The short version: Pylon and Solar Proof are the two closest Australian competitors in this space, both local, both fast, both with per-project pricing, SLDs and interval data. So the decision isn't about the basics, which both do well, it's about proposal flexibility and commercial depth.
Most comparisons set up an easy winner. This one can't honestly do that, because Pylon is a genuinely good, genuinely Australian tool that overlaps heavily with Solar Proof. If you're comparing Solar Proof vs Pylon, you've already narrowed it to two strong local options, so this breaks down the narrow, real differences rather than inventing big ones.
What do Pylon and Solar Proof have in common?
They share more than they differ. Both are Australian-built, both use per-project pricing from around four dollars with no forced monthly subscription, and both cover the essentials well: fast proposals, single-line diagrams, shading analysis and interval data. Pylon, founded in 2016 by Saru Technologies in NSW, serves over 3,500 businesses; Solar Proof, founded in 2017, is used by over 1,000 solar professionals. For core residential design and quoting, you'd be well served by either.
Solar Proof vs Pylon: the facts
| Solar Proof | Pylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | Australia (founded 2017) | Australia (founded 2016) |
| Pricing | From ~A$4/project; Pro from ~A$99/mo | ~A$4 Standard / ~A$10 Pro per project |
| Pricing model | Per-project + optional Pro plan | Per-project, no monthly fee |
| Single-line diagrams | Built-in AS/NZS 5033 editor | Included |
| Shading analysis | Included | Award-winning 3D shading |
| Interval data | Supported | Supported |
| STCs & Federal Battery Rebate | Calculated automatically | Supported (AU-built) |
| Proposal templates | AI Template Builder, highly flexible | More limited template range |
| Users | 1,000+ solar professionals | 3,500+ businesses |
What is Pylon better at?
Pylon's strongest card is its award-winning 3D shading analysis, which is genuinely excellent and a feature it's well known for. It also has a larger installer base in Australia, over 3,500 businesses, which speaks to a mature, well-supported product, and its included high-resolution imagery and unlimited-user per-project model are real strengths for teams. For a residential-focused installer who values best-in-class shading, Pylon is a strong, fair choice, and we'd rather say that plainly than pretend otherwise.
What is Solar Proof better at?
Solar Proof's edge is proposal flexibility and breadth of workflow. The AI Template Builder generates a fully branded, NETCC-compliant proposal template from your website in about a minute and allows deep customisation, where Pylon's proposal templates are more limited. Solar Proof also leans further into multi-inverter and commercial configurations and a broader CRM and template system. If the customer-facing proposal is where you compete, that flexibility is the difference.
Which is better for residential vs commercial?
Both excel at residential; Solar Proof stretches a little further into commercial. Pylon is residential-focused and does that work very well. Solar Proof handles residential equally and adds more headroom for multi-inverter and commercial jobs, plus more flexible proposals for varied customer types. If your work is purely residential, it's close to a tie; if you're growing into commercial, Solar Proof gives you more room.
What do installers say about Solar Proof?
"Solar Proof has taken our solar layouts and proposals to a professional level. The accuracy with providing solar layouts has been a game changer in our efficiency."
When should you NOT switch from Pylon to Solar Proof?
Don't switch if Pylon already fits your work, because the two are close enough that change for its own sake isn't worth it. If you're residential-focused, you rely on Pylon's 3D shading, and its proposal templates cover your needs, there's no compelling reason to move. Solar Proof's case rests specifically on proposal flexibility and commercial headroom, if those aren't priorities for you, Pylon is a perfectly good place to stay.
Verdict: which should you choose?
In Solar Proof vs Pylon, both are excellent Australian tools, so choose on your priority: pick Pylon for best-in-class 3D shading and a residential-focused workflow; pick Solar Proof for more flexible, customisable proposals and more commercial headroom. This is a genuinely close call between two strong local platforms, so trial both on a real job and let the proposal output and shading decide.
