International Installers | ENACT

Partnerships and Enact Partner Ecosystem

Anil — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:07:03 +0000

The Power of Partnerships and Enact’s Partner Ecosystem

1. The Power of Partnerships in the Solar & Battery Storage industry

The business of deploying Solar & Storage projects for homes and buildings has a complex value chain that starts with OEMs and their distribution networks, followed by solar installation companies (also known as ‘EPC’ firms: engineering, procurement and construction), third-party financing firms and asset management.

As shown below, this value chain is fragmented with thousands of firms that work together to deliver ~300-500k residential projects per year and ~10k commercial projects per year in the US market. Also shown below is the consumer’s extended influencer and marketing network that plays a significant role in their buying decision; plus the authorities that grant approval for such projects – cities, AHJs & utilities that provide net metering access. And finally, various other providers of business services like software, third-party marketing and legal services play a major role as well.

Behind every successfully completed project, there are ~20 different companies involved : 10+ different manufacturers of various components, at least one distributor for key hardware supply, 3-5 different firms that complete the EPC role (including permit engineering, outsourced labor crews and third-party marketing firms), at least one consumer financing company (80% of projects are financed), at least 2 authorities granting approval along with one maintenance provider and one or more software vendors.

Needless to say, it’s a complex industry like many others that delivers $Billions of dollars in product/services per year to building owners. Partnerships between firms happen at every step of the value chain: OEMs partner with distributors downstream, similarly distributors partner with EPCs downstream and EPCs in-turn partner with a host of business service providers like financing companies, permit engineering firms, marketing platforms and also maintenance providers.

Why are partnerships so crucial for success in this industry? There are four key reasons:

Reduce customer acquisition cost: partnerships along the value chain help every firm reduce its own customer acquisition cost. E.g. for an OEM, it is difficult to find and serve every EPC in every city / state on their own in a profitable way and so partnerships with regional distribution companies is crucial to gain EPC customer access.

Similarly, for an EPC, it’s crucial to partner with marketing platforms that help find end-clients through a variety of online marketing services, either online and offline. In the US market, soft costs reign high and project margins are slim, hence keeping customer acquisition cost low is crucial for success.
Efficient Scale-up of operations: relying on out-sourced third-party firms for specific services like financing of projects, or even repair and maintenance helps build scale faster. While many firms often grow to internalize certain functions (e.g. EPC launching a fund in-house, or even developing in-house software tools), the most successful firms identify their core competence quickly and rely on the best partners to do the rest, for faster growth. The business rules around solar and storage permitting, financing and even utility pricing / incentives vary from one city/state to another – hence partnering with software platforms that can simplify design and sales of new projects can help EPCs grow faster.
Improve business focus: for every firm in the value chain, it’s crucial to lock the core-competence internally. Whether it’s a financing firm or a maintenance provider, they must identify the one thing they are good at, and improve that over time with focus across the organization. Partnerships allow this to happen faster – firms that quickly find their core focus, and partner with others to achieve the rest of the integrated value offering downstream do better in the long run. It’s the classic ‘build vs buy’ choice, and the most successful firms find out quickly that the ROI is poor to ‘build’ everything in house.
Data-access for Reliable Asset Operations: partnerships across the value chain help improve the quality of data access for improved maintenance too. For example, a hardware OEM like a battery-inverter maker provides live data on its performance hourly / daily on open networks and this helps EPCs / maintenance firms react to issues quickly, which in turn helps reduce warranty costs and improves customer satisfaction.

Solar and storage assets provide long-term value by fixing the energy cost, and break-even over 3 to 7 years depending on the location, while operating for 25+ years of warranty. The industry is yet to mature and EPCs being fragmented often go-out of business. The customer’s Asset reliability is important: and having only ONE firm stand behind their system can be risky: unlike the car industry, where OEMs have reliable & powerful dealer networks whereby the customer can purchase and service their cars from one OEM / dealer, Solar / storage assets are equally expensive, yet there are no such OEM / dealer networks. Hence it’s crucial for consumers to have access to data for their project(s) at one place. Software platforms like Enact have the unique ability to enable such partnerships.

2. Enact Introduction: our unique, end-to-end software platform

Enact has emerged as one of the leading software-enabled sales, delivery and asset management platforms – especially in California where it was launched first where storage-plus-solar is a key market trend and now in three other continents. Enact’s unique installer-focused design software that speeds up solar-plus-storage proposals is already gaining market share globally. Enact’s strategy to build out a two-sided platform that improves post-sales asset management has resonated strongly with market needs and now proven revenue.

Unlike other solar software competitors like Aurora or OpenSolar, Enact is highly differentiated with its focus on asset management & customer outcomes. Enact is the only platform today that has monetized the entire customer journey, with subscription revenues from BOTH the installer and the consumer (B2B2C). Enact’s commercial solar capabilities are now well established in many markets too, so this combination of features has enabled revenue growth in multiple countries simultaneously.

3. Enact’s Partner Ecosystem

Enact completed its 10th year of operations in 2024 and over the years, Enact has grown its business model carefully while leveraging partnerships consistently along the way. Enact first started with B2B software subscription revenues leveraging its design software platform. Later it unlocked B2B2C revenue through the launch of its Consumer Asset Management offering, and even direct-to-consumer design services / asset management revenues in California.

Powerful partnerships helped Enact scale its revenue lines rapidly, while keeping customer acquisition costs low and maintaining its core business focus on software and data services. Here’s some examples of successful partnerships, divided into three main groups, only focusing on the US market (additional partnerships are global)

Partnerships to unlock access Installer clients for Software SubscriptionSuch firms have hundreds of Installer clients, so integrating with them and offering their products can provide automation and stickiness to the user.
1. Financing providers e.g. Sungage and LightReach
2. Permit Engineering firms e.g. ExactUS and CRENG
3. Distributors e.g. CED Greentech
4. Other Software platforms e.g. BluBanyon
5. Other Hardware OEMs e.g. Renusol (roof structure)
Partnerships that help improve end-customer asset managementEfficient asset management requires removal of ‘data silos’ and Enact’s integration with different OEM hardware data clouds like inverters and batteries enables centralized data access, that enables improved customer service and issue resolution
1. Inverter Hardware OEMs for data access e.g. Solark and Fronius
2. Installation partnerships (“Insider”) e.g. 20+ US EPCs
3. Service and repair networks e.g. 5+ firms like JP Solar that fix / repair
Corporate Partnerships that help reduce end-customer acquisition costEnact services end-consumer solar and storage project needs directly in California, partnerships with different corporates below enables lower cost of customer acquisition
1. Retail networks e.g. Batteries Plus and Walmart
2. Home Electrification partners e.g. Quit Carbon
3. New-home aggregation e.g. Haven Development

In addition to the above categories, Enact’s Product Platform also has technology partnerships with dozens of vendors (e.g. data providers, imaging providers, cloud services). Enact also partners with a variety of businesses to scale its offering globally.

Explore the benefits of joining the Enact Partner Program and grow with us.
See how Enact’s software can help you win more projects and better serve your customers. Book a free demo with our team today.

Written by Deep Chakraborty, CEO of Enact Systems, Inc.

Solar incentives for end-users in Germany

Anil — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:13:36 +0000

Germany is a global pioneer in solar energy, setting the bar through innovative incentives and forward-thinking legislation that make harnessing the power of the sun more accessible than ever. This vibrant solar environment provides installers with a unique opportunity to help clients in maximising the benefits of cutting-edge solar technology. Dive in as we look at Germany’s current solar incentives and how they enable both residential and business end users to embrace a brighter, greener future!

Zero Value-Added Tax (VAT) Rate for Solar

One of the most significant innovations in Germany’s solar energy policies is the implementation of a 0% value-added tax rate for the supply and installation of solar panels, which went into effect on January 1, 2023. This regulation applies to a wide range of systems, including single-family residential and commercial photovoltaic (PV) installations rated up to up to 30 kilowatts (kW) in size. For multi-family homes, the exemption applies to systems up to 15 kW per residential or commercial unit, with a maximum of 100 kW per building.

This 0% VAT policy is a game changer, lowering the initial cost of solar installations and making them more affordable and accessible to both homeowners and businesses. For installers, this is an important point to relay with potential clients because lower costs can make solar energy projects more enticing and financially practical. By emphasising this incentive, you may not only assist clients save money, but also stimulate the adoption of renewable energy solutions, thereby contributing to a cleaner future.

What is a Value-Added Tax?

A value-added tax is a consumption tax applied to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution where value is added. Unlike a sales tax that is typically charged only at the final point of sale, VAT is collected incrementally throughout the supply chain. For example, manufacturers pay VAT on raw materials and retailers pay VAT on the finished goods, with each entity in the chain passing on the cost to the next. Ultimately, the end consumer bears the full cost of the tax, as businesses can usually reclaim VAT paid on their inputs. VAT is commonly used in many countries worldwide to generate government revenue efficiently.

In Germany, value-added tax applies to most goods and services with a standard rate of 19%. Reduced rates, such as 7% for items like food and books and 0% for solar systems, are also in place. Businesses typically file VAT returns monthly or quarterly, with payments due by the 10th of the following month, although smaller taxpayers may have reduced reporting requirements. VAT is an annual tax, requiring an annual return to reconcile with periodic filings. Special systems like the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) simplify VAT compliance for cross-border sales and services within the European Union. Recent legislation, effective from 2025, mandates electronic invoicing for business-to-business transactions in structured formats, with phased transitional periods to ease adoption.

Feed-in Tariffs and the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)

Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) remains a vital component of its solar incentives, but it has evolved dramatically over the years. Initially, the EEG provided high fixed feed-in rates for solar electricity, which fuelled a spike in solar adoption in the early 2000s.

Today, the system has shifted: larger systems now rely on competitive auctions rather than fixed tariffs, while smaller systems (up to 100 kW) continue to profit from feed-in tariffs, albeit at lower rates than in the 2000s. The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) manages this program, modifying tariffs for smaller systems monthly based on installation activity. This guarantees that incentives are consistent with the lowering prices of solar technologies and market efficiency.

Germany’s Bundestag has approved a law to eliminate the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) levy starting July 1, 2022, six months earlier than planned. This measure, which marked a major modification to the EEG, aims to alleviate rising energy costs, saving a typical family of four around €300 annually compared to 2021. Electricity providers are legally obligated to fully pass on this cost reduction to consumers.

The EEG levy, introduced in 2000 to fund renewable energy expansion, will permanently end in January 2023. To offset the revenue loss, the government will use approximately €6.6 billion annually from the Energy and Climate Fund (EKF) to continue subsidizing renewable energy projects.

Electricity prices in Germany are composed of various factors, including supply and distribution costs, grid fees, and state-imposed charges such as VAT, electricity tax, and concession fees.

Although tariffs are lower than in the past, they continue to provide significant support for smaller solar systems, making solar energy a viable investment option for many. These revisions demonstrate Germany’s commitment to renewable energy while also responding to changing technology and market situations.

Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) for Solar

The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) initiative in Germany, which began on January 1, 2021, promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades in buildings. It addresses a variety of technologies, including solar energy systems, energy-efficient heating and air conditioning technology, heat pumps and other technology.

The program is divided into three categories: BEG WG for residential structures, BEG NWG for non-residential buildings and BEG EM for individual measures. Individual measures refers to a variety of renovations to existing buildings that focus on specific energy improvements to the property.

BEG EM offers loans and subsidies for solar thermal systems, with funding rates ranging from 20% to 40% of the eligible expenses. Applicants can simplify the procedure by merging various measures into a single application. In 2020, BEG’s predecessor program funded slightly under 500,000 residential units, totalling approximately €27 billion in loans and grants.

2024 Updates to the BEG Program

Recent updates to Germany’s Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) program focus on expanding subsidies for energy-efficient refurbishments, including heating system replacements and insulation. Residential building upgrades now qualify for subsidies covering up to 70% of costs, while non-residential projects are eligible for subsidized loans and other financial incentives.

New guidelines introduce bonuses, such as a 5% efficiency boost for advanced heat pumps and a 20% “climate speed bonus” for early transitions to renewable heating systems. An individualized renovation roadmap (iSFP) can increase funding for certain projects, raising the maximum subsidy per residential unit to €90,000. For non-residential buildings, funding limits are now tied to building size, offering up to €400 per square meter for heat generators.

Additionally, supplementary loans of up to €120,000 are available for households earning less than €90,000 annually, with applications open starting February 27, 2024. Importantly, these funds can be accessed retroactively for projects completed before submission. The changes aim to streamline the transition to energy-efficient buildings while providing enhanced financial support for homeowners and businesses.

SolarPLUS: Berlin’s Solar Funding

The SolarPLUS program is a government-funded initiative in the State of Berlin designed to encourage the adoption of solar energy by providing financial incentives for photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage. Available to individuals, businesses and organizations, the program offers funding based on the size and type of the system installed.

Key benefits include a 20-year feed-in tariff of €0.095 per kWh for generated electricity, one-time grants of €1,500 for systems up to 3 kW and €2,000 for larger systems and interest-free loans for the first five years to help with installation costs. Additionally, subsidies are available for removing old, asbestos-containing roof tiles for systems installed on such roofs.

Eligibility requirements include installation on residential properties in Berlin, a minimum system size of 3 kW and work performed by certified installers. The program makes solar energy more accessible and is worth exploring for those planning solar projects in Berlin.

SolarPLUS makes solar installations more desirable in Berlin by complementing federal government subsidies, providing specialised solutions for a variety of demands and encouraging greater adoption of renewable energy.

Applications for Berlin’s SolarPlus program can be found online at Investitionsbank Berlin.

Berlin’s Balcony Power Plants Subsidy

Since February 2023, Berlin tenants can receive up to 500 euros in subsidies for balcony power plants as part of the SolarPlus program. These solar devices, which generate electricity on balconies, now have a subsidy limit of 800 watts, up from 600 watts. Tenants must have landlord permission, and no longer need to register with Stromnetz Berlin. If the system costs up to 500 euros, the subsidy covers the full amount; for more expensive systems, the buyer pays the difference. The changes aim to support Berlin’s climate goals, which include reaching 25% solar power in energy generation by 2035. By April 2024, over 7,700 grants had been approved, with the funding pool supporting up to 14,000 devices.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

New Measures to Speed Up Solar Expansion

In April 2024, the German government announced additional initiatives to accelerate the adoption of solar energy. Significant improvements include raising subsidies for solar systems with more than 40 kilowatts of output by 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, simplifying rules for sharing solar electricity in apartment complexes and making tiny balcony solar systems easier to install.

Additionally, more area, including low-quality agriculture, has been set aside for solar parks and ground-mounted systems. These revisions demonstrate the government’s commitment to eliminating hurdles and promoting solar expansion. For installers, maintaining up to date on these changes is critical for properly advising clients and altering business plans to line with the changing market.

Balcony Solar Systems

Plug-and-play solar panels for balconies are becoming increasingly popular in Germany’s solar market. These modest devices, which cost roughly €200, are making it easier for households to generate their own energy. Recent regulatory improvements have made them easier to install, increasing their popularity. While small panels cannot replace bigger, professionally installed solar systems, they can provide an affordable and accessible method for consumers to get started with solar energy. Installers should be aware of this development and examine how these technologies may impact or complement their services.

Industry Perspectives and Challenges

While the future of solar energy in Germany appears promising, the industry faces several hurdles. One important issue is that German solar panel manufacturers struggle to compete with lower-cost imports, particularly from China. To solve this, there are ideas for “resilience bonuses” or special auctions that would provide higher feed-in tariffs for systems mostly manufactured in Europe.

As an installer, you must comprehend these industry trends. While they may not have an immediate influence on your everyday operations, they may affect the availability and price of solar panels and other components in the future. Staying informed allows you to plan ahead and adjust to potential changes.

Implications for Installers

Emphasizing Cost Savings

With a 0% VAT rate and different subsidies, installers should highlight the huge cost reductions that clients may make with solar energy. According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), solar power is now the most cost-effective source of electricity in Germany, with some installations costing as little as 3.7 eurocents per kilowatt hour. When it comes to promoting solar installations, highlighting the savings and long-term economic benefits can be a powerful selling point.

Navigating Regulatory Complexity

Solar incentives in Germany can be complex and continuously changing. Installers must keep up with federal, state and municipal initiatives, as well as regulatory changes. This understanding allows you to properly guide clients and ensure they get the most out of the perks offered.

Adapting to Market Trends

The growing popularity of balcony solar systems, as well as the expansion of ground-mounted solar parks, create intriguing new options. Adapting your services to match the demands of these emerging markets may help your company grow.

Quality and Certification

Programs such as SolarPLUS require certified installers, thus it is critical to maintain high quality standards and acquire the relevant qualifications. This not only qualifies you for certain incentives, but it also increases trust and confidence among your clients.

Long-term Perspective

Current solar subsidies are enticing, but it’s crucial to consider the future. These benefits may be reduced in the future as solar technology gets more affordable. Installers should focus on developing a solid, adaptable business model that can thrive even if incentives are decreased.

Germany’s solar incentives provide excellent opportunities for solar installations, with perks like as zero VAT, feed-in tariffs and subsidies that make solar energy desirable to both homeowners and businesses. However, these incentives can be complex and ever-changing, necessitating installers’ knowledge and adaptability.

As an installer, you’re not just responsible for installing solar panels; you’re also a guide, assisting clients in understanding and taking full advantage of any incentives. By staying current on legislation updates, market trends and solar technology breakthroughs, you can position yourself as a reliable partner in Germany’s transition to renewable energy.

With the government’s strong commitment to increasing renewable energy, the future of solar in Germany seems positive. As an installer, you play an important role in this shift by delivering clean and cheap energy to households and businesses. By taking advantage of these advantages and remaining adaptable in a changing market, you may build a successful business while helping Germany’s sustainable energy ambitions.

Written by Marketing Intern Kanika Chouan and Content Marketing Associate David Bartle

Why Enact is the right solar software for European installers

Anil — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:59:55 +0000

Residential and commercial solar projects are growing across European markets. The largest residential solar markets in Europe can be divided into Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain — though solar is still growing in many other countries. Drivers of solar growth include government initiatives, the declining costs of solar hardware and increasing demand for clean energy,

As the European solar market is highly competitive, installers need a solar design and proposal tool that streamlines their business. The Enact Solar Design Software is the solution for installers in multiple European countries. The Enact platform is an end-to-end design and sales platform, equipping installers with rapid and accurate proposal generation.

What is the Enact Solar Design Software for Installers?

The Enact Solar Design Software is an all-in-one solar design and sales platform that supports installation professionals throughout the entire solar and storage project journey. It provides remote design capabilities, generates detailed proposals and enables seamless project management for residential and commercial projects worldwide.

The Enact installer app empowers installers to create accurate and detailed solar system designs by inputting project-specific information such as location, roof characteristics, energy consumption and available space.

Installers in over 35 countries use the Enact Solar Design Software to satisfy residential and commercial customers. Enact is proud to work with installers across the European continent as solar energy becomes more popular worldwide.

Top Features for the European Solar Market

Automatic Detection

Solar installers can use the Enact Solar Design Software to rapidly create roof designs with automatic height, automatic pitch and automatic azimuth detection using Google Solar included in the software subscription. Users can also trace obstacles — such as chimneys or skylights — and nearby trees to get automatic measurements. All these detections can be displayed in 2D and 3D.

After finding the address, users can quickly trace the outline of the roof. The Enact Solar Design Software then automatically calculates measurements, height, pitch and azimuth. Next, users can trace obstacles on the roof and trees near the property. The Enact platform can automatically measure and model these obstacles and trees. The Enact Digital Surface Model undergoes height updates once every three months.

Automatic detection enables solar professionals to generate accurate measurements and design systems faster. Based on rapid measurements, users can quickly run shade analyses and identify optimal panel layouts.

Shading Analysis

Based on your project’s roof measurements, location, potential obstacles and trees — installers can run a shading analysis on the Enact platform. The platform can recommend optimal panel placement and users can run multiple “what-ifs” regarding panel amount, placement and alignment. Users can delete panels with poor sun access and play around with different panel configurations.

East-West Configuration

While the optimal direction for solar installations is generally south, the Enact platform offers East-West configuration for installers in European markets, like the United Kingdom, Germany or Italy. East-West configuration is significant for installers for several reasons, particularly for installers designing for locations with limited space or flat roofs. East-West configured systems can be positioned back-to-back, which reduces the space needed between rows and increases output.

East-West configured solar systems follow the sun’s movement from east to west, which can help maximize energy production all day long. These systems reduce the likelihood of inverter overload due to consistent energy production. Traditional south-facing systems can peak during midday, which are more likely to overload inverters.

Due to high real estate prices, many European properties have smaller roof space. Enact’s ability to simulate East-West configurations helps European installers optimize their systems for limited roof space.

German Language

The Enact Solar Design Software interface is offered in both English and German. Starting in March 2024, the inclusion of the German language interface makes our solar design and proposal software accessible to installers in German-speaking regions. The Enact installer platform empowers solar installation teams across Europe — such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Installers can now design residential and commercial solar systems on the Enact platform in English or German. Additionally, the mapping, auto-detection and shading analysis features will be offered in German.

To learn more about Enact for Installers in German, visit our German webpage.

Spanish Language

The Enact Solar Design Software will also offer a Spanish-language interface, starting on September 1, 2024. Similar to the addition of the German interface, the inclusion of the Spanish interface makes our solar design software more accessible to installers in Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions.

Installers will be able to design residential and commercial solar panel and energy storage systems on the Enact platform in Spanish. Previously, installers were able to use the Enact installer platform to generate proposals and contracts in Spanish. Now the entire process, from proposal design to project management, can be offered in Spanish.

What sets Enact apart from other solar software solutions?

Create Customizable and Editable Proposals

Users of Enact can create custom solar and storage systems — and generate customer ready proposals in minutes. If your customer wants something else, Enact proposals can be quickly edited. Proposals can be rapidly generated with accuracy, helping satisfy your customers.

Enact Works With Any OEM

Installers who use the Enact Solar Design Software can design custom systems with virtually any panel, inverter or storage battery on the market. There are no limitations on which OEMs can be modeled on the Enact installer app. Enact’s database of OEM products contains a vast variety of residential and commercial panels, inverters and batteries. If you cannot find a product, contact Enact and we will add the product within 24 hours.

Forecast 25-Year Cash Flows

Installers can use the Enact installer app to quickly design custom systems — and generate 25-year cash flows. By attaching 25-year cash flows forecasts, installers can show their customers the long-term value of their investment. The forecast follows a common warranty period for solar panels and includes adjustments for increases in utility prices.

Integrate with any Customer Relationship Management API

The Enact Solar Design Software can integrate with third \-party APIs — including Zoho, Hubspot, Salesforce and in-house apps. Third-party integrations help installers increase the efficiency of the solar proposal and sales process.

On the Enact platform, users can create a sales lead in their CRM platform and then create a design on the Enact platform. After the solar and storage design is created, Enact users can transfer their design back to the CRM. Users can view their design information on the CRM before sending the proposal to their customer. Designs and leads are both editable at any stage of the process.

Proposal Design as a Service

Enact proudly offers our solar Proposal Design as a Service (DaaS) to installers across European markets. DaaS is a solution tailored for solar installers seeking professionally crafted proposals to enhance their sales efforts. Enact’s team of global solar designers will generate customer-ready proposals in 24 hours or less.

This service provides high-quality, visually appealing and customized proposals that align with the installer’s branding and meet the unique needs of their customers. Each proposal includes accurate data and detailed financial analysis, such as estimated energy savings and return on investment (ROI), ensuring customers receive comprehensive and accurate information.

By leveraging Enact’s expertise in the solar industry, installers can address common customer concerns effectively, thereby increasing their chances of closing sales. DaaS is especially valuable for solar installation companies of all sizes, enabling them to save time and resources while maintaining a professional and persuasive sales approach.

Sign up for a Demo today

The Enact Solar Design Software is a competitive solar design and proposal tool for installers across Europe. Enact empowers installers to tackle increasing demand for solar panels and energy storage systems with next-generation features.

Installers can sign up for a free, live demo with the Enact team to learn more. During your demo, an Enact representative will walk you through the Enact Solar Design Software. Using Enact’s platform, installers can design solar proposals in minutes — allowing you to serve more customers faster. Schedule a free demo with Enact today and streamline your business.

Written by Marketing Associate David Bartle

Reviewed by International Marketing Manager Manuel Tribolati

Enact launches solar design software in the UK

Anil — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:49:07 +0000

Empowering the British solar landscape, Enact unveils all-in-one cloud software platform Enact for Installers

The United Kingdom’s solar energy sector has seen significant growth over the past 20 years. The country saw an increase from four gigawatt hours in 2004 to 13.3 terawatt hours in 2022, according to Statista.

As British solar adoption is expected to grow, Enact is proud to launch its comprehensive cloud design software for installers across the Isles. Enact for Installers is an all-in-one platform that empowers installers across the sales and installation process.

Enact’s mission is to accelerate the transition to clean energy, which we accomplish through our unique solar and energy storage solutions. Installers in the UK and over 25 other countries can design fast, accurate systems and quickly generate customer proposals.

How Enact address the UK solar market needs

As a global leader in providing solar software solutions, Enact is set to bring its innovative platform to empower solar installers across the United Kingdom. Enact for Installers offers unique features that cater to the specific needs of the solar market in the UK and beyond.

The UK saw record home installations in 2023. As more British households move toward solar, Enact can help your business meet growing demand and expedite growth. British solar installers can rely on Enact throughout the solar design and sales process.

The Enact platform streamlines operations and drives efficiency at every stage of the solar adoption process. Installers can use the platform for system designs, proposal generations, sales and project and asset management.

Additionally, Enact for Installers is equipped for the British market. Our solar platform allows users to use metric and imperial measurement systems. Users can better serve customers by providing proposals with local energy supplier tariffs and pricing information.

Key features make Enact a growth-driven tool for British installers include:

Design Efficiency: Rapidly generate rooftop designs across the UK with automatic height, pitch and azimuth detection using the included Digital Surface Model (DSM). Confidently create obstacles and trees around the project, benefitting from DSM height updates every three months.
Shading Analysis: Run quick and accurate shading analyses for solar panel placements, exploring multiple scenarios and easily eliminating panels with poor solar access. Utilise a revamped user interface, providing easy access to critical design parameters and real-time updates on system size, generation, energy offset and storage size values
Storage Optimization: Forecast future savings potential and recommended energy storage sizing. Gain insights into charging cycles and state-of-charge through storage strategies and hourly simulations.
Proposal Customization: Streamline the proposal process with multiple pricing templates tailored to specific region and customer types. Incorporate preferred financing options (loan financing, leasing and PPA options) and compare cash-flows, using customizable templates with dynamic data, graphs and e-signature capabilities for efficient contract closure.

Enact commitment to British solar installers

Enact is committed to providing solar installers in the UK with the best software solution. Our platform can improve installer efficiency through streamlined operations, offering essential features all in one place.

Increased efficiency can help British installers better serve their customers and see faster service. Faster service can help you provide more custom solar designs to homes and businesses across the UK.

Enact for Installers is a versatile tool for solar energy providers in over 25 countries. The solar platform helps installers meet the needs of the British solar and storage market. Our commitment is evident in its focus on efficiency and growth.

Enact for Installers, designed for both experienced installers and newcomers to the industry, simplifies and accelerates operations. Installers in the UK can benefit from design and sales to project and asset management.

Enact stands by installers throughout their business operations, providing tools to manage projects, track leads and create customised solar proposals effortlessly. Enact’s vision aligns with the pursuit of a sustainable energy future for the UK. by simplifying the solar adoption journey for businesses and consumers.

Unique solar and storage solutions for British installers

Enact can play a crucial role in the British residential and commercial solar landscape as it rapidly expands. The Enact platform simplifies the installation journey toward solar adoption.

The British residential and commercial solar market is competitive and a growing force in the UK energy sector. In 2023, the United Kingdom saw record solar and battery installations. Residential rooftop solar installations hit numbers last year that haven’t been seen since government subsidies were widely available in 2015.

Energy storage continues to be a complimentary product for residential and commercial consumers. The Enact platform helps installers size storage and design systems with storage.

As the residential and commercial solar markets continue to grow, Enact for Installers can equip installation professionals with the tools needed to grow with the market. Going beyond our bottom line, Enact aims to make a substantial contribution to the UK’s clean energy future.

Design better with Enact’s solar design tool

Installers can design better solar energy systems with Enact’s solar design tool. The Enact for Installer platform was recently updated with enhanced features in 2024. You can generate fast, accurate custom designs and proposals for customers.

Enact helps automate the design stage with features such as detecting the height of chimneys and trees, taking roof measurements and analysing shade. The automated roof analysis in Enact for Installers features advanced tools that precisely determine roof height, pitch and the solar azimuth angle. Initial designs can be developed in minutes so you can quickly get back to homeowners and other customers

The introduction of our next-generation tool has made succeeding in the solar market more accessible than ever before. Streamlining this stage in the process can help you serve your customers quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

Automated Roof Analysis: Enact for Installers incorporates an advanced auto-detect tool, ensuring precise determination of roof height, pitch and the solar azimuth angle. This cutting-edge software accurately identifies the heights of chimneys and trees, allowing you to efficiently design the optimal system for your clients. The automated obstacle detection not only significantly reduces design time but also empowers you to develop systems within minutes.

On-Screen Summaries: Crafting customised solar designs is made seamless with Enact platform, featuring on-screen summaries that are continuously updated with critical generation data. This includes details such as kWp size, kWh generation, percentage offset and kWh storage. The convenience of these summaries expedites the design process, providing you with real-time insights into system capabilities and enhancing your overall understanding.

Precision Shading: Enact empowers solar professionals to align systems precisely with customer requirements through its solar solution’s highly accurate shading tool. This tool operates effectively across diverse geographical locations, eliminating unexpected shading issues that might compromise your customer’s system. Bid farewell to uncertainties as Enact Precision Shading ensures a reliable and efficient solar solution tailored to meet your customer’s unique needs.

Strategic partnership with TYSPO, London’s leading solar entity

Enact is excited to share news of our collaboration with TYSPO, a significant move set to transform the solar and storage sector for British installers. TYSPO is a London-based company that provides accessible renewable energy products to customers in the United Kingdom and southern Africa. Together, we’re bringing a fresh wave of efficiency and growth to solar businesses.

The Enact for Installers platform, combined with TYSPO’s insights, offers a practical and tailored solution for UK-based installers, streamlining the entire solar adoption process. This collaboration is more than just a partnership; it’s a commitment to providing British installers with the necessary tools and local support to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in the city.

The British solar market

The landscape of the British solar market has undergone substantial transformations in recent years, mirroring the nation’s unwavering dedication to renewable energy and sustainability. Despite facing unique challenges, the UK offers distinct opportunities for the widespread adoption of solar energy.

The market is on the brink of significant expansion, with projections indicating a surge in volume from 18.53 gigawatts in 2024 to an impressive 53.12 gigawatts by 2029. This anticipates a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.53% during the forecast period. Notably, the previous year witnessed unprecedented growth, reminiscent of the numbers observed in 2015 when government incentives for homeowners were more prevalent.

Key to this growth are government initiatives, including feed-in tariffs and renewable energy incentives, which have played a pivotal role in driving the proliferation of solar installations across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. These initiatives align with the overarching goal of diminishing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating carbon emissions.

Energy storage compliments residential and commercial solar for many consumers seeking added savings, sustainability and energy security. As part of the evolving landscape, the British government temporarily exempted domestic battery energy storage systems (BESS) from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in February 2024. The VAT exemption will be in effect until 2027.

The temporary VAT exemption is a positive development for consumers. This measure makes energy storage more financially accessible for consumers. The exemption addresses a previous discrepancy where retrofitting existing solar installations did not enjoy the same VAT-free status as new installations. This inclusivity ensures that over 1.2 million solar-powered homes with existing setups can now benefit from the tax cut, promoting widespread adoption.

Beyond the direct cost savings, the exemption supports energy independence by allowing solar power utilisation after dark, effectively doubling the savings offered by home solar power systems. The measure also extends to water-source heat pumps and smart diverters, encouraging a comprehensive approach to renewable technologies. By stimulating demand for home battery systems, the exemption can drive market growth, foster innovation and create a competitive landscape, ultimately benefiting consumers with a broader range of choices and improved technologies. This initiative, backed by Solar Energy UK, aligns with broader goals of promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies in the UK.

The continuous evolution of solar technology, coupled with a decline in the costs of solar panels, has democratised access to solar energy for both consumers and businesses. Presently, the UK is reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner and greener future by pursuing ambitious solar power targets. The objective is to achieve a 40 gigawatt installed capacity by 2030, thereby solidifying the nation’s stance as a key player in the global transition towards renewable energy.

Start your solar journey today with Enact

Embark on your solar journey today with Enact to see smooth residential and commercial solar energy projects. Our dedicated team of solar experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

Create accurate designs and fast proposals for customised systems with the Enact platform and meet your customers’ needs. Design projects with improved storage sizing and options for systems with added savings.

If you have any questions, concerns or problems — Enact’s global team is here to help. We’re committed to making the transition to solar simple and hassle-free. We even offer Design as a Service so you can get customer-ready proposals in a pinch.

Connect directly with our solar experts on our website to explore the endless possibilities of growing your business with Enact. Don’t wait any longer, book today your complimentary demo to experience firsthand how Enact innovative solar design software can enhance your solar journey.

Schedule a free Demo today

Ready to revolutionise your solar projects? Schedule a free Enact for Installers demo today. Explore the features that can elevate your solar business, generate accurate designs, and expedite customer proposals. Start your journey towards efficiency, growth and a sustainable energy future. Book your complimentary demo now.