# Quote Templates & Powerlily AI
Powerlily's template system and AI writing assistant help you create professional, personalized proposals quickly. Use dynamic variables and AI-powered content generation to save time while maintaining quality.
## Template System Overview
Templates let you create reusable content that automatically fills with quote-specific data. Write content once, use it across all quotes.
### How Templates Work
1. **Write Template Content** - Create text with dynamic variables
2. **Variables Auto-Fill** - System inserts actual quote data
3. **Reuse Everywhere** - Same template across all quotes
4. **Update Once** - Changes apply to all future quotes
### Benefits
- **Save Time** - Write once, use forever
- **Consistency** - Same quality across all quotes
- **Personalization** - Each quote shows customer-specific data
- **No Errors** - Auto-filled data always accurate
- **Easy Updates** - Change template, all future quotes updated
## Dynamic Variables
Variables are placeholders that automatically fill with quote data. Use double curly brackets: `{{variable_name}}`
### Customer Information
| Variable | Description | Example Output |
|----------|-------------|----------------|
| `{{name}}` | Customer's name | John Smith |
### System Specifications
| Variable | Description | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `{{number_of_panels}}` | Total panels proposed | 24 |
| `{{number_of_inverters}}` | Total inverters | 1 |
| `{{total_system_capacity}}` | DC system size (kW) | 9.6 kW |
| `{{total_ac_capacity}}` | AC inverter capacity (kW) | 7.6 kW |
| `{{degradation_rate}}` | Annual panel degradation | 0.5% |
### Financial Metrics
| Variable | Description | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `{{net_cost}}` | Total system cost | $24,000 |
| `{{payback_period}}` | Years to payback | 8.2 years |
| `{{return_on_investment}}` | ROI percentage | 450% |
| `{{30_year_net_savings}}` | Net savings after cost | $42,000 |
| `{{30_year_savings}}` | Total 30-year savings | $66,000 |
### Energy Production
| Variable | Description | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `{{total_ac_annual}}` | First year production (kWh) | 12,450 kWh |
### Utility Information
| Variable | Description | Example |
|----------|-------------|---------|
| `{{escalation_rate}}` | Utility rate increase | 3.3% |
| `{{power_bill_year_30}}` | Bill in year 30 (no solar) | $542 |
| `{{power_bill_year_30_with_solar}}` | Bill in year 30 (with solar) | $48 |
## Using Variables
### Example Template
**Template:**
```
Dear {{name}},
We're proposing a {{total_system_capacity}} kW solar system with {{number_of_panels}} panels. This system will produce approximately {{total_ac_annual}} kWh in the first year.
Your investment of {{net_cost}} will pay for itself in {{payback_period}} years, with total savings of {{30_year_net_savings}} over 30 years.
```
**Output (Automatically Filled):**
```
Dear John Smith,
We're proposing a 9.6 kW solar system with 24 panels. This system will produce approximately 12,450 kWh in the first year.
Your investment of $24,000 will pay for itself in 8.2 years, with total savings of $42,000 over 30 years.
```
### Best Practices
**DO:**
- ✅ Use variables for all numbers and customer names
- ✅ Write templates that work for any quote
- ✅ Test templates with different quote sizes
- ✅ Keep variable names exactly as listed
**DON'T:**
- ❌ Hard-code numbers or names
- ❌ Modify variable names
- ❌ Assume specific system sizes
- ❌ Include outdated information
## Company Default Templates
Set company-wide defaults for each quote section:
### Available Sections
1. **Introduction** - Opening section
2. **System Design** - Array/design details
3. **Energy Production** - Production estimates
4. **Panel Information** - Panel specifications
5. **Inverter Information** - Inverter details
6. **Equipment** - Additional equipment
7. **Financial Value** - Cost and savings
8. **Payback Analysis** - ROI and payback
9. **Environmental Impact** - CO₂ savings
10. **Pricing** - Detailed pricing
11. **Incentives** - Tax credits and rebates
12. **Documents** - Attached documents
13. **Next Steps** - Process overview
14. **Video** - Embedded video content
15. **Posts** - Knowledge base articles
### Setting Default Templates
1. Go to **Company Settings** > **Quote Templates**
2. Select a section
3. Write or paste template content
4. Use rich text editor for formatting
5. Insert dynamic variables with `{{variable}}`
6. Click **Save as Company Default**
**Result:** All new quotes use this template for that section
### Updating Templates
**Updating Company Default:**
- Go to any quote
- Edit the section content
- Click **Save as Company Default**
- Future quotes use new template
- Existing quotes unchanged
**Per-Quote Override:**
- Edit content on specific quote
- Don't save as default
- Only that quote affected
- Company default unchanged
## Powerlily AI Writing Assistant
AI-powered content generation helps you write professional proposal content quickly. Access the AI assistant from any rich text section.
### Accessing the AI
1. Open quote customization
2. Click on any text section
3. Look for the ⚡ lightning bolt icon in the editor toolbar
4. Click to open Powerlily AI modal
### How It Works
The AI assistant:
- **Understands Context** - Knows your quote specifications
- **Uses Your Data** - References actual system details
- **Writes Professionally** - Creates polished content
- **Follows Instructions** - Does exactly what you ask
- **Saves Time** - Generates content in seconds
### Using the AI Assistant
#### Step 1: Open AI Modal
Click the ⚡ lightning bolt icon in the text editor toolbar
#### Step 2: Choose Writing Style
Select from 11 different writing styles:
**Professional Styles:**
- **Professional** (Default) - Balanced, business-appropriate
- **Formal & Technical** - Elevated language, specifications
- **Friendly & Approachable** - Warm, accessible tone
**Specialized Styles:**
- **Tech Enthusiast** - Technical details, industry jargon
- **Light & Humorous** - Professional with personality
- **Casual & Relaxed** - Conversational, informal
- **High Energy & Excited** - Enthusiastic, dynamic
- **Brief & Direct** - Concise, minimalist
**Fun Styles:**
- **Captain Jack Sparrow** - Pirate-themed (for fun proposals)
- **Yoda** - Wise, Star Wars inspired
- **Sonic the Hedgehog** - Speed and energy themed
#### Step 3: Review Current Content
The modal shows your current section content for reference
#### Step 4: Write Your Prompt
Tell the AI what you want:
**Good Prompts:**
- "Explain the benefits of our panel selection"
- "Write 3 paragraphs about solar energy independence"
- "Describe how net metering works in simple terms"
- "Emphasize the environmental benefits of this system"
- "Create an engaging introduction for a first-time solar buyer"
**Specific Prompts:**
- "Highlight the fast payback period of this system"
- "Explain why our system size is perfect for their usage"
- "Address common concerns about solar panel durability"
- "Compare the cost of solar vs. continuing to buy utility power"
#### Step 5: Choose Append or Replace
**Replace Mode:**
- Completely replaces current content
- Use for new sections or major rewrites
**Append Mode:**
- Adds to end of current content
- Use for adding information
- Keeps existing content
#### Step 6: Generate Content
Click **Ask Powerlily** and wait 5-15 seconds for generation
### AI Features
#### Context Awareness
The AI has access to:
- Customer name
- System specifications
- Financial projections
- Equipment details
- All quote data
**Example:** If you write "explain the payback," the AI knows your actual payback period and references it accurately.
#### Automatic Variable Insertion
AI automatically uses dynamic variables:
- Instead of "John" → uses `{{name}}`
- Instead of "$24,000" → uses `{{net_cost}}`
- Instead of "24 panels" → uses `{{number_of_panels}}`
**Why This Matters:** Content works for all quotes, not just the current one
#### Section Awareness
AI knows what other sections contain:
- Won't repeat information already covered
- Complements existing content
- Maintains consistency across proposal
### Writing Style Details
#### Professional (Default)
Technical precision, formal language, industry terminology
- **Best for:** Standard proposals, business clients
- **Tone:** Polished, professional, trustworthy
#### Formal & Technical
Elevated language, complex structures, specifications
- **Best for:** Engineers, technical decision-makers
- **Tone:** Authoritative, detailed, sophisticated
#### Friendly & Approachable
Warm, accessible, simpler explanations
- **Best for:** Residential customers, first-time solar buyers
- **Tone:** Welcoming, easy to understand, personal
#### Tech Enthusiast
Technical specs, industry jargon, technology focus
- **Best for:** Tech-savvy clients, early adopters
- **Tone:** Excited about technology, detailed specs
#### Light & Humorous
Professional with wit, light observations
- **Best for:** Relationship-building, younger demographics
- **Tone:** Fun but informative, memorable
#### Casual & Relaxed
Conversational, simplified technical concepts
- **Best for:** Informal relationships, small businesses
- **Tone:** Laid-back, relatable, easy-going
#### High Energy & Excited
Dynamic language, emphasizes impressive aspects
- **Best for:** Enthusiastic buyers, promotional materials
- **Tone:** Energetic, positive, motivating
#### Brief & Direct
Concise sentences, essential information only
- **Best for:** Busy executives, time-conscious clients
- **Tone:** Efficient, clear, no fluff
### AI Best Practices
**DO:**
- ✅ Be specific in your prompts
- ✅ Try different writing styles
- ✅ Review and edit AI output
- ✅ Use for inspiration and drafts
- ✅ Add your personal touch
**DON'T:**
- ❌ Use AI output without review
- ❌ Expect perfection first try
- ❌ Copy without customizing
- ❌ Forget to check variable usage
- ❌ Use inappropriate styles for serious proposals
### Example AI Workflow
1. **Start with Company Default** - Basic template loads
2. **Open AI Assistant** - Click ⚡ icon
3. **Set Style** - Choose "Friendly & Approachable"
4. **Write Prompt** - "Explain why now is a great time to go solar, emphasizing our system's strong ROI"
5. **Generate** - AI creates 3-4 paragraphs
6. **Review** - Read through content
7. **Edit** - Make any desired changes
8. **Save** - Click save, content stored
## Advanced Tips
### Combining Templates and AI
1. **Create Base Template** - Company default with structure
2. **Use AI for Details** - Generate specific sections
3. **Add Variables** - Replace hard-coded values
4. **Save as Default** - Template + AI content combined
### A/B Testing Content
- Create multiple versions with AI
- Test different writing styles
- Track which converts better
- Update company defaults based on results
### Localization
- AI understands language context
- Can write for different markets
- Adjusts terminology appropriately
- Respects cultural differences
### Industry-Specific Content
**Residential Solar:**
- Focus on savings and independence
- Use friendly, accessible language
- Emphasize home value increase
**Commercial Solar:**
- ROI and tax benefits
- Sustainability and CSR
- Technical specifications
- Professional, formal tone
**Agricultural Solar:**
- Farm-specific benefits
- USDA programs
- Operational savings
- Practical, straightforward
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**Next:** Learn about [[Quote Customization]] for complete proposal personalization.