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November 23, 2022

What is a Solar Estimate Software?

Solar estimate software is a web-based application that allows businesses to get customized quotes from solar panel providers.

The software uses data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Center for American Progress (CAP) to calculate the estimated cost of installing a solar panel system for your business.

How Does Solar Estimate Software Work? 

Solar estimate software is designed to make getting customized quotes from solar panel providers quick and easy.

Enter Basic Information

All you need to do is enter some basic information about your business, like just an address and electricity usage, into the software's website.

Generate estimated Cost Quote

From there, the software will use data from the EIA and CAP to calculate the estimated cost of installing a solar panel system for your business.

Compare Costs

The software will then compare the costs of different providers and present you with the best option based on your specific needs. 

You know how it works, let us now have a look at its benefits for a better idea before implementing it in your business.

Benefits of Using Solar Estimate Software? 

There are many benefits of using solar estimate software, including: 

  • Save time and money by getting customized quotes from multiple providers in one place with their most competitive rates.
  • Make an informed decision by seeing all available options side-by-side. 
  • Get started with your switch to renewable energy without any hassle or confusion. 

Now that you are aware of its functionality and the benefits it brings forth, let us look at how its implementation will help your business.

How does Solar Estimate Software help businesses?

Along with the things mentioned above Solar Estimate Software also does the following:

Solar Estimate Software Informs Investment Decisions 

Solar estimate software can be used by companies to determine whether or not investing in solar energy makes financial sense.

The software takes into account a number of factors, including the cost of installation and maintenance, the expected lifetime of the PV system, and the price of electricity.

Based on this information, the software can generate an estimate of the ROI for a given PV system. 

Solar Estimate Software Is Easy to Use 

Another benefit of solar estimate software is that it is typically very easy to use. Most solar estimation software platforms require minimal input from users and offer step-by-step instructions for generating estimates.

This ease of use means that companies can generate accurate estimates without having to invest significant time or resources into doing so. 

Solar Estimate Software Is Widely Available 

There are many different solar estimation software platforms available on the market today. This wide availability means that companies have a number of options to choose from when selecting a platform for their needs.

Solar estimate software provides an easy way for companies to assess the potential production of solar PV systems. The software is easy to use and widely available and can be an instrumental tool in making investment decisions about solar energy.

If you are considering investing in solar PV, be sure to research different solar estimation software platforms so that you can find the best one for your needs.

Different types of Solar Estimate Software

When it comes to solar estimate software, there are a few different types that you should be aware of. Let's take a closer look at each of these types of software to help you determine which one is right for your needs.

Sunbase

Sunbase Proposal Software includes a solar estimate tool that helps solar professionals determine the best placement for their solar panels. It has an automatic cad export and a calculator that estimates energy efficiency based on the current utility bills of customers.

It considers-

  • the installation location
  • the amount of sunlight that the home receives
  • the size of the home.

It also includes a library of pre-designed solar arrays so that homeowners can choose from a variety of different options. 

Sunbase's solar energy solutions use satellite data to generate estimates and that is cloud-based software, which means that you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection and with accurate estimates.

Request a demo today to see how Sunbase can benefit your company!

Solar Design Software

Solar design software is perhaps the most important type of solar estimate software for companies. This type of software helps solar companies to design custom solar arrays that are specific to their needs.

This includes taking into account the company's location, the amount of sunlight that the array will receive, and the company's budget. This Solar design tool is essential for ensuring that a company's solar array is as efficient as possible.

Solar Array Simulators

Solar array simulators are another type of solar design tools that companies use. This type of software allows companies to test different configurations of their solar array before they are built.

This is important because it allows companies to see how different configurations will perform in terms of energy production and cost-effectiveness.

Solar array simulators can be used to compare different configurations side-by-side so that companies can make an informed decision about which configuration is right for them.

PVsyst 

PVsyst is another popular type of solar estimate software. It is a PC-based program, which means that you need to install it on your computer in order to use it.

One advantage of PVsyst is that it includes a large number of features, such as tools for energy yield analysis and financial analysis. Another advantage is that it can be used for both small and large-solar power projects. 

There are tonnes of other varieties of different Solar estimate softwares on the market today like Aurora Solar, etc. How do you make the right choice?

How to Choose the right Solar Estimate Software?

You must be wondering with so many choices, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your company.

The First step is to understand what you need from the software.

  • Do you require financing options?
  • Or do you need something that integrates with your current customer relationship management (CRM) program?

Once you know what you need, you can begin evaluating your options.

Below are four important factors to keep in mind as you compare solar estimate software programs.

Ease of Use

The solar estimate software you select should be easy to use, both for you and your employees.

If it’s too complicated or time-consuming to input data, your team will likely find ways to work around the system—or worst case, they may avoid using it altogether.

The goal is to find a program that’s intuitive and efficient, so your team can focus on selling, not learning how to use the software.

Budget

Of course, the cost is always a factor when choosing any type of business software. But with solar estimate software, it’s important to consider the long-term costs as well as the upfront price tag.

Some programs charge ongoing monthly or annual fees or discount pricing for bulk licenses, while others require a one-time payment.

Some vendors offer discount pricing for bulk licenses, so if you have multiple salespeople using the software, this could be a cost-saving option.

Features & Functionality

Not all solar estimate software programs are created equal—some have more features than others. As you compare programs, pay close attention to the functionality and make sure it meets your specific needs.

  • Does the program have built-in financing options?
  • Can quotes be easily converted into contracts?
  • Is there an integration with your CRM system?

The answers to these questions will help you determine which program is best suited for your company’s needs.

Customer Support & Training

Last but not least, don’t forget to consider customer support and training when choosing solar estimate software for your business.

These services are important in ensuring a smooth transition to the new system and are often overlooked in the selection process. When evaluating customer support options, pay close attention to responsiveness times as well as availability (e.g., 24/7 support vs 9-5).

Keep these factors in mind as you compare programs and make your final decision.

Conclusion

Integrating the right solar estimate software is critical for any solar company. There are many factors to consider in order to select the best possible solution for your business needs.

By taking the time to evaluate all of these factors, you can be sure to select the right solution for your business needs.

About Sunbase

Sunbase helps solar companies succeed through a suite of Solar CRM tools like Solar Lead Management Software, Solar Proposal Software, etc.! To book your free demo or an appointment, contact us here!

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