photovate provides a cloud-native platform for photovoltaic installation firms that combines CRM, quoting, project management, field documentation, and invoicing in a single system. The solution offers real-time web‑mobile synchronization, inventory control with barcode scanning, and API connectors to design and accounting tools, all within a GDPR‑compliant, role‑based access environment.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Solar photovoltaic installers often manage leads, quotes, project documentation, and inventory across disparate tools such as Excel sheets, WhatsApp groups, and local file servers. This fragmentation leads to data silos, manual errors, delayed invoicing, and limited visibility into project status and financial health.
Solution
photovate delivers a cloud‑native, end‑to‑end software platform built for PV installation firms. It consolidates customer relationship management, quotation generation, project planning, field documentation, and invoicing into a single unified system. Real‑time synchronization between the web portal and a native mobile app gives field crews instant access to schedules, drawings, and material lists, while automated workflow rules enforce consistent data capture. Integrated inventory control with barcode scanning and automated pick‑list generation keeps material availability transparent. The platform also offers API‑based connectors to leading design tools (e.g., Aurora Solar) and accounting suites (e.g., DATEV), enabling seamless data exchange without manual re‑entry. All data is stored in a GDPR‑compliant, role‑based access environment, supporting secure collaboration across internal teams and subcontractors.
Target Audience
The solution targets small to mid‑size photovoltaic installation companies, EPC contractors, and subcontractor networks that require a single platform to manage sales, engineering, field operations, and finance.
Features
- Cloud‑based CRM with unified contact records, activity tracking, and automated follow‑up reminders.
- Quote engine that pulls product catalogs, applies predefined profitability formulas, and generates PDF proposals in seconds.
- Project management hub linking design files, task assignments, and milestone tracking, visible on both desktop and mobile.
- Mobile app with offline capability, allowing installers to capture photos, signatures, and measurements on site, then sync automatically.
- Inventory module featuring real‑time stock levels, barcode scanner integration, and auto‑generated pick‑lists for material dispatch.
- Open RESTful API and pre‑built connectors for Aurora Solar, DATEV, and other industry tools, supporting bidirectional data flow.
- Built‑in document management system with version control, searchable metadata, and secure, encrypted storage compliant with GDPR.
- Role‑based permission model and audit logging to ensure data integrity and regulatory compliance.