Open Solar Review

OpenSolar is a cloud-based solar design platform created specifically for solar installers, offering an array of features that streamline solar project planning and sales processes. Designed with simplicity and precision in mind, this software has gained traction due to its ease of use and its standout selling point—it’s free for installers.

In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at OpenSolar, its pros and cons, and why it stands out among other solar design tools.

What is OpenSolar?

OpenSolar is a cloud-based platform that helps solar professionals manage every aspect of their business. It is primarily known for its free cost structure, making it accessible for startups and smaller companies in the solar industry.

Whether you're handling system design, customer management, or proposal generation, OpenSolar aims to streamline the process with powerful tools and integrations.

The platform is designed to offer a high level of usability without compromising on essential features, giving solar installers an edge in managing both their technical and sales workflows. 

Key Features of OpenSolar

OpenSolar is packed with a variety of features that make the platform stand out in the market. These features aim to simplify the entire workflow of solar professionals, from designing systems to managing customer relations.

• Free Access: One of the most attractive features is that OpenSolar is completely free to use, with no hidden fees. This is a huge benefit for small and medium-sized businesses looking to reduce overhead costs without sacrificing performance.
• 3D Solar Design: With OpenSolar’s advanced 3D modelling tools, installers can create highly accurate designs for residential and commercial properties. The visualisation tools allow professionals to map and configure solar panels to suit various roof types and geographical locations.
• Sales and Proposal Tools: OpenSolar’s sales tools are designed to help businesses generate accurate proposals quickly. Users can customise proposals and add financing options, making it easier to close deals with customers.
• CRM Integration: The built-in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system helps solar companies manage leads, track interactions, and maintain customer data in one place. This simplifies customer follow-ups and ensures smoother communication.
• Remote Access: OpenSolar is cloud-based, allowing you to access the platform from any device, anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for solar professionals working on multiple projects across different locations.
• Energy Modelling: The platform also comes with energy usage and savings calculators that can help installers show clients exactly how much they can save with solar energy, enhancing the persuasiveness of sales pitches.

Advantages of Using OpenSolar

Using OpenSolar offers several advantages to solar professionals, helping them improve their workflow while keeping costs low.

• Cost-Effective: Being free, OpenSolar can significantly lower operating costs for solar companies. You get a complete solution for solar design, customer management, and sales without any additional fees.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Despite its powerful feature set, OpenSolar maintains an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. Even those new to solar design software can quickly get up to speed with the platform’s functions.
• Global Availability: OpenSolar isn’t limited by geographic boundaries. With global access and support, solar professionals from all over the world can use this platform to improve their business operations.

Limitations of OpenSolar

While OpenSolar is a powerful tool, there are some limitations to be aware of.

• Image Quality in Free Version: In the free version of OpenSolar, users have to rely on Google Maps for satellite imagery, which may not be as detailed as some of the paid alternatives. This can affect the accuracy of your solar designs, especially in areas where high-quality imagery is not available.
• Learning Curve: Although OpenSolar is user-friendly, it comes with a lot of features that may overwhelm beginners. It can take some time to fully understand all the functionalities of the platform.

Alternatives to OpenSolar

If you’re looking for alternatives to OpenSolar, there are several other solar design tools available in the market. Each comes with its own set of features and pricing.

Aurora Solar

Aurora Solar is a popular tool known for its energy modelling and solar design capabilities. While it offers a comprehensive set of tools for solar professionals, its subscription-based pricing model can be prohibitive for smaller businesses.

HelioScope

HelioScope is another widely-used platform for solar design and analysis. It offers advanced shading analysis, but like Aurora, it comes with a subscription fee that may not be ideal for smaller companies.

PVComplete

PVComplete offers a suite of tools that help solar professionals manage system design and performance monitoring. However, its tools are often more suitable for larger enterprises due to its pricing structure and complex tools.

Why OpenSolar is a Good Choice for Startups

For smaller solar companies or startups, OpenSolar presents a fantastic opportunity to access advanced solar design tools without the heavy financial investment required by some of its competitors. The platform’s free plan gives new businesses a chance to establish themselves while keeping operational costs to a minimum.

Moreover, the ability to integrate with various other systems and the global access to the platform make it versatile enough to grow with your business. OpenSolar ensures that even as your company expands, you won’t have to look for new tools to meet your increasing needs.

Final Thoughts on OpenSolar

OpenSolar has positioned itself as a game-changer in the solar industry by offering a strong, free platform that covers all essential aspects of solar installation, design, and customer management. While there are some limitations, particularly in terms of mapping and the learning curve, the advantages far outweigh the downsides.

If you are a solar installer looking for a comprehensive, cost-effective tool to streamline your operations, OpenSolar is certainly worth considering. The freedom it offers through its no-cost model, combined with its extensive features, makes it an invaluable resource for solar businesses of all sizes.