Enabling Solar Adoption.

In partnership with the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI) and backed by the Australian Government, Upgrowth redesigned and launched the Sunspot Solar Calculator — a web platform that enables you to choose the right rooftop solar and battery system for both residential and commercial property.

Over 18 months, Upgrowth worked with APVI to design and deliver the Sunspot digital product. Working in a phased approach, Upgrowth delivered new versions of the platform — working from redesigning the proof of concept to delivering a product ready for scale.

What We Did

Research
Strategy
Design
Development
Data
Testing

Website

SUNSPOT.ORG.AU

A mobile first experience.

Adopting a mobile-first approach, Upgrowth created a dynamic calculator and solar system mapping tool for all devices. This allows the product to be used by anyone in any situation, whether you are on-site or sitting on the couch.

Onboarding feature showing users how to use hand gestures for the mapping tool.

Dynamic, accurate calculation with solar system mapping.

Through enabling mapping technologies, Upgrowth co-designed the Map My Roof tool. This dynamic mapping feature allows users to map a solar system to their property roof to calculate how it will perform. To facilitate a seamless user experience, the tool incorporates contextual guidance, informative tooltips, and clear instructions. An in-page contextual toolbar enables responsiveness, while a guided approach and user-friendly tabs allow flexible navigation between steps, providing users with the necessary instructions and prompts for a successful shading process.

A mobile and desktop screen showing the roof mapping feature

Guiding users find their way with in platform user guidance.

The Sunspot platform is thoughtfully designed to help users every step of the way, utilising in-page navigation and contextual help to guide users seamlessly through the process. This intentional design choice aims to prevent user confusion, gently leading them towards completion and enhancing their overall experience.  

Onboarding steps are strategically placed to set clear expectations and mentally prepare users for upcoming tasks, featuring updated landing screens and an added context screen in the map tool. In-context call-to-action buttons nudge users to progress, while a completeness indicator ensures all relevant information is provided for accurate estimates. Embracing the latest web standards, including a new grid system and data-driven navigation, ensures an engaging and accessible experience on any screen size.

Making data accessible to show the benefits of solar.

The Sunspot calculator provides the user with a rich output of property-specific data allowing a user to make an informed choice when choosing solar.  

Through engaging users in the design process Upgrowth made the data accessible to all platform users by displaying key metrics that answer the commonly asked questions.

Different graphs showing the benefits of adopting solar

A person using an tablet to test the dashboard

Enabling a seamless user experience with design systems.

To ensure our design and delivery process was consistent and streamlined, we established a comprehensive design system for Sunspot. This design system serves as the backbone of the user interface, providing a consistent visual language that extends across various elements and components of the platform.