Design optimal panel layouts, eliminate shading guesswork, and cut survey times from weeks to hours with AI for solar.
Specialized Solution: AI Shading & Layout Optimization
AI combines satellite imagery, LIDAR data, and local weather patterns to model shading throughout the year and design panel layouts that maximize energy production — turning weeks of manual surveys into hours of automated analysis.
90%
reduction in site survey time
The Problem in Solar
These are the challenges AI solves for solar contractors every day.
Manual site surveys burn days per project
Sending a crew to measure roof dimensions, check shading, and assess structural suitability takes days. AI remote site assessment using satellite and aerial data delivers the same insights in hours.
Suboptimal panel layouts reduce system performance
Designing panel layouts manually means guessing at shading impact. AI models sun paths, tree shadows, and obstructions hour-by-hour across all seasons to maximize annual energy production.
Permitting complexity slows down installations
Solar permits require detailed engineering drawings, structural calculations, and utility interconnection paperwork. AI automates plan generation and pre-fills permit applications.
AI Solutions for Solar Contractors
Quick-win automations that pay for themselves immediately — filtered for your trade.
Instant Material Takeoffs
80% faster, 97% accurate
Estimators spend hours manually clicking through 2D PDF plans to count windows, doors, and square footage.
AI-Assisted Proposal Writing
3 hrs → 20 min per proposal
Your proposals look like basic spreadsheets, or you struggle to write professional project descriptions.
The 24/7 AI Receptionist
$3,000/mo recovered
You're on a ladder and a new lead goes to voicemail. Most customers won't leave a message — they'll call the next guy.
The Permit Pinger
Saves weeks of dead time
Permits sit in black holes on city portals — you have no idea when they move.
The Receipt Ripper
Recovers 2–5% project slippage
Crumpled receipts in the truck dashboard never make it to job costing.
Voice-to-Daily-Report
75–90% faster reporting
Supers write short, useless daily logs because they hate typing after a long day.
Frequently Asked Questions: AI for Solar
Answers to the most common questions about AI in the solar trade.
How does AI optimize solar panel layout design?
AI analyzes satellite imagery, LIDAR elevation data, and historical weather patterns to model shading on every square foot of a roof throughout the year. It then calculates the panel arrangement that produces maximum annual energy output while meeting setback requirements and code constraints.
Can AI reduce solar site survey time?
Yes, dramatically. Traditional site surveys require on-site visits with measuring tools and shade analysis equipment. AI-powered remote assessment uses satellite and aerial data to evaluate a site in hours instead of days, cutting survey time by up to 90%.
How does AI help solar contractors win more bids?
Speed and accuracy win solar bids. AI generates professional proposals with 3D renderings, accurate production estimates, and financial projections in minutes. Homeowners choose the contractor who delivers a compelling, data-backed proposal first.
Can AI help with solar permitting?
AI generates code-compliant engineering drawings, fills in permit applications based on project parameters, and tracks permit status automatically. This reduces permitting bottlenecks that commonly delay solar installations.
What ROI can solar contractors expect from AI tools?
Solar contractors using AI for site assessment and design report 90% faster surveys, 25% more proposals per week, and higher close rates from professional automated presentations. Combined with reduced engineering costs, most contractors see ROI within the first month.
See Your Solar ROI in 2 Minutes
Take the free AI ROI Diagnostic pre-filled for solar contractors. Get a personalized savings report in under 2 minutes.