Application Flow

Summary:

Welcome to OpenSolar, the world’s first free end-to-end solar design and management software. This article will help you get oriented with the app's layout, guide you through your first steps to creating a solar project, and show you how to access support whenever needed.

Table Of Contents:

• Understanding the Three Main Zones of OpenSolar
  • Home Zone
  • Project Zone
    • Manage tab
    • Energy Tab
    • Design Tab
    • Online & PDF Proposal Tabs
  • Control Zone
• You're Ready to Begin

Understanding the Three Main Zones of OpenSolar

OpenSolar is divided into three primary zones, each designed to streamline your workflow from project creation to installation and business configuration.

Home Zone:

The Home Zone is your landing page upon login. It offers quick access to recent work, scheduled activities, and project performance metrics.

Key Features:

Recent Button:
View a list of:

• Recently accessed projects

• Recently applied filters

Activity Button:
Displays:

• All upcoming activities

• Customer interactions and task assignments within your projects

Overview Button:
A visual dashboard showing:

• Projects created, sold, and installed

• Trends across your own or all projects

• A full list of available project tags

Start a New Project:

To begin a project, simply enter your customer’s address into the search bar and select it from the dropdown.

Project Zone:

This is where all your project records live. The Project Zone is built to help you manage, track, and design every stage of a solar job.

Navigation Tabs:

• All Projects

• Kanban View

• Unsold

• Sold

• Installed

• Custom Views: Use + Add View to create personalized views.

Sorting & Filtering:

• Use the Sort and Filter button to locate projects with specific attributes (e.g. “Sold” or “High Priority”).

Project Display Includes:

• Address

• Project ID

• Primary Contact

• Stage

• Priority

• Assignee

• Project Type

Project Actions:

Click the three-dot menu on each project row to jump directly into specific tabs within that project.

Manage tab

The Manage Tab contains all essential project information and administrative tools.

Key Functions:

• Update priority, project type, and customer details

• Assign teams and manage project tags

• Track progress through workflow stages and checklist actions

• View full project history and customer interactions

• Upload or generate documents using built-in templates

Energy Tab

In the Energy Tab, enter:

• Electricity usage history

• Utility provider details

This ensures accurate energy modeling, system performance, and cost-saving calculations for your customer.

Design Tab

Use OpenSolar’s intuitive design tools to create a tailored system for your customer.

To design:

• Click on the panel tab and select the panel you wish to use
• Use the + Panel button to draw out the array for the home
• Use the inverter and battery tab to add further hardware to your project. 

Use the Add New System button to add more than one option for your customer to choose from.

Online & PDF Proposal Tabs

These tabs show you the final proposal that will be shared with your customer.

Proposals are fully customizable to reflect your branding, including logos, color schemes, and content layout.

Control Zone 

Configure your company’s backend settings here for consistent and professional output.

You can set:

• Your business profile and contact info

• Pricing & payment options

• Proposal template defaults for branding and content

• Hardware libraries, tax settings, and more

This zone ensures your entire team operates with aligned processes and presentation.

You're Ready to Begin

Now that you’re familiar with OpenSolar’s structure and navigation, you’re ready to start designing and selling solar systems efficiently and professionally.

Next: Add your Logo and Business Details