OpenSolar Stays Free. Pay Only for API Access and App Connectors.

16 February 2026
Tom Karemacher, Global Head of Sales and Support

Starting April 16, 2026, the core OpenSolar app stays free, and charges apply only to moving data in and out of the platform through API Access and supported connectors to third-party tools. OS 3.0 is the latest version of OpenSolar, built to support an end-to-end solar workflow in one place.

 

TL;DR

  • The core OpenSolar app stays free for your full workflow inside the platform. OS 3.0 is the latest version of OpenSolar. 
  • API Access and supported connectors (for example, Xero Accounting) are for teams that run part of their workflow outside the platform, in third-party systems. 
  • Starting April 16, 2026, charges apply only to external connections through API Access and Connectors.
  • If you don’t use API Access or Connectors , there’s no charge for the core OpenSolar app.
  • If you use the OpenSolar API today, enable API Access in Control > Connect by March 17, 2026, to avoid interruptions, and set up Wallet in Control > Your Wallet before April 16, 2026, so you can keep creating projects with API Access enabled.

 

Our Commitment: OpenSolar Remains Free

OpenSolar is built to be a complete solar operating system. The goal is straightforward: solar professionals should be able to design, sell, and grow without paying monthly software fees just to access the core tools.

That’s why OpenSolar stays free for all of its core capabilities. Our model is built around a partner ecosystem that helps fund the product so we can keep investing in the software, keep the core accessible, and keep improving the experience for installers, their customers, and our partners.

OS 3.0 is the latest version of OpenSolar, designed to support an end-to-end solar workflow in one place, from lead to install and beyond. 

So what’s changing?

The line is simple: 

  • If your data is created and retained inside OpenSolar, the core app stays free.
  • If you connect OpenSolar to third-party tools to move data in and out of the platform via the API or connectors, charges apply.

This approach keeps the core product accessible to everyone while covering the additional cost and complexity of supporting secure, reliable external connections.

 

What’s Changing On April 16, 2026

Starting April 16, 2026, we’re introducing paid access for two specific things.

1) API Access

API Access is for teams that connect OpenSolar to systems outside the platform, such as CRM, accounting, ops, incentive platforms, reporting, analytics, or custom tools. 

A quick clarification: the OpenSolar API is a single API. API Access is the in-app setting that enables access to the OpenSolar API. It’s billed through your OpenSolar Wallet.

What stays the same: 

  • Your existing OpenSolar API configuration and workflows don’t need to change.
  • The OpenSolar API uses the same data and logic your team sees in the app.

What changes: 

  • Charges apply when you use API Access to run external workflows.

2) Connectors

Connectors are OpenSolar-built and supported connectors that sync data between OpenSolar and specific third-party tools. A good example is our accounting connectors for Xero and QuickBooks. They’re built and supported by OpenSolar.

Connectors are separate from API Access and follow their own rollout details and billing model. For connector-specific information and setup steps, refer to the Help Center article. If you use a connector today, we’ll also send guidance that matches your setup. 

What’s not changing

The core OpenSolar app remains free for end-to-end work inside the platform. If your workflow stays in OpenSolar and you’re not using API Access or Connectors, no action is required, and no cost is incurred.

 

Why API Access and Connectors Are Different

Connecting OpenSolar to third-party tools via API Access or Connectors is different from running your workflow inside OpenSolar. These external connections need to be reliable and secure across many different setups, and require ongoing maintenance and support.

When your workflow is based on the core OpenSolar app, there’s no charge. When data moves to or from third-party tools through API Access or Connectors, the demands change. Supporting these external connections comes with ongoing work, including: 

  • Running external connections reliably at scale
  • Keeping external access secure and controlled
  • Ongoing maintenance, documentation, and support
  • Supporting different third-party setups, including unusual configurations

External connectivity also creates real incremental value for the teams using it. It’s how larger pros keep multiple systems aligned without retyping, mismatches, or manual handoffs. It’s what makes one source of truth work across CRM, finance, ops, and reporting.

The principle we’re using is simple: The core OpenSolar app stays free. Charges apply only when you connect OpenSolar to third-party tools.

 

Why We’re Doing It

We’re making this change to protect what matters most: keeping the core OpenSolar app free. These external connections (API Access and Connectors) require ongoing work to run reliably and securely, and they deliver extra value to teams that rely on third-party systems. Charging for API Access and Connectors is the fairest way to fund that layer without turning the core platform into a subscription.

 

Timeline & Transition Details 

Here’s what to expect, and what to do. 

By March 17: existing OpenSolar API users must enable API Access

If your team uses the OpenSolar API today, you’ll need to enable API Access in Control > Connect by March 17, 2026, in order for the API to continue to work. If it’s not enabled, your OpenSolar API connections will stop working. 

We’re sharing this early so you have time to update settings and avoid any interruption.

From March 17: enabling API Access starts a 30-day free trial 

When you turn on API Access, a 30-day free trial begins. This is your window to validate everything and make changes, if needed. 

From April 16: charges apply for API Access

Starting April 16, 2026, charges apply for external connections through API Access. We’re intentionally not changing how the OpenSolar API works, and we’re not asking you to change your existing setup. 

Connectors are managed separately

Connectors are separate from API Access. If you use a connector (for example, an accounting integration like Xero or QuickBooks), watch out for a dedicated note and refer to the Help Center for details. 

Wallet setup is required for continued project creation when using API Access

If you use the OpenSolar API, you’ll need to set up OpenSolar Wallet in Control > Your Wallet so charges can be deducted. If Wallet is not enabled or does not have sufficient balance, new projects will not be created.

 

Resources 

Here are the most useful links if you want to go deeper:

Not sure how this affects your organization: Contact Support or your ProX Account Executive

 

FAQs

Is OpenSolar still free?

Yes. The core OpenSolar app remains free for end-to-end work inside the platform. Charges apply only to external connections through API Access and Connectors.

Does this change how OpenSolar works for teams who stay inside the platform?

No. If your workflow stays in the platform, there is no charge.

What counts as data leaving the platform?

Any time you import, export, sync, or push data into third-party systems through the OpenSolar API or a Connector. Common examples include CRM sync, accounting handoff, ops tooling, incentive platforms, and reporting systems.

What does “Connectors” mean in this announcement?

Connectors are OpenSolar-built plus supported, and sync data between OpenSolar and specific third-party tools. Connectors are separate from API Access, and connector-specific details are covered in the Help Center.

We already use the OpenSolar API. What do we need to do?

Enable API Access in Control > Connect by March 17, 2026, to avoid interruption. Then set up Wallet in Control > Your Wallet, so you’re ready when charges apply on April 16.

Will the OpenSolar API change?

No. This does not change how the OpenSolar API works. Existing workflows remain unchanged once API Access is enabled.

Do I need to set up Wallet?

If you use API Access, you’ll need to set up OpenSolar Wallet in Control > Your Wallet so charges can be deducted. If Wallet is not enabled or does not have sufficient balance, new projects will not be created.

What if I’m not sure whether we currently use the OpenSolar API?

If OpenSolar is connected to your CRM, accounting, ops, incentives, or reporting tools through a custom connection, you’re likely using the OpenSolar API.

What if I’m moving data to a CRM and also using a connector like Xero Accounting? Do I get charged for both?

Yes. API Access applies to your CRM connection, and the OpenSolar-built accounting connector is billed separately. These are two different ways of connecting OpenSolar to third-party tools.

Why is OpenSolar charging for connectors if they were previously free or expected to be free?

Accounting connectors were previously provided through a partner, and that partner could not commit to long-term support. We decided it was better for customers if OpenSolar builds, supports, and maintains these connectors directly, so you get continuity and a consistent experience. That work has ongoing costs, so accounting connectors are billed as a monthly fee per organization.

Can I continue to create projects if I don’t enable API Access or don’t use the API?

Yes. You can continue to create projects and run your workflow inside the core OpenSolar app without enabling API Access. API Access is only needed if you want to use the OpenSolar API to connect OpenSolar to third-party tools.

Are there any other API Access options?

Some organizations may have additional API access options based on their workflow. If you think that applies to you, contact your Pro Experience team or see the API page for details.

What if we have an edge case?

Reach out to Support or your ProX Account Executive. We will help you map your workflow and avoid surprises.