How To Create a Solar Panel Proposal

Writing an effective solar proposal is one of the most important steps in closing deals and growing your solar installation business. A strong solar panel proposal builds trust, answers key questions, and clearly shows the value of going solar, while a weak one can cost you the sale.

Some solar panel project proposals overwhelm homeowners with too much technical detail, while others leave out essential information like ROI, warranties, or financing options. Either way, both can create hesitation and slow down your sales process.

Manually creating every solar sales proposal from scratch also takes valuable time away from selling and installing. This guide outlines how to streamline your proposal workflow so you can create clear, professional solar panel proposals that convert.

GreenLancer supports installers nationwide with design, permitting, and engineering services, making it easier to move solar projects forward and win more business.

8 Key Components Of A Winning Solar Proposal

Whether you're serving residential homeowners or commercial property owners, a well-crafted solar panel proposal is critical to closing the deal. Commercial projects often involve:

• Larger system sizes with greater technical challenges

• Stricter solar permitting and zoning requirements

• More decision-makers, leading to longer sales cycles

But no matter the project type, a strong solar sales proposal follows the same core principles.

1. Solar installation pricing

Cost is one of the first questions customers ask. While it might be tempting to downplay the numbers, clarity builds trust. Your solar panel project proposal should present pricing in a way that positions solar as an investment, tying it to long-term savings and value.

2. Return on investment (ROI)

Upfront costs matter, but the long-term payoff is often what convinces customers to move forward. Your solar panel proposal should clearly outline:

• Estimated savings in Month 1

• Estimated savings in Year 1

• Payback period (breakeven point)

• Estimated lifetime savings

• Potential property value increases

• Projected carbon offsets (monthly, annual, lifetime)

To make solar more accessible, position it as an affordable investment. The next sections will help you do just that.

3. Solar financing

Since there are multiple ways to finance a solar panel installation, your solar proposal should clearly outline the pros and cons of each option. Solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) often require $0 upfront, with future utility savings helping to cover financing costs.

If you offer multiple solar financing options, include detailed ROI breakdowns for each. It’s also beneficial to list the names and credentials of your financing partners to build trust.

4. Solar incentives

Your solar panel proposal should highlight available solar incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and net metering. These incentives can significantly reduce both upfront and long-term costs. The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), for example, allows homeowners and businesses to claim a percentage of their system cost, making solar more affordable.

If you assist customers with the application process for these programs, mention it in your solar sales proposal. If not, providing a step-by-step guide in your proposal can help simplify the process and remove any guesswork for prospects.

5. Solar installation overview and timeline

A successful solar panel project proposal should outline the entire solar installation process, covering permits, financing, incentives, labor, testing, and the expected timeline. Transparency is key—while the industry is competitive, overpromising on deadlines can damage trust. Being upfront about realistic timeframes builds credibility, fosters positive word-of-mouth marketing, and helps ensure customer satisfaction.

6. Solar equipment and specs

Your solar panel proposal should clearly outline the components included in the system, such as solar panels, inverters, and batteries (if applicable). While some customers may not focus on technical details, others will scrutinize your solar panel project proposal and conduct their own research. Be ready to explain why you’ve chosen specific equipment—whether it’s based on efficiency, durability, warranty, or compatibility—so prospects feel confident in their investment.

7. Solar warranties and guarantees

Most PV panels in the U.S. include 20–25 years of warranty coverage, while inverters and batteries typically range from 5–15 years. Your solar panel proposal should highlight the manufacturers’ warranties for the equipment you offer.

If you provide performance or production guarantees, include those details—outlining maintenance, repairs, and system performance assurances. This section of your solar panel project proposal is also a great place to address common solar myths, helping customers feel confident in their decision to go solar.

8. Solar credentials and licensing

With new installers constantly entering the market, standing out is crucial. Your solar panel proposal should highlight:

• Credentials of your installers, contractors, and electricians

• NABCEP certifications or solar manufacturer training programs

• Your experience—total installs completed and years in business

  
  

Including Yelp or Google reviews and customer testimonials in your solar sales proposal can further build trust and credibility with potential customers.

Tips For a High-Converting Solar Panel Proposal

Once you’ve included the essential elements in your solar panel project proposal, applying a few best practices can help improve conversions and build trust with your customers.

1. Prioritize clarity and transparency in your solar proposal

Keep your solar panel proposals clear, well-organized, and easy to understand. Avoid vague or misleading estimates. Customers appreciate honesty about projected energy output, system costs, installation timelines, and warranty coverage. A transparent solar sales proposal builds trust and positions you as a reliable partner.

2. Include a clear call to action

Most homeowners will compare multiple solar panel proposals, so make it obvious what they should do next. Every solar proposal should include a strong call to action, whether it's scheduling a site visit, signing electronically, or contacting your team with questions. A quick follow-up helps reinforce the message.

3. Personalize without overwhelming

Tailoring your solar panel proposal to the customer’s specific energy usage and financing goals is smart, but don’t go overboard. Too many options can cause decision fatigue. Your solar panel project proposal should offer relevant customization, but keep it focused to avoid overwhelming the homeowner.

4. Keep your solar panel proposal simple

Avoid overwhelming customers with excessive technical jargon. While solar panel proposals might delve into intricate details for those familiar with PV systems, ensure your language is accessible to everyone. For example, instead of using terms like “utility bill offsets,” opt for simpler phrases like “savings.” This makes your solar sales proposal more approachable and easier to understand.

5. Streamline the process with a solar panel proposal template

Instead of reinventing the wheel every time you create a new solar panel project proposal, work from a proven template. This saves valuable time and helps you create higher-quality proposals that are more likely to convert prospects into customers. Consider using solar proposal software to automate this process and improve efficiency.

The Benefits Of Solar Panel Proposal Software

A range of solar proposal software platforms can significantly simplify the solar panel proposal creation process. Many of these tools also offer built-in customer relationship management (CRM) features, which integrate with popular CRM systems you may already use. This integration helps streamline outreach, onboarding, and follow-up, making it easier to convert more leads with fewer resources.

If you’re new to solar panel project proposal software, here are three options worth considering:

1. GreenLancer

While GreenLancer isn’t specifically solar panel proposal software, it offers an online marketplace for solar design and engineering services. The platform’s user-friendly interface includes drag-and-drop capabilities for adding assets like schematics and photos, making it easy to create high-quality solar sales proposals.

GreenLancer also allows users to purchase proposals and interact with the design team directly through the in-app chat function. With quick annotation tools for revisions and feedback, it’s a great choice for solar installers looking to streamline their proposal process. Create a free account on GreenLancer to start shopping for solar panel proposals and design services.

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2. Solargraf

Solargraf is an all-in-one solar panel project proposal software that integrates with some of the industry’s most popular installation platforms. For example, Solargraf can automatically import permitting information from partner platform GreenLancer, making it easy to streamline the permitting and proposal creation process.

In addition to its extensive project management capabilities, Solargraf supports team collaboration with easy sharing options. This feature ensures that your team can work together seamlessly to create and refine solar panel proposals. Best of all, the tool helps you design stunning solar sales proposals that will impress your customers.

3. Aurora Solar

Aurora Solar is a leading solar proposal software that revolutionizes how solar projects are designed and sold. This powerful tool enables users to create accurate and customizable solar panel proposals with detailed financial analyses and 3D modeling of solar installations.

Aurora Solar’s advanced features include precise shading analysis, automated system design, and integration with top financial partners for seamless loan and lease proposals. Designed to streamline the sales process and enhance customer engagement, Aurora Solar helps solar professionals deliver compelling, data-driven solar panel proposals that drive sales and improve customer satisfaction.

Work With GreenLancer On Your Next Solar Proposal

For many installers, writing solar panel proposals is often the least fun aspect of the entire job. But having a proposal template and checklist to work from can speed up the process dramatically. Using software to do more of the heavy lifting can actually make the process enjoyable—often with a much higher conversion rate.

To learn more about GreenLancer solar design services, including solar plan sets, interconnection applications, and solar engineering, complete the form below.