The verdict in three sentences
A certified installer fitting 400 solar systems a year in the Netherlands manages 400 multi-step files: custom software costs between EUR 70,000 and 150,000 in Amsterdam in 2026, against EUR 150 to 400 a month for an off-the-shelf solar package. Payback comes from tracking grid operator and inspection files, which govern commissioning and the final customer payment, and from inverter maintenance turned into recurring revenue. With grid connection lead times of 3 to 6 months for commercial systems, and longer in congested areas, every forgotten file locks up cash and hurts customer reviews.
The life of a solar system: where files get lost
The CEO of an installer in Amsterdam rarely sees where a file is stuck before a customer calls. Between signature and commissioning, a system goes through several administrative steps, each with its own lead times and documents. The end of net metering (salderingsregeling) on 1 January 2027 also pushes customers towards batteries and smarter sizing, which makes yield studies more demanding.
| Step | Indicative 2026 lead time | Frequent bottleneck |
|---|---|---|
| Yield study and quote | 2 to 7 days | Incomplete roof survey, shading not modelled |
| Permit check with the municipality | 0 to 8 weeks | Protected cityscape in central Amsterdam |
| Connection request to the grid operator | 1 to 3 months for commercial systems | Grid congestion, missing documents |
| Installation | 1 to 2 days | Equipment not delivered, weather |
| Inspection (for example SCIOS Scope 12 for commercial roofs) | 2 to 6 weeks | Non-compliance, re-inspection |
| Commissioning and meter change | 2 to 8 weeks | Meter to replace |
| Registration on energieleveren.nl | 1 to 4 weeks | Data mismatch with the connection file |
Total connection time for commercial systems averages 3 to 6 months. With 400 jobs a year, the installer permanently carries 100 to 200 open files.
Solar package or custom
Specialist packages cover studies, quotes and job tracking. Custom work makes sense when you want to link your design tool, logistics, installation crews and a real maintenance service.
| Option | Upfront cost | Annual cost | Time | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generic CRM and spreadsheets | EUR 1,500 to 4,000 | EUR 3,000 to 6,000 | 2 to 4 weeks | No structured grid or inspection tracking |
| Solar package (quotes, studies, jobs) | EUR 3,000 to 8,000 | EUR 1,800 to 4,800 | 1 to 2 months | Maintenance and logistics poorly covered |
| Custom, file and job tracking | EUR 70,000 to 95,000 | EUR 10,000 to 14,000 | 4 to 6 months | Yield study stays in the existing tool |
| Full custom (studies, stock, maintenance, customer portal) | EUR 110,000 to 150,000 | EUR 15,000 to 22,000 | 6 to 9 months | Heavy involvement of the in-house design team |
| Hybrid: package plus custom modules | EUR 25,000 to 55,000 | Licence plus EUR 6,000 | 3 to 5 months | Dependence on the vendor's API |
These are 2026 estimates for the Randstad, where developer rates run above western France. The hybrid route suits installers with 150 to 400 jobs a year who want to keep their quoting tool.
The modules that create value
| Module | What it automates | Expected gain |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative tracking per file | Municipality, grid operator, inspection, registration status, reminders | 2 to 3 hours saved per file |
| Integrated yield study | Import from the simulation tool, estimated output | Faster signatures, fewer gaps |
| Crew scheduling | Assignment, equipment, weather | 5 to 10 % fewer postponed jobs |
| Stock and purchasing | Panels, inverters, micro-inverters, batteries | Fewer stock-outs in peak season |
| Maintenance and inverter monitoring | Output alerts, interventions, contracts | Recurring revenue, better reviews |
| Customer portal | Visible progress, documents, certificates | Inbound calls down 30 to 50 % |
The maintenance module is often underestimated. Linked to inverter manufacturers' monitoring platforms, it spots a system that has stopped before the customer does and feeds contracts worth EUR 120 to 250 a year.
Mini case study
Daan, CEO of a certified installer in Amsterdam, delivers 400 systems a year. His admin team spends 6 hours per file on data entry and follow-ups; the tool targets 3.5 hours. Across 400 files, that frees 1,000 hours, or EUR 50,000 at EUR 50 an hour loaded.
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Monitoring lets him offer a maintenance contract to every customer. With a 30 % take-up at EUR 180 a year, he signs 120 contracts in year one, or EUR 21,600 of recurring revenue that builds up year after year.
Total gain in year one: EUR 71,600. For a custom project of EUR 110,000 and EUR 15,000 annual maintenance, payback comes around month 23, then speeds up as maintenance contracts stack each year.
FAQ
Can the software connect directly to grid operator portals?
Exchanges with Liander, Stedin or Enexis still largely go through their own portals. The software centralises request numbers, documents and deadlines, and alerts when a file has not moved for 30 days.
Should the yield simulation tool be integrated?
A file import integration is often enough. It costs EUR 5,000 to 9,000 and avoids re-keying capacity, orientation and estimated output.
How do we track certifications in the tool?
The software can store installer certifications, expiry dates and job audits. An alert 90 days before expiry protects eligibility for commercial contracts and insurer requirements.
Is the customer portal worth it?
Yes above 200 jobs a year. It costs about EUR 12,000 to 22,000 and sharply reduces calls asking where the connection stands.
Can we start with file tracking only?
Yes, it is the most profitable first lot, around EUR 70,000. Stock, maintenance and portal come in phase 2.
Let's scope your project. Share your annual job volume, quoting tools and organisation: we will define a first lot, an indicative budget and a realistic timeline before peak season. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
