Solar CRM vs a generic CRM: which fits a solar business?
A general-purpose CRM, or a spreadsheet, can track contacts. A solar CRM also has to design the roof, work out rebates, produce a single-line diagram and run the install. This page compares the two approaches in general terms. It does not rate any named product.
Choose a general-purpose CRM if
Your business is small or non-solar, you already have a CRM set up the way you like it, and you design and quote in separate tools without minding the double entry.
Choose AktisHub if
You sell and install solar or batteries and want leads, roof design, STCs and battery rebates, diagrams, proposals, e-signature and job tasks on one record, set up for solar from day one.
Feature-by-feature breakdown
AktisHub vs a generic CRM side by side
A transparent look at pricing, Australian solar design, single-line diagrams, proposals and CRM capabilities.
| What matters | AktisHub | Generic CRM or spreadsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Built for solar sales | Yes | Generic: set up pipelines, fields and templates yourself |
| Roof design on aerial imagery | Yes | Not included. Needs a separate design tool |
| STC and battery rebate calculation | Yes | Not included. Calculated by hand or in another tool |
| Single-line diagrams | Yes | Not included |
| Branded solar proposals with e-signature | Yes | Often needs an add-on or a separate proposal tool |
| Installer or electrician portal | Yes | Usually not included |
| Job tasks, scheduling and availability | Yes | Varies. Often built from custom objects or extra apps |
| Solar lead statuses and job statuses | Ready to use and editable | Built and maintained by you |
| Cost to run | Free plan, then $29 to $199 a month | Often a per-seat licence plus the design and proposal tools on top |
| Free data migration | Yes | Not applicable |
Key advantages
Why teams pick AktisHub over a generic CRM
The features that make the difference in day-to-day solar work, and why they matter.
No assembly required
Lead statuses, job statuses, quote templates and roles are ready to use and still fully editable.
The roof is part of the record
Open a customer and see their design, diagram, quote and job without switching tools.
Rebates you do not calculate twice
STCs and battery rebate tiers are worked out from the design and flow into the proposal.
Built for your installers
An electrician portal with assigned jobs, task submission and availability.
Fair assessment
Where a general-purpose CRM is stronger
Every tool has trade-offs. Here is where a general-purpose CRM may suit your workflow better.
- Maximum flexibility if you want to build your own process
- Useful if the same CRM must serve non-solar parts of the business
- Large marketplaces of third-party connectors
Built for Australian solar
Where AktisHub is stronger
Why Australian solar retailers and installers run their whole business in AktisHub.
- Everything a solar job needs is already there, so there is nothing to assemble
- Rebates and diagrams come from the design, not from separate spreadsheets
- Installers and electricians have their own portal
- One price covers design, proposals and the CRM
- Learning videos and documentation written for solar teams
Free guided migration
Switching from a spreadsheet or another CRM
Send us your leads, customers and proposal template. We import them for free, and you can keep your current tool running while open deals close.
Sources & references
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will review and correct it.
Questions installers ask
Something else on your mind? Ask the team and you will hear back within one business day.
Can I use HubSpot, Zoho or a spreadsheet as a solar CRM?
Yes, many businesses start that way. They track leads well, but design, rebates, diagrams and proposals are usually handled in other tools, so the same customer details are entered more than once.
What makes a CRM a solar CRM?
Solar-specific data and workflows: roof and system design, STC and battery rebate calculations, single-line diagrams, solar proposals, lead sources and statuses, and installer job management.
How much does a solar CRM cost?
AktisHub has a Free plan and paid plans from $29 a month. See the pricing page for what each plan includes.
Can I bring my spreadsheet leads into AktisHub?
Yes. Use bulk upload with a sample file, connect a Google Sheet, or let us import everything for you for free.
Quote your next solar job in AktisHub
Free plan, no credit card and no lock-in. Bring your data and we move it across for you.