Creating Your First Quote - Knowledge Base

# Creating Your First Quote Ready to send your first solar proposal? This guide walks you through the complete process of creating a quote in Powerlily, from start to finish. ## Before You Begin Make sure you've completed your onboarding: - ✅ Added at least one [[Equipment/Panels|solar panel]] to your equipment - ✅ Added at least one [[Equipment/Inverters|inverter]] to your equipment - ✅ Configured at least one [[Utilities/Overview|utility company]] - ✅ Uploaded your company logo If you haven't done these steps yet, see the [[Onboarding|Onboarding Guide]]. ## Overview: The Quote Creation Process Creating a quote involves these main steps: 1. **Start a New Quote** - From dashboard or lead 2. **Select Imagery** - Choose satellite view and frame the property 3. **Enter Customer Info** - Name, contact details, energy usage 4. **Design the System** - Draw arrays and place panels in 3D 5. **Customize the Quote** - Adjust pricing, financing, and content 6. **Preview & Send** - Review and send to customer Let's walk through each step! ## Step 1: Starting a New Quote ### Option A: From Dashboard The most common way to create a quote: 1. Log in to your Powerlily dashboard 2. Click the **"New Quote"** or **"Create Quote"** button 3. You'll be taken to the imagery selection page ### Option B: From a Lead If a customer filled out a lead form on your website: 1. Navigate to **CRM** or **Leads** 2. Find the lead in your list 3. Click **"Create Quote"** or **"Convert to Quote"** 4. Customer information is automatically filled in 5. See [[Leads/Creating a Quote From a Lead|Creating a Quote From a Lead]] for details **Tip:** Creating from a lead saves time by copying customer details and files. ## Step 2: Selecting Imagery The imagery selection page is your starting point. Here you'll choose the satellite view and configure the quote. ### Choose Your Imagery Provider 1. You'll see multiple imagery options (Google, Bing, etc.) 2. Click between providers to compare 3. Look for: - Most recent imagery date - Clear view of roof - Good resolution - Property fully visible **Available Providers:** - **Google Satellite** - Good for most projects - **Bing Satellite** - Alternative perspective - **Nearmap** (Pro plan) - Highest resolution, frequently updated - **Nearmap True Ortho** (Pro plan) - Most accurate, no distortion - **Custom Upload** - Use your own drone photos ### Position and Frame the Property Get the perfect view: 1. **Zoom In/Out:** - Click **+** and **-** buttons - Or use scroll wheel - Get close enough to see roof details 2. **Pan the View:** - Use arrow buttons around the image - Center the building - Include surrounding trees and context 3. **Reposition if Needed:** - Click **"Move Marker"** if property isn't in view - Drag the pin to correct location - Click **Confirm** **Frame Checklist:** - [ ] Building is centered - [ ] All roof surfaces visible - [ ] Trees included (for shading analysis) - [ ] Good resolution - [ ] Recent imagery See [[Quotes/Selecting Imagery|Selecting Imagery]] for detailed guidance. ### Enter Customer Information Fill in the customer details: **Required:** - **Customer Name** - Full name for the proposal - **Email Address** - Where to send the quote - **Property Address** - Installation location **Optional but Recommended:** - **Phone Number** - For follow-up contact - **Project Name** - Internal reference (e.g., "Smith Residence") ### Configure Utility Critical for accurate savings calculations: 1. Click the **Utility** dropdown 2. Search for the customer's utility company 3. Select the correct utility 4. Choose the appropriate rate plan (if multiple options) **If utility not listed:** - Select "Custom Utility" - You can enter rates manually later ### Enter Energy Usage Choose one method to input the customer's energy consumption: **Option 1: Monthly Dollar Amount** - Enter typical monthly electric bill ($) - Example: $185/month - System calculates kWh **Option 2: Yearly Dollar Amount** - Enter total annual electric cost ($) - Example: $2,220/year - Most accurate for variable bills **Option 3: Monthly kWh** - Enter average monthly usage - Example: 1,200 kWh/month - Most direct method **Option 4: Yearly kWh** - Enter total annual consumption - Example: 14,400 kWh/year - Accounts for all seasonal variation **Tip:** Annual data is more accurate than monthly averages. Get actual data from the customer's utility bill when possible. ### Continue to Design Once everything looks good: 1. Review all information for accuracy 2. Click **"Continue"** or **"Start Design"** 3. The 3D design tool will open with your selected imagery ## Step 3: Designing the System Now the fun part - designing the solar array in 3D! ### Understanding the Design Tool When the design tool opens, you'll see: - **Canvas** - Your satellite imagery - **Top Bar** - Cumulative totals (panels, kW DC, efficiency) - **Toolbar** - Drawing and selection tools - **Bottom Panel** - Array details table - **Sidebar** - Equipment and array settings See [[Design Tool/Overview|Design Tool Overview]] for complete details. ### Drawing Your First Array **Step-by-step:** 1. **Select Draw Surfaces Tool** (should be selected by default) - This tool lets you draw roof surfaces 2. **Click to Place Points** - Click corners of the roof surface - Work around the perimeter - Create a polygon outline - Double-click or click start point to close 3. **Set the Roof Pitch** - Select your array in the table - Choose pitch from dropdown (e.g., 5/12) - This affects production calculations 4. **Select Equipment** - Choose a solar panel from your inventory - Choose an inverter - These apply to this array 5. **Adjust Panel Orientation** - Portrait or landscape - Landscape is common for residential - Portrait fits narrower spaces 6. **Auto-Fill with Panels** - Panels automatically fill the surface - They avoid edges and obstructions - Respect setback rules See [[Design Tool/Drawing Mode|Drawing Mode]] for detailed instructions. ### Adding Obstructions Mark areas where panels can't go: 1. Click the **Obstructions** tool (or press **O**) 2. Draw polygons around: - Chimneys - Vents - Skylights - HVAC units - Roof access points 3. Panels automatically avoid these areas See [[Design Tool/Obstructions|Obstructions]] for more details. ### Adding Trees for Shading Account for shade from nearby trees: 1. Click the **Trees** tool (or press **T**) 2. Click to place a tree 3. Adjust: - Height (how tall) - Width (canopy spread) - Deciduous or evergreen 4. Trees affect production calculations See [[Design Tool/Trees|Trees]] for shading analysis details. ### Multiple Arrays Most projects have multiple roof surfaces: 1. **Draw another array** with Draw Surfaces tool 2. Each array can have: - Different pitch - Different panels - Different orientation - Different inverters 3. **System totals** update automatically ### Review Your Design Check the top bar for system summary: - **Total Panels** - Total panel count - **System Size** - Total kW DC - **Annual Production** - Estimated kWh/year - **Efficiency** - kWh/kW DC ratio **Typical residential system:** - 20-40 panels - 7-15 kW DC - 9,000-18,000 kWh/year ### Save and Continue When your design is complete: 1. Review all arrays in the bottom table 2. Check that totals make sense 3. Click **"Finish"** or **"Save Design"** 4. You'll be taken to the quote customization page ## Step 4: Quote Configuration After designing, configure pricing and financing. ### System Pricing Set your pricing: **Total System Price:** - Enter the total price for the system - Include all equipment and installation - This is before incentives ### Incentives and Rebates Add applicable incentives: 1. Click **"Add Incentive"** 2. Select from your configured [[Incentives/Incentives|incentives]] 3. Or add custom incentive: - Name (e.g., "Federal Tax Credit") - Type (percentage or fixed amount) - Value (e.g., 30% or $5,000) **Common incentives:** - Federal ITC (30%) - State rebates - Utility rebates - SREC programs ### Customize Content Make the quote yours: **Sections:** - Reorder sections by dragging - Show/hide sections - Edit section titles and subtitles - Use [[Quotes/Quote Templates and AI|Powerlily GPT]] for AI-generated content **Branding:** - Cover image - Theme/template selection - Font choices - Colors (uses [[settings/Theme Settings|theme settings]]) **Custom Text:** - Add your value propositions - Include warranty information - Explain your process - Use [[Quotes/Quote Customization#Dynamic Variables|dynamic variables]] See [[Quotes/Quote Customization|Quote Customization]] for all options. ## Step 5: Preview and Send Before sending to the customer: ### Preview the Quote 1. Click **"Preview"** to see customer view 2. Review carefully: - Customer name spelled correctly - Pricing is accurate - All sections display properly - Images load correctly - Financing calculations are right - Contact information is current 3. Click through all sections 4. View on mobile if possible ### Send to Customer When everything looks perfect: **Option 1: Email Directly** 1. Click **"Send Quote"** 2. Email is automatically sent to customer's address 3. They receive a link to view the quote 4. Email notification goes to you when they view it **Option 2: Copy Link** 1. Click **"Copy Link"** or **"Get Shareable Link"** 2. Send via text, email, or other method 3. Useful for in-person presentations **Option 3: Download PDF** (if available) 1. Click **"Download PDF"** 2. Save for your records 3. Email manually if preferred ### Customer Experience What happens next: 1. **Customer receives email** with link 2. **Opens the quote** in their browser 3. **Reviews the proposal:** - System design visualization - Production estimates - Pricing and savings - Financing options - Equipment details 4. **Takes action:** - Accept/sign the quote - Ask questions via messaging - Request changes - Schedule consultation ### After Sending Monitor quote status: - **Quote Dashboard** - See all sent quotes - **Status Tracking:** - Sent (delivered) - Viewed (opened) - Accepted (signed) - Expired (if timeout set) - **Notifications** - Get alerts when customer views/signs - **Messages** - Customer can message you through quote - **Follow-up** - Use [[CRM/Overview|CRM]] to track next steps ## Common First-Time Questions ### How long does it take to create a quote? **First quote:** 30-60 minutes as you learn **After practice:** 10-20 minutes for typical residential **Complex projects:** 30+ minutes ### Can I save a draft and come back later? Yes! Quotes auto-save as you work. You can exit and return anytime before sending. ### What if I make a mistake after sending? You can edit quotes after sending: 1. Go to the quote in your dashboard 2. Click **"Edit"** 3. Make changes 4. Click **"Update Quote"** 5. Customer sees updated version 6. They're notified of changes (optional) ### Can I duplicate a quote? Yes! Great for similar projects: 1. Find the quote you want to copy 2. Click **"Duplicate"** or **"Clone"** 3. Change customer info and details 4. Adjust design as needed 5. Send to new customer ### What if the customer wants changes? Two approaches: **Option 1: Edit Existing Quote** - Revise the current quote - Update and notify customer - Maintains quote history **Option 2: Create New Version** - Duplicate the quote - Make changes to the duplicate - Send as alternative proposal - Customer can compare versions ### How do I know if they viewed the quote? You'll receive: - Email notification when opened - Dashboard status updates to "Viewed" - Timestamp of when they viewed it ## Tips for Your First Quote ### Start Simple - Choose a straightforward project for your first quote - Single-story home with simple roof - Standard equipment - Cash payment option - Get comfortable before tackling complex designs ### Use Good Imagery - Take time to select the best imagery - Recent, high-resolution images make design easier - Good framing makes the quote look professional ### Double-Check Everything Before sending, verify: - [ ] Customer name spelling - [ ] Email address (no typos!) - [ ] Phone number format - [ ] Address is correct - [ ] System size makes sense for usage - [ ] Pricing is accurate - [ ] Incentives calculated correctly - [ ] Financing terms are right - [ ] All equipment is selected - [ ] Arrays have correct pitch - [ ] Production estimate is reasonable ### Don't Overthink It - Your first quote doesn't need to be perfect - You can edit after sending - Customer can ask questions - You'll improve with each quote ### Learn the Keyboard Shortcuts Speed up your workflow: - See [[Design Tool/Shortcuts Reference|Shortcuts Reference]] - Common shortcuts: - **D** - Draw mode - **S** - Select mode - **O** - Obstructions - **T** - Trees - **Ctrl+Z** - Undo - **Del** - Delete selected ## What's Next? After sending your first quote: ### Learn Advanced Features - [[Design Tool/DSM Data|DSM Data]] - Automatic roof pitch detection - [[Design Tool/Annotations|Annotations]] - Add labels and notes - [[Design Tool/Extras|Extras]] - Vehicles, lawn signs, visual enhancements - [[Quotes/Quote Templates and AI|Powerlily GPT]] - AI-generated content ### Improve Your Workflow - Set up [[Quotes/Quote Templates and AI|quote templates]] - Configure [[Incentives/Incentives|incentives library]] - Create [[Equipment/Equipment Catalogue|equipment catalog]] - Customize [[settings/Theme Settings|theme settings]] ### Expand Your Sales Process - Set up [[Client Portal/Overview|Client Portal]] for customers - Use [[CRM/Overview|CRM]] to track leads and opportunities - Configure [[CRM/Workflows|automated workflows]] - Enable [[Leads/Overview|lead capture forms]] ### After Installation - Connect [[Fleet Management/Overview|fleet monitoring]] - Set up [[Fleet Management/Enphase Integration Setup|Enphase]] or [[Fleet Management/SolarEdge Integration Setup|SolarEdge]] - Track system performance - Provide customer support ## Need Help? ### Resources - **Video Tutorials** - Check your dashboard for walkthrough videos - **Knowledge Base** - Browse articles and guides - **Support Email** - [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) - **Book a Demo** - Schedule personalized training ### Common Issues **"I can't see my equipment"** - Go to [[Equipment/Equipment|Equipment]] and add panels/inverters - Must complete equipment setup before creating quotes **"Utility isn't listed"** - Select "Custom Utility" - Enter rates manually - Contact support to add utility to database **"Panels won't place on roof"** - Check that array is drawn correctly - Verify pitch is set - Ensure panel is selected - Try adjusting setbacks **"Customer didn't receive email"** - Check spam/junk folder - Verify email address is correct - Try copying link and sending manually - Check email notifications in settings --- ## Quick Reference Checklist Use this checklist for every quote: ### Setup (One-time) - [ ] Equipment added to inventory - [ ] Utilities configured - [ ] Company logo uploaded - [ ] Theme settings customized ### For Each Quote - [ ] Start new quote (dashboard or lead) - [ ] Select best imagery - [ ] Frame property perfectly - [ ] Enter customer info accurately - [ ] Set correct utility and rate plan - [ ] Input actual energy usage - [ ] Draw all roof surfaces - [ ] Set pitch for each array - [ ] Select equipment - [ ] Add obstructions - [ ] Add trees for shading - [ ] Review system totals - [ ] Set pricing - [ ] Add incentives - [ ] Configure financing (if applicable) - [ ] Customize content - [ ] Preview thoroughly - [ ] Send to customer **Congratulations on creating your first quote!** With practice, you'll be creating professional solar proposals in minutes. --- **Related Pages:** - [[Onboarding|Onboarding Guide]] - [[Quotes/Selecting Imagery|Selecting Imagery]] - [[Design Tool/Overview|Design Tool Overview]] - [[Quotes/Quote Customization|Quote Customization]] - [[Leads/Creating a Quote From a Lead|Creating a Quote From a Lead]] - [[CRM/Overview|CRM and Pipeline Management]]