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Solar Contractor Resources

Tools and software for solar installation contractors: design + proposal platforms (Aurora, OpenSolar, Solo), CRM + project management, NEM/incentive tracking, and installation pricing.

“What design + proposal stack should I use, and how should I price residential installs?”

5

Solar platforms reviewed

$2.85-$3.85

Residential install per watt

20-30%

Healthy gross margin

8-12 kW

Avg residential system size

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Most solar shops should look at Aurora Solar for design, JobNimbus for sales pipeline first

Design + proposal: Aurora Solar (industry standard, $200+/mo) or OpenSolar (free + paid). For project management: Solo for solar-specific workflow, JobNimbus for sales-heavy operations, or Buildertrend for builder-style management. Most successful installers use 2 tools: a design platform + a CRM/PM.

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Calculators & Tools

6 resources

Free tools for jobsite estimates and business math.

Hourly Rate Calculator

True hourly with truck + crew.

Crew Day Cost

Daily cost per install crew.

Markup vs Margin

The math behind pricing.

Roof Pitch Calculator

For panel layout planning.

Square Footage Calculator

Roof area estimating.

Electrical Load Calculator

Main panel + service sizing.

Software Reviews

1 resource

Honest reviews of the platforms built for your trade.

Best Solar Software (2026)

Aurora vs OpenSolar vs Solo + CRM picks.

Pricing & Bidding

1 resource

Real 2026 benchmarks. Stop guessing what to charge.

Contractor Pricing Formulas Cheatsheet

Margin targets + math.

Business Guides

1 resource

How to start, run, and grow your trade business.

Starting an Electrical Business

Relevant — many solar installers are licensed electrical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora Solar or OpenSolar for design?

Aurora is the polished industry standard with the deepest shading analysis and best integrations. OpenSolar is free for basic use with paid tiers; great for new installers controlling cost. Established installers usually move to Aurora when proposal quality and shading accuracy directly drive close rates.

Do I need a separate CRM if I have Aurora?

Yes for most operations. Aurora is design + proposal. Sales pipeline, project management through interconnection, and post-install service all need a CRM/PM. JobNimbus or a generic FSM (Jobber, HCP) covers the rest.

What's a healthy solar margin?

Residential install gross margin is typically 20-30% — tighter than service trades because equipment + interconnection costs are high. The way to improve: own more of the value chain (permitting, design in-house), reduce CAC through referrals, attach battery/EVSE sales to PV.

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