Best Estimating App for Solar Installers: 10 Picks

Which estimating apps fit a solar crew?

The best estimating app for solar installers depends on the task. Quoting prices the work. Design sets out the system. Crew tools track the job after approval.

Choose the task before the software

For a small crew, start with a clear quote. For mixed trade work, compare construction estimating apps. Add electrical business software when service bookings need their own workflow.

Use your next site visit to try a photo estimate. Check the draft against your scope and supplier quotes.

What must a solar quote itemize?

Make the scope easy to check. Put each part of the job on its own line.

• Equipment: panel models and counts, inverters, mounting parts, wiring, and any battery.
• Labor: roof work, electrical work, access needs, and testing.
• Other costs: permits, utility paperwork, disposal, and any hired lift.
• Limits: exclusions, site assumptions, payment terms, and quote expiry.

Use our electrical pricing guide to check the labor scope. List an electrical panel upgrade separately when needed. For a bundled charger, review EV charger installation costs.

Before pricing, check access and cable routes. Our guide to estimating electrical work covers that part of the job.

10 estimating apps to shortlist

Use these picks to find the best estimating app for solar installers in your crew. Each fit below is an editorial judgment. Vendor sources describe the features; no hands-on test is claimed.

1. SimplyWise Cost Estimator

   Start with a photo. SimplyWise is the pick for a small crew that needs an editable job estimate. Turn a photo into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Check each material, labor, and fee line. Send a professional, branded quote the client signs to approve.

   Treat this as general estimating. Keep solar design and energy forecasts in a separate, checked workflow.

   Pricing. $29.99 a month, $239.99 a year (about $20 a month on annual), 7-day free trial.

   Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free.

2. Aurora Solar

   Design and sales proposals. Aurora turns a system design into an interactive proposal. Its sales tools cover pricing, financing options, and expected savings.

   Consider it when design and sales belong in the same workflow. Check the design inputs before using the proposal.

3. Solargraf

   Design through permit plans. Solargraf lists design, interactive proposals, and permit plan tools. It also supports battery system design.

   Consider it when your proposal needs a design workflow. Confirm local permit requirements before relying on a plan set.

4. Housecall Pro

   Service visits and quotes. Housecall Pro combines estimates, invoicing, scheduling, and dispatch. That scope fits an installer who also books service visits.

   Basic lists $59 a month on annual billing. Check the features your crew needs before choosing a tier.

5. Contractor+

   Jobs and customer records. Contractor+ lists estimates, quotes, scheduling, and invoicing. It offers desktop and mobile access.

   Consider it when keeping jobs and customer records together matters. Test the quote fields with your own equipment list.

6. JobTread

   Budgets and job costs. JobTread lists estimating, budgeting, job costing, and tasks. It also offers contracts and client signatures.

   Consider it when you need to compare the bid with actual costs. Start with a finished job and check each cost.

7. Contractor Foreman

   Broader project records. Contractor Foreman lists estimates, schedules, and job costing. Its scope reaches beyond writing a quote.

   Consider it when project records drive the purchase. Verify which plan includes the tools your crew will use.

8. Workiz

   Service work and dispatch. Workiz lists estimates, scheduling, and dispatch. Its estimate workflow includes good, better, and best options.

   Consider it when service bookings fill the calendar. Keep each option tied to a clear equipment and labor scope.

9. Procore Estimating

   Plans and quantity takeoffs. Procore connects plan takeoffs, estimates, and proposals. You can adjust material prices, labor units, and profit margins.

   Consider it for a team bidding from drawings. Test your actual plans and the handoff to the project team.

10. Clear Estimates

    Related building repairs. Clear Estimates focuses on residential work, with local material and labor costs. It offers templates and editable bids.

    Consider it for building repairs around an install. Price solar equipment from supplier quotes; do not assume a complete solar catalog.

Compare the job each app covers

The best estimating app for solar installers should match the work you do most. Use this quick map to narrow your trial.

Run the same scope through your shortlist. Check editing, client approval, and the price for your whole team.