design tools?
Yes, basic 2D/3D design and shading analysis, but not engineering-grade.
Sunbase includes basic solar design capabilities—panel layout, 2D/3D visualization, simple shading analysis, and energy yield estimates. These work for residential sales proposals focused on customer savings.
The platform lacks engineering-grade features like automated SLD generation, wire sizing calculations, NEC compliance verification, or bankable P75/P90 simulation. Commercial projects requiring permit-ready electrical documentation need supplemental tools.
Can Sunbase Data generate Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)?
No. SLD generation requires separate software like AutoCAD or SurgePV.
Sunbase Data does not include electrical engineering features. You cannot generate SLDs showing DC arrays, combiners, inverters, disconnects, and AC interconnection.
Commercial EPCs using Sunbase must purchase AutoCAD ($2,000/year per user) and spend 2-3 hours per project creating electrical schematics manually.
SurgePV automates SLD generation in 5-10 minutes without external CAD tools.
Is Sunbase Data better than Aurora Solar?
Different focus. Sunbase: CRM-first. Aurora: Design-first. Neither has electrical engineering like SurgePV.
Sunbase Data and Aurora Solar target different workflows. Sunbase prioritizes CRM, lead management, and sales automation. Aurora emphasizes design quality, AI roof modeling, and proposal aesthetics.
Both platforms lack integrated electrical engineering. Neither generates SLDs or sizes wires natively. Commercial EPCs using either platform must add AutoCAD for electrical documentation.
SurgePV combines design capabilities with complete electrical engineering—eliminating the need for multiple tools.
Does Sunbase Data work for commercial solar projects?
Limited. Better suited for residential sales workflows.
Sunbase Data handles light commercial projects but lacks features required for larger installations:
- No electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing, voltage drop)
- No commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West)
- No bankable simulation (P75/P90 metrics)
- Limited compliance tools (NEC, IEC)
For residential and small commercial (under 100kW), the platform works. For commercial EPCs designing 100kW-10MW projects requiring engineering documentation, capabilities fall short.
What integrations does Sunbase Data offer?
CRM integrations, solar design platforms, financing APIs.
Sunbase integrates with financing providers, payment processors, and third-party solar design platforms. The native CRM reduces dependency on external CRM integrations.
Specific integration details require contacting Sunbase directly, as the official website doesn't list all available connectors.
Is there a free trial for Sunbase Data?
Yes, free trial available without credit card.
Sunbase offers a free trial allowing you to test the platform before purchasing. No credit card is required to start the trial. Trial length and limitations should be confirmed directly with Sunbase.
What are the main alternatives to Sunbase Data?
Short Answer: Aurora Solar (design), OpenSolar (free), SurgePV (engineering + design).
Key alternatives include:
- Aurora Solar: Industry leader for residential design and proposals
- OpenSolar: Affordable option starting at $199/month
- SurgePV: Complete design and electrical engineering platform
- Arka 360: India-focused all-in-one platform
- PVCase: CAD-based commercial design
Each serves different needs. Aurora for residential design polish. OpenSolar for budget-conscious teams. SurgePV for commercial EPCs needing electrical engineering. PVCase for utility-scale with CAD expertise.
Compare best solar design software
Does Sunbase Data support NEC compliance?
No built-in NEC compliance tools for electrical calculations.
Sunbase Data does not include electrical engineering features or NEC Article 690 compliance verification. The platform cannot calculate wire sizes per NEC 690.8, verify voltage drop limits, or generate code-compliant electrical schematics.
For projects requiring NEC-compliant electrical documentation, you'll need separate tools like AutoCAD or SurgePV.
How long does it take to learn Sunbase Data?
Users report a learning curve, especially for admin setup. Training resources help.
Based on user reviews, Sunbase Data requires initial training time. Setup complexity is frequently mentioned, particularly for administrators configuring workflows without programming backgrounds.
Expect several weeks for teams to reach full productivity. The platform provides training resources, but the learning curve is steeper than simpler tools like OpenSolar.
Is SurgePV better than Sunbase Data?
For commercial EPCs needing electrical documentation, yes. For sales-only teams, Sunbase may suffice.
SurgePV delivers superior value for commercial EPCs requiring electrical engineering. Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual), wire sizing calculations, and NEC compliance tools eliminate AutoCAD dependency.
For residential sales teams prioritizing CRM depth and not requiring electrical documentation, Sunbase Data's native CRM may better fit your workflow.
The decision depends on your business model: sales-focused (Sunbase) vs engineering-focused (SurgePV).
