Pylon Review

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

Pylon is a specialized software platform designed for solar installers, designers, and sales teams. It combines solar design tools with customer relationship management (CRM) and proposal generation features, enabling users to create accurate solar designs, estimate system performance, and present professional proposals to clients. The software is cloud-based, meaning it can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, and it’s optimized for both desktop and mobile devices.

Pylon’s core promise is to simplify the solar sales and design process by offering high-resolution imagery, precise modeling tools, and seamless integrations with popular CRM and financing platforms. It caters to businesses of all sizes, from small residential installers to large commercial solar companies.

Key Features of Pylon

1. Solar Design Tools

Pylon’s design suite is one of its standout features. The software uses high-resolution satellite imagery and 3D modeling to create accurate solar designs. Key design features include:

  • High-Resolution Imagery: Pylon leverages nearmap imagery and other high-quality sources to provide detailed views of rooftops, allowing users to map out solar panel placements with precision.
  • 3D Modeling: The software generates 3D models of rooftops, enabling users to visualize panel layouts and account for shading, roof pitch, and obstructions like chimneys or skylights.
  • Shade Analysis: Pylon’s shade analysis tool uses advanced algorithms to estimate shading impacts throughout the year, ensuring accurate energy production estimates.
  • Automated Design Suggestions: For users new to solar design, Pylon offers automated layout suggestions based on roof dimensions and energy goals, reducing the learning curve.

2. Performance Modeling

Pylon’s performance modeling tools estimate a solar system’s energy production based on local weather data, panel specifications, and inverter efficiency. The software supports a wide range of solar panels, inverters, and battery storage systems, allowing users to customize designs to meet client needs. Performance reports are detailed yet easy to understand, making them ideal for client presentations.

3. Proposal Generation

Pylon’s proposal tools are designed to help sales teams close deals. Users can create professional, branded proposals that include:

  • System design visuals
  • Energy production estimates
  • Financial analysis (including payback periods, ROI, and savings)
  • Financing options
  • Customizable branding and messaging

Proposals can be generated in minutes and shared with clients via email or a client portal, complete with e-signature capabilities for seamless contract signing.

4. CRM and Workflow Integration

Pylon integrates with popular CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho, allowing users to manage leads, track sales pipelines, and sync customer data. The software also supports integrations with financing platforms such as Mosaic and Sungage, enabling users to include financing options directly in proposals. These integrations streamline workflows and reduce manual data entry.

5. Mobile Accessibility

Pylon’s mobile app allows users to access designs, generate proposals, and manage leads on the go. The app is particularly useful for field sales teams who need to present proposals during client meetings or update designs based on on-site observations.

6. Battery and Storage Integration

With the growing demand for energy storage, Pylon has added support for battery systems like Tesla Powerwall and Enphase IQ Battery. Users can design hybrid solar-plus-storage systems and include battery performance metrics in proposals, addressing the needs of clients interested in energy independence or backup power.

Usability and User Experience

Pylon’s interface is intuitive and well-organized, making it accessible to both experienced solar professionals and newcomers. The design dashboard is clean, with drag-and-drop functionality for placing panels and tools clearly labeled for shade analysis, performance modeling, and proposal generation. The software’s use of high-resolution imagery enhances the user experience by providing a clear view of rooftops, reducing guesswork during design.

For users with limited design experience, Pylon’s automated design suggestions and guided workflows simplify the process. However, advanced users may find the software’s customization options robust enough to handle complex commercial projects. The learning curve is relatively short, with most users able to create their first design and proposal within a few hours of onboarding.

Pylon also offers a comprehensive knowledge base, video tutorials, and responsive customer support to assist users. Live training sessions and webinars are available for teams looking to maximize the software’s capabilities.

Integrations

Pylon’s integrations are a major selling point, as they allow businesses to incorporate the software into their existing workflows. Key integrations include:

  • CRM Platforms: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Pipedrive for lead management and sales tracking.
  • Financing Platforms: Mosaic, Sungage, and GoodLeap for seamless financing options.
  • Energy Modeling Tools: Integration with NREL’s SAM (System Advisor Model) for advanced performance simulations.
  • Accounting Software: QuickBooks and Xero for invoicing and financial tracking.

These integrations make Pylon a versatile tool that can serve as the central hub for a solar business’s operations. However, some users have noted that certain integrations (e.g., with less common CRM platforms) may require manual configuration or third-party tools like Zapier.

Pricing

Pylon operates on a subscription-based pricing model, with plans tailored to different business sizes and needs. While exact pricing may vary based on the number of users and features required, the general structure includes:

  • Basic Plan: Designed for small businesses or individual designers, this plan includes core design and proposal tools but may lack advanced integrations or commercial design features.
  • Pro Plan: Aimed at growing businesses, this plan includes CRM integrations, financing options, and support for battery storage designs.
  • Enterprise Plan: For large solar companies, this plan offers unlimited users, advanced analytics, and custom integrations.

Pricing is typically charged per user per month, with discounts available for annual subscriptions. While Pylon’s pricing is competitive compared to alternatives like Aurora Solar or OpenSolar, some small businesses may find the cost prohibitive, especially for teams with multiple users. Pylon offers a free trial, allowing users to test the software before committing.

Strengths of Pylon

  1. Accuracy and Precision: Pylon’s use of high-resolution imagery and advanced shade analysis ensures accurate designs and performance estimates, reducing the risk of errors in proposals.
  2. Ease of Use: The intuitive interface and automated design tools make Pylon accessible to users of all skill levels.
  3. Professional Proposals: Pylon’s proposal generation tools create visually appealing, data-driven presentations that help close deals.
  4. Integrations: Seamless integrations with CRM, financing, and accounting platforms streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
  5. Mobile Accessibility: The mobile app allows sales teams to work effectively in the field, enhancing flexibility.

Weaknesses of Pylon

  1. Cost: For small businesses or freelancers, Pylon’s pricing may be higher than open-source or free alternatives like OpenSolar.
  2. Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic features are easy to use, mastering advanced tools like commercial design or custom integrations may require additional training.
  3. Limited Offline Functionality: As a cloud-based platform, Pylon requires an internet connection, which can be a drawback for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.
  4. Integration Gaps: While Pylon supports many popular platforms, users of niche CRM or accounting tools may need to rely on third-party solutions for integration.

Comparison with Competitors

Pylon competes with several other solar design and sales platforms, including Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, and SolarDesignTool. Here’s how it stacks up:

  • Aurora Solar: Aurora is a premium platform with advanced AI-driven design tools and robust commercial design capabilities. While Aurora offers more advanced features, it’s also more expensive, making Pylon a better choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • OpenSolar: OpenSolar is a free, cloud-based platform with similar design and proposal tools. However, it lacks Pylon’s high-resolution imagery and some advanced integrations, making Pylon a better fit for businesses prioritizing precision and workflow integration.
  • SolarDesignTool: This platform is more focused on design than sales, with fewer CRM and proposal features. Pylon’s all-in-one approach gives it an edge for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution.

Who Should Use Pylon?

Pylon is ideal for:

  • Small to Medium-Sized Solar Businesses: Companies looking for an affordable, all-in-one solution for design, sales, and CRM will benefit from Pylon’s features and integrations.
  • Sales Teams: The professional proposal tools and mobile app make Pylon a great choice for field sales teams aiming to close deals quickly.
  • Businesses Prioritizing Accuracy: Pylon’s high-resolution imagery and shade analysis tools are perfect for companies that need precise designs and performance estimates.

However, businesses with very tight budgets may prefer free alternatives like OpenSolar, while large enterprises with complex needs might opt for Aurora Solar’s advanced features.

Customer Feedback and Market Reputation

Pylon has generally received positive feedback from users, with many praising its ease of use, professional proposals, and responsive customer support. On platforms like Capterra and G2, Pylon scores highly for usability and value for money, though some users have noted the cost as a barrier for smaller teams. The software has also been recognized in the solar industry for its innovation, particularly in integrating design and sales workflows.

Future Potential and Updates

Pylon’s developers are actively working to enhance the platform, with recent updates adding support for battery storage and improved CRM integrations. Future updates are expected to include AI-driven design optimization, expanded commercial design tools, and enhanced analytics for tracking sales performance. These developments suggest that Pylon is committed to staying competitive in the evolving solar software market.

Conclusion

Pylon is a powerful, user-friendly platform that combines solar design, performance modeling, and sales tools into a single package. Its high-resolution imagery, intuitive interface, and seamless integrations make it a valuable asset for small to medium-sized solar businesses. While the cost and limited offline functionality may be drawbacks for some, Pylon’s strengths in accuracy, professional proposals, and workflow efficiency make it a strong contender in the solar software market.

For solar professionals looking to streamline their design and sales processes without breaking the bank, Pylon offers a compelling solution. Its free trial allows businesses to test the software and determine if it meets their needs, making it worth exploring for any solar company aiming to boost efficiency and close more deals.

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