How to Create a Beautiful Solar Proposal
Build a client-ready proposal directly from inspection data - system design, pricing, financing options, and your branding - in one workflow, not a separate document editor.
CrmLeaf TeamUpdated July 202620 minSales Reps
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Start Free TrialPull In Inspection Data
Why it matters: Starting from the inspection record means the proposal reflects what was actually found on-site, not what a rep remembers from a site visit two days ago.
- Open the Deal and go to the Proposal tab
- Click New Proposal → From Inspection
- Confirm roof condition, shading analysis, and usable roof area carry over correctly
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEA new proposal draft pre-filled with the deal's inspection findings.
Choose a Proposal Template
Why it matters: A residential proposal and a commercial proposal emphasize different things - payback period matters more for a business, monthly savings for a homeowner.
- Select Residential or Commercial as the base template
- Choose a layout - Standard, Financing-Focused, or Minimal
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEThe proposal preview updates to reflect your chosen template layout.
Configure System Design Details
Why it matters: These numbers are what the client is actually evaluating - getting them wrong here is far more costly than a typo elsewhere in the document.
- Confirm panel count and system size (kW), auto-calculated from usable roof area
- Review the estimated annual production figure
- Adjust for any shading or orientation factors the inspection flagged
Note: Always have a second person spot-check the system size and production estimate before sending - this is the single most scrutinized number in the entire proposal.
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONESystem size, panel count, and production estimate all display correctly on the proposal preview.
Add Pricing & Financing Options
Why it matters: Most homeowners are comparing monthly payment options, not just total price - showing cash, loan, and lease side by side answers their real question upfront.
- Enter the total system price, pulled from your pricing catalogue
- Add financing options - cash, loan, or lease - with estimated monthly payments
- Include any applicable rebates or incentives as a separate line so the client sees the net cost clearly
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEThe proposal shows at least two payment options side by side, with a clear net cost after incentives.
Add Your Branding
Why it matters: A proposal that looks like a generic template undermines the trust you built during the inspection visit.
- Confirm your logo and brand colors are applied under Settings → Company Profile → Branding
- Add a personalized cover note referencing the specific site visit
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEThe proposal preview shows your logo, brand colors, and a personalized note on the cover page.
Preview & Send
Why it matters: The client view can render differently from the editor view - always confirm before sending, not after a client points out a formatting issue.
- Click Preview as Client to see exactly what they'll receive
- Check that all numbers, images, and financing options display correctly on mobile
- Click Send - the proposal delivers via email and updates the deal stage to Proposal Sent automatically
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEThe deal stage updates to "Proposal Sent" and the client receives an email with a link to view it.
Track Proposal Status
Why it matters: Knowing exactly when a client opened a proposal tells you when to follow up - calling before they've even opened it wastes the conversation.
- Open the Deal and check the Proposal Activity log
- See timestamps for when the proposal was opened and how long the client spent viewing it
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEThe activity log shows a "Viewed" timestamp once the client opens the proposal link.
Follow Up Automatically
Why it matters: This is the single biggest lever against deals going cold after a proposal is sent - a reminder that fires on its own beats a rep remembering to check back.
- Set a follow-up task for 2 business days after sending, if the client hasn't responded
- If the proposal shows as viewed but not accepted after 3 days, trigger a personal follow-up call rather than another email
WHAT YOU SEE WHEN DONEA follow-up task appears on your task list automatically, tied to this deal.
You've completed this tutorial
Your proposal is out. Next: see how files - signed contracts, site photos - attach to the same deal.
Next: Files Inside DealsContinue learning
Keep going with the next tutorials in the Solar CRM series.