Use the comparison tool below to compare the top Solar Design software on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.
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Pylon
Pylon
$4 per project 25 RatingsPylon's intuitive design software allows you to create accurate proposals from anywhere, in less than 2 minutes. Pylon is the only software that allows you to view high-resolution imagery within your app. Pylon's award winning 3D Solar Shading toolkit helps you identify and track shading impacts throughout the year. Pylon's load profile analysis and interval data analysis will help you and your team to better understand customer consumption patterns. Analyze load profiles & interval data. You can close more solar proposals by using interactive Web & PDF proposals and native eSignatures. Fully integrated solar CRM that integrates with your solar design software to convert proposals. Pylon Solar CRM offers 2-way SMS and email communications, team management, lead management and pre-made deal pipelines. -
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Pre-feasibility is all about accurate estimations of solar energy potential. It is important that the pre-feasibility study be done efficiently, in addition to providing accurate results. The iMaps, and pvPlanner, are both Solargis prospecting tools that provide quick access to reliable estimates of solar yield. The new Prospect tool increases the accuracy of estimates, and makes it easier for people to work together efficiently on the development solar projects. Solargis data is the most reliable and accurate among all solar databases. Numerous independent studies have confirmed this. Solargis data has been verified at more than 1000 locations around the world. Our validation map shows validation statistics for 180+ sites that are not confidential. Popular simulation software like PVsyst offers advanced capabilities for system design, energy modeling, and more. However, these tools do not have the best default weather data.
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Virto.CAD
Virto Solar
3.000$ - 4.500$Virto Solar creates advanced WEB- and CAD applications for solar power systems. This includes the well-known plugin Virto.CAD for AutoCAD/ BricsCAD (BIM). Our software is designed for large-scale solar parks on rooftops and ground. We are excited to launch Virto.MAX this year. This new web application allows sales teams to design a custom solar park lay out with a few clicks. It is an easy-to-use web application. Furthermore, we are already working together with big solar industry players regarding our Virto.CORE software. It is a an advanced white-label framework to build customized web applications for mounting system manufacturers and wholesale to automate the solar design and engineering process. -
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RETScreen
RETScreen International
$869 per yearThe RETScreen®, Clean Energy Management Software Platform enables low-carbon planning and implementation, monitoring, and reporting. RETScreen Expert is a premium version of the software that is completely free-of charge in Viewer mode. -
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HelioScope
Folsom Labs
$79 per monthA web-based design and sales tool for solar professionals that can completely transform your proposal generation process. HelioScope is fast, simple, and bankable. It has a robust 3D design engine, bankable energy yield calculator, and a drag-and-drop proposal editor. 3D design. Rapid proposals Bankable simulations. Unlimited designs. Live support. Single line diagrams. Automatic cad export. One-click sharing. Systems up to 5MW 45,000 component library. Global weather coverage and pan file support. -
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Web Solar Cloud
Web Solar Cloud
$20 per monthWeb Solar Cloud is an easy-to-use online tool for designing solar project. It helps you create professional solar designs quickly, even if you're new to solar design. The software will create a package of documentation for your local permit requirements, including detailed solar panel layouts and electrical diagrams. -
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Solar Labs
The Solar Labs
$39 per monthTSL-enabled sales cycles can help you convert more customers. High-performance PV layouts are easy to create. Automation and remote analysis can help you save time and money. Accurate 3D modeling portal, accurate shading analysis, panel layout automatization. Use polygons to create precise shapes. You can simply create the structure using the polygon tool that comes with the models. The dimension tool allows for precise measurement. To enter dimensions, click and drag the polygons. Subarray properties include tilt and azimuth. Sub-arrays are a group of panels. Each sub-array can be edited for greater rooftop adaptability. You can adjust the height of the structure to meet your needs. Drag and drop tables. It is easy to add/delete/move the panels in the solarlabs. Click the table to move to any spot on the roof. Visually design the system with their 3D view. -
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ENACT Solar Software
ENACT Systems
$239 per monthOur platform is innovative and accelerates sales and project execution. It also delivers high-performing solar and energy storage systems. Remote design via satellite images, detailed pricing and energy analysis, as well as seamless project management are some of the features. Our app for end-customers was the first to offer this feature. It is the only platform that can verify predictive performance and savings. The features include solar and storage power-flows as well as utility bill savings and performance analytics. Multiple workflows for team members. Task assignment. High-resolution satellite images can be used to create commercial or residential layouts. With beautiful and precise proposals, you can close deals faster. Projects can be managed quickly to impress customers. -
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PVSketch
PVComplete
$50 per monthPVSketch is a web-based app that simplifies the process of developing solar projects. Sales professionals have easy access to a precise layout tool via a friendly interface. PVSketch allows you to visualize solar energy solutions and generates accurate energy modeling. PVSketch is part the PVComplete platform. PVComplete allows solar installers, developers, and engineers to collaborate on a single platform that combines efficiency and accuracy. Sales professionals can quickly start a project online with PVSketch. Then, they can transfer it to PVCAD, our AutoCAD plugin for a detailed engineering plan. PVSketch makes solar design simple. In just five clicks, you can create a solar project that is rich in valuable information. A simple and intuitive drawing tool makes accurate solar design easy for anyone. A single click can create a complete layout, but if you dig deeper, you can refine your solar design to create complex designs. -
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SunDAT
SunDAT
$2,000 per yearWeb-based PV design for commercial and utility-scale solar. Our innovative, patent-pending system for determining layout optimizes Ground Coverage Ratio. It also helps engineer higher yields on rugged terrain. You can handle complex boundaries and obstructions easily. SunDAT automates workflows and increases efficiency in your design process. This feature allows you flag areas in a solar array layout that require grade or avoidance, or areas that exceed a certain slope tolerance. You can also view heatmaps and export them to PVsyst. Additionally, you can calculate pile length. SunDAT allows you to export project data in multiple formats, such as PDF, DXF, and DAE. This allows you to import your design into AutoCAD or PVsyst to continue design and analysis. SunDAT Web software optimizes large scale utility and commercial PV design. SunDAT Web software can help you design a 150MW utility-scale rooftop solar system or a 2MW commercial rooftop solar system. -
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Lyra Solar
Lyra Solar
$49 one-time paymentYou can quickly and easily create permit-ready residential designs for solar power. In just minutes, you can export ready-to-submit permit package for as low $49 as Just click a button to generate a ready-to submit solar permit package. Each interaction is quick and easy. Lyra is so simple to use that even experienced solar professionals can jump in. Design just what you need for a permit, from a simple preliminary design to a down-to-the-component level permit-ready design. With a click, you can generate a permit package using the design. It's really that simple. Lyra's solar design tool can be used for free. We only need your email address to set you up and get you started on your first design. We work with solar design software firms to enhance their offerings. Contact us if you do not have permit packaging for your product offerings. -
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PV*SOL
PV*SOL
€895 one-time paymentPV*SOL provides the most comprehensive configuration and shade analysis of PV systems. Calculate the solar output, panel size and economic forecasting of your system. Intelligent simulation models of your PV solar system will help you make better design decisions. With professional reports, you can help clients and partners understand the details of their solar installation. Financial incentives and complex tariff structures can be incorporated to improve financial planning. Our flagship product uses 3D technology to create a realistic and accurate PV system design. Our industry-leading software is the best tool for reliable and fast PV system design. Take a look at our online PV*SOL software for solar calculation and power output. -
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PV-DesignPro
Maui Solar Energy Software
Design and analysis tool for standalone photovoltaic systems. Hourly simulation, uses hourly weather files (239 U.S. locations). Sandia Labs PV Model. PV-DesignProS-S Enhanced Version developed in collaboration with Sandia National Labs Photovoltaic Systems Department. -
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Solarius PV
ACCA Software
$ 8.24 per monthSolarius PV considers solar shading due to long-distance obstacles such as mountains, hills, buildings, trees, etc. It does this by simply taking a photograph and displaying the solar diagram at the installation site. Solarius PV allows you to see the effect of shading on PV modules by nearby obstacles such as walls, chimneys, antennas, etc., on the system layout. The solar path changes over time and can be adjusted accordingly. You can automatically manage shadow projection between parallel rows by calculating the minimum module row spacing for any surface type (horizontal vertical or tilted). -
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PVCAD
PVComplete
$180 per monthFor solar designers who demand the highest level of precision and accuracy. PVCAD offers unparalleled efficiency, so you can complete designs and quote jobs quicker. PVCAD's integrated databases allow you to save time and reduce the risk of costly mistakes and omissions. Our database, which includes thousands of inverters, modules, racking partners, is constantly expanding. You can also add your own equipment by clicking the database button on the PVCAD ribbon. Would you like your equipment to be added to our database PVCAD uses production modeling powered PVWATTS created NREL. Accurate 8760 data provides hour-by-hour production data for the entire year. Meteonorm provides global coverage and the most current weather data. We use this data to provide you with the most accurate information. AutoCAD modeling allows for the most accurate system measurements possible with any drafting program. Designers can achieve expert results by having access to valuable resources. -
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SolarEdge Designer
SolarEdge
SolarEdge Designer is a web-based tool that allows solar professionals to reduce PV design costs and create winning customer proposals. This powerful selling tool can help you close more sales by helping you plan, build, and validate your SolarEdge residential or commercial systems. The design process is simplified with many automated procedures, including stringing, design validation instantly, and bulk Power Optimizer barcode map mapping. Easy export of site layouts to the SolarEdge Monitoring Platform. Provide compelling customer proposals that include detailed reports and energy simulations. These simulations have been independently evaluated by DNV GL. To accurately forecast system owners' electricity bills savings and ROI, you can use financial analysis capabilities. A 3D simulation of your customer's site will impress. -
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PVCAD Mega
PVComplete
$295 per monthClick-and-drag control allows you to quickly create site capacity layouts for any size utility-scale project. You can also place tracker blocks at any angle on the project site. Analyzing all piers and verifying that trackers are compatible with specification allows for more accurate site assessments. You can eliminate guesswork and see how modifications to electrical and structural components affect system design, performance estimates, and system design. Automatically generate pier plans that include pier locations, corresponding surface elevation, and top-of–pile reports for the most popular tracker systems, such as Nextracker or Array Technologies. Automatically generates a PVSyst shading scene (.SHD). Also generates a project (.PRJ), and a meteo (.MET) file. To model the energy yield, including topography effects, open the files in PVSyst. Export your design to PVSyst easily for bankable energy yield modeling. -
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Solargraf
Solargraf
$229 per monthYou can assign specific roles and permissions to everyone on your team. Everyone on your team, from the account owner to the salesperson and accounting staff, should have access to the software they require. A dashboard lets you see all your active projects, whether they are new, in process, or closed. You can see everything in your account from a bird's-eye view so you are always on top of it. To give your quotes a personal touch, customize your proposals with your company's color scheme. You can reorder, remove, or reorder proposal sections. You can offer multiple pricing and product options to your clients in one proposal. They can then e-sign on the best quote for them. Our virtual site assessment feature allows you to access all the information you need to apply for permits and engage homeowners like never before. -
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OpenSolar
OpenSolar
It is the fastest, most simple and accurate 3D design tool. This makes your proposals reliable and bankable both in the office and out on the field. Interactive, fully customizable proposals online and as a PDF. Based on over 10,000 systems sold, 24% conversion. Easy integration of your preferred finance providers with in-app real time approvals. This makes selling easier than ever. Built-in CRM, digital scheduling and real-time customer alerts. Hardware catalogs, on demand permitting, and e-signatures. Our platform integrates your existing CRM and business tools. You can work the way that you want. -
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Sighten
Sighten
$199 per monthSighten is here to help people sell, finance, and install solar every day. We love to hear about our customers' successes and how they are able to use Sighten design, proposal and sales software to grow their business. The only solar software that offers a dedicated solution to channel managers and multi-state teams. You can see all of your deal pipeline and communicate with partners in one place. You will be disorganized and ultimately limit your revenue and reach if you don't have the right software. Without a seamless platform, you will face difficulties with deal visibility, partner communication, financing, and introducing financing into your channel. -
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PVcase
PVcase
PVcase Ground Mount is an AutoCAD-based software that allows you to design solar power plants at utility scale. It allows solar engineers to reduce project costs and increase reliability while improving solar plant performance. Realistic, terrain-based PV layouts can reduce project uncertainty and eliminate design errors. Great solar designs can be ruined by poor CAPEX. Get a clear breakdown of the project costs early. Optimize your design and assess potential near-shading issues. Streamline your electrical design by streamlining string mapping and device placement. You can easily download and share cable runs, piling lengths and other cost estimates with your team. PVsyst allows you to export your PV design in a custom format. -
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BlueSol
BlueSol
BlueSol is a software that allows you to design photovoltaic systems in any country around the world. It can be used to design a PV system from the initial assessment of production to the creation of project documentation. BlueSol uses a standard Microsoft interface that is easy to use and manages every aspect of the PV system. Automated and optimized insertions of strings, inverters panels, batteries, and cable. Calculation of the radiation distribution on different areas. Exporting system layout to DWG or to the image Interactive design via internet map and 3D view. Automatic insertion of inverters and panels, batteries, and connecting cables. -
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Solar Pro
Laplace Systems
Simulating the effects of shadows from nearby buildings and objects helps users determine the best settings and designs for their modules before installing them. Based on the electrical characteristics of each product, the software calculates the IV curves of solar modules quickly and accurately. The software calculates the amount generated electricity based upon the weather conditions and latitudes at the installation site. This allows for precise simulation results. Based on the settings, the software automatically determines the components required to install a PV system. Half-cell modules can be used to simulate power generation. You can also register half-cell solar panels in the solar module database. -
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GeoT*SOL
Valentin Software
GeoT*SOL allows you to simulate the heat pump system down to the minute to calculate annual performance figures (COP), and contribution margins. Other heat generators, such as solar systems or gas condensing boilers, can be added to the systems. You can choose from monoenergetic, movovalent and bivalent modes. The VDI 4650 annual performance factor is an important factor in comparing plants according their efficiency. It is used to determine the eligibility for funding and approval procedures. GeoT*SOL calculates the profitability based on the recommendation of the Federal Association of the Solar Industry. It takes into account the funding; comparison of the heat pump system's costs with a comparison system; capital and production costs (heat prices); modified internal rate of returns (MIRR), profit taking account of the reinvestment. -
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SolarPlus
SolarPlus
$2 per prospectSolarPlus is a complete software platform for solar design. It will help you win more solar customers, save time, and maximize your profits. SolarPlus V4 allows you to focus your energy on the most important tasks - such as leading your team, closing deals, and managing all your solar installation admin tasks in one platform. SolarPlus V4 is the future of energy modeling. It allows you to see the entire generation, grid interaction, and demand. SolarPlus helps reduce compliance load by assisting in standard-compliant PV design, and the generation of handover documentation. RoofMap, our innovative panel layout tool, offers unparalleled visualization and layout control. You can choose from a variety of tariff options, or you can create a tariff that suits your customers' billing preferences. You can even compare the current and new tariff recommendations. The tariff structure can include single or time-of use options, as well as block pricing options and maximum demand options.
Solar Design Software Overview
Solar design software is aN application designed to help with the technical aspects of designing a photovoltaic system, also known as a solar electric system. The software assists in sizing, optimizing and modeling systems, selecting components and calculating total costs. Solar design software enables users to adjust for site-specific parameters such as azimuth orientation and tilt angle of solar panels, available roof or ground space size, number of days of sunshine per year in the location and other variables. This allows them to get accurate results based on actual conditions instead of using averages.
There are many different types and versions of solar design applications available on the market today. Some are web-based and others are downloadable programs that can be installed on your computer or mobile device. Depending on which version you choose, you may have access to features such as detailed component selection and analysis tools, automatic shading calculations based on local weather data or geolocation mapping functions that allow you to see how much sunlight an area gets at certain times of day/year. Other features might include 3D model simulations to demonstrate how various elements will interact with each other in a given system configuration or engineering worksheets that provide additional industry-standard data such as I-V curves for estimating panel efficiency under varying conditions.
Solar design software usually comes with some level of technical support from the developers if needed. Additionally, some providers offer online classes or tutorials so users can better understand their product’s capabilities before investing time into using it for their projects. It’s important to compare different options carefully since each type offers its own unique set of features and benefits tailored towards specific needs or preferences (for example comparing cost effectiveness versus ease-of use). With the right program in place however, even novice engineers can become proficient quickly in creating PV designs that meet expected performance standards up front without costly delays during installation later down the line.
Reasons To Use Solar Design Software
- Solar Design Software is an efficient way to design a solar system for any project, large or small. It can help users create the most cost-effective solution for their needs by allowing them to accurately calculate and map out the ideal placement of individual solar components.
- Solar Design Software allows users to easily adjust the specifications and settings of their project as needed, providing more control over their design process. This can save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes during implementation.
- Solar Design Software helps account for factors such as roof angles, orientation, shading conditions, obstructions in the area that could impact performance or safety, and other important environmental details that could affect efficiency or production planning during construction or operation of a solar installation project.
- With automated simulations and pre-set modelling templates available in some software programs, this type of program can also provide insight into how different models might perform before they are physically implemented on site – lowering risk in terms of investment decisions.
- For larger projects with multiple installations across sites with varying characteristics, solar design software can offer convenient tracking features to organize data from each location collectively - helping diagnose issues quickly when unexpected events occur across multiple installations at once (such as weather) and allowing for faster troubleshooting overall all locations simultaneously if need be.
The Importance of Solar Design Software
Solar design software is an important tool for those who design, install and maintain solar energy systems. It makes the entire process of designing a solar energy system easier and more efficient by helping users to virtually plan their installations to optimize the benefits they get from their system.
One of the biggest advantages is that it reduces the chance of errors in a project due to its ability to provide detailed calculations and simulations of installations before construction begins. It also allows users to make adjustments as needed without having to physically alter materials or equipment on-site. This saves time, money and effort during installation, especially when there are changes required in order to meet customer needs or environmental requirements.
It's also great for visualizing how a completed installation would look before any physical work begins. Solarview 3D, for example, produces 3D models which can show shadows changing throughout the day, allowing users to accurately predict yields for each individual module even with large installations. These modelling tools allow designers to size arrays correctly according to budget constraints as well as analyze shading issues from nearby features such as trees or other buildings.
Finally, solar design software is useful for analyzing performance over time by providing predictive maintenance information regarding accumulated faults in array configurations or modules going off peak production levels after long periods of operation in challenging environments - something that would be impossible without it. In this way, solar design software helps users get the most out of their solar investments and keep them running reliably over many years.
Solar Design Software Features
- Solar Panel Placement Tool: This feature allows users to accurately place solar panels on their building or house, ensuring that each panel receives the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.
- Shadow Analysis Tool: This tool uses a detailed 3D imaging algorithm to compare trees, buildings, and other obstructions with the proposed PV array to determine optimal placement and identify potential shading issues.
- System Sizing Estimator: This part of the software enables users to calculate how many panels they need for their design based on their property size and energy requirements.
- Surface Profiling Tool: With this tool, it's possible to know what locations in your rooftop are suitable for installation by taking into account factors such as roof pitch, slope direction and solar azimuth angle when creating initial system designs.
- Thermal Mapping Tool: This feature gives an overview of heat dispersal in a particular area which can be useful when sizing PV systems accordingly or providing cooling solutions for hot spots caused by increased thermal movement in areas such as flat roofs or close together modules installations.
- Electrical Design Tool: This tool allows users to input electrical components such as inverters, combiner boxes, wiring etc., so that reliable simulations can be made before any installations take place. It helps users optimize efficiency levels within their systems while also meeting safety regulations for proper working voltage and amperage levels during peak usage times.
Who Can Benefit From Solar Design Software?
- Architects: Solar design software allows architects to ensure that new building projects are able to maximize the amount of solar energy they absorb and create designs that use this renewable energy in an efficient manner.
- Engineers: By using solar design software, engineers can evaluate existing structures, assess their potential for improved solar performance and develop strategies to optimize the building’s ability to capture and use solar power.
- Contractors: Solar design software helps contractors make informed decisions on how best to install a solar panel system with minimal disruption to the existing structure.
- Homeowners: Homeowners can benefit from solar design software by gaining detailed insight into what type of system is best for their home based on factors such as roof orientation, size, shading issues, local climate conditions etc., allowing them to select the most cost effective system for their budget.
- Energy Companies: Solar design software provides energy companies with accurate estimates of the photovoltaic output from a given site, allowing them to better plan investments in large scale renewable energy systems such as wind farms or concentrated solar plants.
- Government Agencies: Governments can benefit from using solar design programs as it gives them visibility into how well public buildings are utilizing renewables within their jurisdiction and shows them opportunities where investment in more efficient technologies could directly reduce emissions.
How Much Does Solar Design Software Cost?
The cost of solar design software varies greatly depending on the type and features of the program. Basic programs can range anywhere from free or low cost up to thousands of dollars, while more advanced packages tend to be significantly more expensive. Solar design software solutions typically come with an annual subscription fee or a one-time purchase price plus any additional fees related to installation/customization if applicable. Generally, these subscriptions last 3-5 years and they may include upgrades and service support as part of the package deal. Some vendors offer customized solutions that are tailored specifically for certain types of projects, such as commercial or residential applications which may require added features and services than the “off-the-shelf” versions. Other factors that influence pricing include the type of user interface (desktop vs web-based), number of users, scalability options (for larger systems), compatibility with other platforms, ease of deployment and integration capabilities with existing infrastructure. Therefore it is important for organizations to shop around for different solutions, evaluate their needs in terms of features and services offered by each option before making a final decision on which tool best fits their requirements as well as their budget.
Risks To Be Aware of Regarding Solar Design Software
- Data breach: Solar design software typically includes confidential customer data, such as credit card information. If this type of data is not adequately secured, it can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks that could lead to a data breach.
- Inaccurate predictions: Design software generally works according to algorithms and calculations; however, sometimes these calculations may be wrong or inaccurate due to the nature of the complex system. As a result, there is a risk that any design decisions based on incorrect predictions could have undesirable outcomes.
- Technical issues: Solar design software relies heavily on computer hardware and other technology components. If any of these elements malfunction or fail unexpectedly, then the entire system may experience difficulties or even become unusable entirely.
- System incompatibility: Depending on the specific solar design software in question, there may be compatibility issues with certain operating systems or applications that would prevent successful installation and use of the program; this could be costly both monetarily and in terms of lost productivity within your company’s operations.
- Regulatory compliance risks: Some countries have regulations regarding how certain types of energy should be generated; if you are using solar design software for such a purpose, then there is always a risk that you will inadvertently violate some type of rule without realizing it can lead to fines or other penalties imposed by government authorities.
What Software Can Integrate with Solar Design Software?
Solar design software is capable of integrating with a wide variety of other types of software. For example, building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to provide additional geospatial information on the site to design a more accurate solar system. Additionally, weather forecasting software can be integrated to help designers predict changes in wind speed and average temperatures as part of their calculations. 3D modeling programs such as SketchUp or Revit can also be incorporated into the designs for photorealistic visuals models from which decisions concerning the final design can be made. Financial modeling or energy audit tools may further enable simulation of how the energy generated by a system will impact an organization’s bottom line over time. Finally, customer relationship management systems or enterprise resource planning solutions may also be connected with solar design software in order to better track customer communication, project resources, and financial data related to each solar project.
Questions To Ask When Considering Solar Design Software
When considering a solar design software, it is important to ask the following questions:
- What features does the software have? Does it have a comprehensive library of product specs and data? Can it generate design visuals for client presentations? Does it allow for advanced 3D modeling and shading simulation analysis?
- How quickly can designs be created and finalized with this software tool? Is there an easy drag-and-drop platform that makes building components faster and simpler?
- How accurate are the calculations generated by the software? Does it provide up-to-date information on local zoning regulations, weather patterns, or utility rate structures that could affect final system performance predictions?
- Can multiple users collaborate in real time while using this program? Is there a user permissions system in place to restrict certain users from making changes to specific projects or modules within the program interface?
- Is there an active customer support team standing by to answer any questions associated with using this solar design package? Are there regular updates available that improve accuracy or add more features to existing toolsets within its various modules and workflows.