GITNUXSOFTWARE REVIEW
Environment EnergyTop 10 Best Solar Calculation Software of 2026
Compare solar calculation software tools for project planning, data sources, and reporting. Includes Aurora Solar, Global Solar Atlas, and OpenSolar options.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
Agents extract product evidence with provenance, then collect written reviews and transcribe video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Aurora Solar is the best overall choice for mid-market installers who need rapid, repeatable sizing iterations because its unified 3D terrain and shading workflow updates layout decisions and energy results in the same session, while Global Solar Atlas fits teams screening many sites quickly thanks to consistent irradiance assumptions and one-click yield outputs.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Aurora Solar
A unified 3D terrain and shading workflow that updates PV layout decisions and energy results in the same design session.
Best for: Fits when mid-market installers need rapid PV sizing iterations with shading-aware layouts and repeatable export outputs.
Global Solar Atlas
Editor pickGlobal irradiance mapping plus site-specific yield outputs in one workflow for rapid multi-location screening and export.
Best for: Fits when teams need many-site PV energy estimates quickly with consistent assumptions before deep engineering.
OpenSolar
Editor pickLoss model integration connects configuration choices to yield changes across design iterations inside one workflow.
Best for: Fits when teams need repeatable PV sizing and yield reporting with consistent assumptions across revisions.
Comparison Table
Aurora Solar
enterpriseEnd-to-end solar design, sales, and proposal platform with irradiance and production calculation engines.
A unified 3D terrain and shading workflow that updates PV layout decisions and energy results in the same design session.
Aurora Solar is a solar calculation and design workflow tool that combines PV system modeling with proposal-ready outputs. It supports shading and layout planning workflows that connect 3D terrain context to module placement, then carries results into design documentation.
The software also integrates irradiance data selection for energy yield estimation and supports common export targets used in PV design handoffs. Teams that need repeatable engineering calculations plus customer-facing visuals tend to evaluate Aurora Solar for the end-to-end workflow coverage.
- +3D shading workflow ties terrain and obstructions into PV layout decisions
- +Energy yield estimation supports common weather datasets and loss assumptions
- +Design outputs include proposal-ready diagrams that reduce manual redrawing
- +String sizing workflow supports inverter matching iterations during layout edits
- –Advanced modeling requires careful configuration to match engineering expectations
- –Large multi-building projects can feel slower when re-optimizing layouts
- –Export coverage can lag specialized formats used in some utility submittals
- –Team governance features are limited compared with enterprise EDA style tooling
solar operations managers
Track pipeline stages into handoff
Visibility into workflow bottlenecks
solar sales proposal teams
Generate client-ready proposal packages
Consistent design-tied proposals
Show 2 more scenarios
solar asset managers
Review portfolio signals across sites
Structured yield-loss follow-up
Asset teams investigate abnormal performance by reviewing system signals and organizing assets by hierarchy.
residential solar installers
Model roofs with shading and placement
Repeatable roof layouts
Installers evaluate shade, place modules on roof surfaces, and export repeatable design outputs.
Best for: Fits when mid-market installers need rapid PV sizing iterations with shading-aware layouts and repeatable export outputs.
Global Solar Atlas
vertical specialistFree solar potential mapping and calculation tool from the World Bank Group providing photovoltaic output estimates worldwide.
Global irradiance mapping plus site-specific yield outputs in one workflow for rapid multi-location screening and export.
Global Solar Atlas provides global solar resource surfaces paired with site-level calculations that use selected irradiance datasets and typical PV modeling parameters. Outputs commonly include irradiance metrics and energy yield estimates that can be compared across geographies for feasibility and procurement screening. Export options help move results into documents and external spreadsheets for iteration during early PV sizing and design.
A practical tradeoff is that engineering-level layout optimization and detailed loss diagrams are limited compared with dedicated PV design suites that model strings, inverters, and module placement granularities. Global Solar Atlas fits best when teams need many-location energy estimates quickly, such as multi-site interconnection studies or portfolio assessments. The workflow becomes less efficient when a project requires tight string sizing, rapid shutdown layout, or deep CAD-based single-line and module layout deliverables.
- +Web-based site screening workflow for fast cross-region yield estimates
- +Consistent irradiance assumptions support repeatable early-stage comparisons
- +Exportable outputs support spreadsheet and slide-ready review cycles
- +Horizon-based shading context is available for location-specific checks
- –Limited granularity for string-level sizing and module layout optimization
- –Advanced loss-diagram workflows are less complete than specialized design tools
- –Deep terrain mesh and high-fidelity 3D shading workflows require external tooling
- –High customization relies on preparing inputs outside the main calculation flow
Portfolio analytics teams
Compare yields across candidate regions
Reduced feasibility cycle time
Development engineers
Early sizing for interconnection filings
Faster preliminary project scoping
Show 2 more scenarios
Consultancies
Preliminary reports for client land parcels
More proposal-ready deliverables
Exports consistent energy metrics for client-facing documentation and internal iteration.
Procurement analysts
Region-level energy budgeting
Lower forecast variance
Applies consistent resource inputs across locations to support budgeting and forecasting assumptions.
Best for: Fits when teams need many-site PV energy estimates quickly with consistent assumptions before deep engineering.
OpenSolar
SMBFree cloud-based solar design and proposal platform with built-in production modeling.
Loss model integration connects configuration choices to yield changes across design iterations inside one workflow.
OpenSolar performs PV system sizing and design workflows that combine module and string configuration with energy yield outputs. The software links irradiance inputs to loss modeling, then produces design artifacts such as reports and export formats used in downstream review.
It supports layout planning for tiling, orientation, and installation constraints, which helps teams iterate on string sizing and inverter matching. The overall workflow is geared toward repeatable design outputs rather than ad hoc spreadsheet calculations.
- +Design workflow ties electrical configuration to energy yield outputs
- +Exports common single-design artifacts used in handoffs and reviews
- +Loss modeling supports iterative PV sizing changes with consistent assumptions
- +Layout planning tools help refine orientation and tiling decisions
- –Advanced modeling steps require careful data and constraint setup
- –API and automation surface is not as prominent as in developer-first tools
solar project administration
Coordinate approval and change tracking
More structured approvals
solar sales teams
Update scope without rebuilding documents
Clearer quote revision history
Show 2 more scenarios
solar permitting teams
Assemble export-ready permit packages
More consistent permit documentation
Operations teams organize jurisdiction-related drawings and export plan sets for submission and resubmission cycles.
PV designers
Estimate production with modeling assumptions
Visible yield assumptions
Designers model energy yield using solar resource, shading, modules, inverter choices, and loss assumptions.
Best for: Fits when teams need repeatable PV sizing and yield reporting with consistent assumptions across revisions.
Polysun
vertical specialistSimulation software from Vela Solaris for PV, solar thermal, and heat pump system design and calculation.
Integrated horizon and shading modeling that updates yield and loss diagrams in one continuous design workflow.
Polysun’s core calculation flow starts from a system layout with tilt and azimuth settings, then adds horizon and terrain-related shading inputs to produce yield and loss diagrams. The software generates outputs that map to design documentation needs, including exportable diagrams and engineering summaries used during technical signoff. Its project structure keeps multiple variants together so teams can compare outcomes without rebuilding a model from scratch.
- +Shading inputs tied directly to yield outputs and loss diagrams
- +Variant management keeps multiple design options within one project
- +Bifacial modeling options support front and rear contribution studies
- +Exportable documentation artifacts support review workflows
- –Limited API-driven automation compared with calculator suites built for integration
- –Some advanced workflows depend on disciplined setup in the UI
- –Interconnection application support requires manual design interpretation
PV design engineering teams
Iterate module layouts for site-specific shading
Faster iteration with consistent outputs
Solar project development managers
Compare design variants across multiple sites
More reliable option screening
Show 1 more scenario
Racking and layout specialists
Tune stringing layouts around constraints
Better layout decisions
Model layout choices and assess energy differences using shading-sensitive results.
Best for: Fits when PV teams need repeatable GUI-based design packages with strong shading-driven yield reporting.
HOMER
vertical specialistMicrogrid and hybrid power system optimization software from HOMER Energy, now part of UL Solutions.
Hourly dispatch modeling that co-simulates PV production with battery behavior for energy yield and load-meeting outcomes.
HOMER is used for solar project sizing and energy yield modeling when system design needs to tie PV and storage dispatch to hourly weather and constraints. It calculates energy production and can also model hybrid configurations by simulating load meeting with PV, batteries, and grid or generators.
- +Dispatch-aware PV and storage simulation for load matching and autonomy studies
- +Iterative sizing loop links component choices to hourly energy outcomes
- +Rich loss and configuration options for energy yield sensitivity testing
- +File-based data exchange supports design handoff and reporting workflows
- –Shading detail depends on external geometry and workflow discipline
- –Automated string sizing and inverter matching are less central than energy dispatch modeling
- –Large parametric runs can require careful input management to avoid rerun mistakes
- –Some outputs need post-processing to match strict drawing or compliance formats
distributed energy developers
Compare grid-connected PV and storage
Energy flows planning view
solar and storage engineers
Size PV and batteries against dispatch goals
Operationally grounded sizing
Show 2 more scenarios
solar installers and energy consultants
Support early design discussions
Reusable technical results
Installers and consultants compare modeled performance and configurations to support early planning documents.
renewable system planners
Run hybrid renewable mix studies
Broader renewable comparisons
Planners include wind and other generation resources to evaluate off-grid or microgrid configurations.
Best for: Fits when PV plus storage design must account for hourly dispatch behavior and energy yield sensitivity.
SunDAT
enterpriseAuto-layout and design software for utility-scale and commercial solar PV plants.
Loss-aware calculation reporting that stays linked to the modeled module layout and shading context.
SunDAT supports module layout and stringing oriented PV design workflows, then ties results to energy yield estimation and loss breakdown reporting. The tool’s workflow is geared toward engineers who need to iterate tilt, azimuth, and shading assumptions while keeping the electrical sizing context consistent. It also supports horizon file import and terrain-driven context so shading impacts reflect the modeled environment. Export output can move into common document and design pipelines through file generation for diagrams and reports.
- +Tight coupling of layout, loss breakdown, and yield calculations
- +Shading workflow accepts horizon and terrain context inputs
- +Generates exportable diagrams and report artifacts for handoff
- +Iteration supports changing orientation and configuration assumptions
- –Horizon and terrain input curation adds upfront project setup time
- –Automation depth depends on how external exports get integrated into workflows
PV design engineers
Iterate layouts under shading constraints
Faster configuration comparisons
Project delivery teams
Standardize submission report outputs
Less manual rework
Show 2 more scenarios
Technical sales and estimators
Rapid feasibility with site context files
More credible early numbers
Estimators use imported horizon and terrain context to produce defensible yield estimates for early proposals.
Engineering operations leads
Maintain calculation governance across projects
Higher output consistency
Standardized calculation runs and exports support consistent outputs across teams and handoffs.
Best for: Fits when teams need repeatable PV calculation iterations with export-ready design artifacts.
ARKA 360
SMBComprehensive solar design and proposal software with 3D shading analysis.
Project deliverable generation that keeps PV sizing and yield results consistent across repeated design runs.
ARKA 360 targets PV system sizing and design workflows with a calculation environment meant for project-grade outputs rather than rough estimates. The tool focuses on modeling layouts and electrical configurations used for string sizing, loss analysis, and energy yield estimation.
- +Repeatable PV sizing workflow for consistent project outputs
- +Layout and electrical configuration inputs support end-to-end calculation cycles
- +Loss and yield outputs map well to common design review checkpoints
- +Report-oriented deliverables reduce manual post-processing
- –Automation depth lags tools with broader API and integration ecosystems
- –Shading and terrain fidelity depends on available input quality
- –Horizon and irradiance data handling can require extra preparation
- –Export formats may not match every downstream CAD and engineering pipeline
commercial solar EPC teams
Develop commercial rooftop PV configurations
Design with supporting calculations
residential solar sales teams
Create proposal materials from roof models
Proposal aligned to design
Show 2 more scenarios
solar-plus-storage sales teams
Model battery options with PV design
Solar and battery in one design
Installers and sales teams include battery storage choices while developing solar design and proposal outputs.
solar contractors and estimators
Generate estimates and material lists
BOM outputs for purchasing
Estimators use project configurations to produce estimates and bill-of-materials outputs for sales workflows.
Best for: Fits when project teams need repeatable PV calculations with standard report outputs across many designs.
Solargraf
SMBSolar design and proposal software for residential contractors.
Tight coupling between module layout edits and downstream string sizing results, keeping design iterations consistent across exports.
Solargraf calculates PV system designs from a structured project model and turns inputs like roof geometry, module selections, and electrical constraints into sizing outputs and exportable documentation. The workflow centers on module layout planning, string sizing logic, and irradiance data integration for energy yield estimation.
- +String sizing stays tied to module layout changes during iterative design
- +Energy yield runs with irradiance dataset inputs for proposal-ready outputs
- +Exports support common PV deliverables like diagrams and layout documentation
- +Project constraints can be reused to speed repeat designs
- –Automation depth is limited when full API-driven workflows are required
- –Complex shading and terrain inputs need more modeling effort than expected
PV design consultants
Roof to string sizing proposals
Faster client proposal turnaround
Engineering teams
Standardized multi-project design automation
Consistent results at scale
Show 2 more scenarios
Solar project administrators
Governance for design documentation
Reduced revision cycles
Maintains controlled project setup so outputs like diagrams and graphics remain uniform.
Energy yield analysts
Irradiance-driven yield estimations
More defensible yield estimates
Integrates irradiance data to convert design inputs into energy yield estimation outputs.
Best for: Fits when mid-size PV teams iterate layouts often and need repeatable sizing outputs without heavy custom automation.
SolarEdge Designer
SMBWeb-based solar design tool optimized for SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers.
Inverter-linked string sizing tied to SolarEdge system modeling within a single design workflow.
SolarEdge Designer targets PV sizing and layout work with inverter-aware workflows that tie module and string decisions to SolarEdge system assumptions. It supports shading and energy yield modeling through 3D terrain and object inputs, then produces design artifacts like loss diagrams and layout exports used for engineering review.
- +Inverter-aware string sizing reduces mismatch risk inside SolarEdge assumptions
- +3D terrain and obstacle inputs feed shading impact into yield estimates
- +Loss diagrams and design outputs support engineering review workflows
- +Layout export formats support downstream drawing and documentation processes
- –Best results depend on having accurate site geometry and irradiance inputs
- –Automation and API extensibility are limited compared with tools offering full programmable interfaces
- –Complex projects can require careful model setup to keep results consistent
- –Coverage of non-SolarEdge design pathways is narrower than vendor-neutral suites
solar sales and estimating teams
Package designs into proposal artifacts
Design-informed proposal packages
commissioning teams
Carry design choices into commissioning setup
Better design-to-setup continuity
Show 2 more scenarios
storage designers
Size batteries for SolarEdge-compatible systems
Battery configuration aligned
Storage designers size battery configurations using load assumptions and SolarEdge inverter compatibility requirements.
residential solar installers
Design modules around roof constraints
Repeatable roof layout
Installers create module layouts that account for roof geometry, obstructions, and SolarEdge equipment constraints.
Best for: Fits when engineering teams need SolarEdge-aligned PV sizing with geometry-driven shading and review-ready outputs.
Solargis Evaluator
enterpriseOnline PV energy yield calculation tool built around Solargis solar resource data.
Solargis dataset-backed evaluation workflow for repeatable, location-based yield calculations at portfolio scale.
Solargis Evaluator fits teams that need repeatable PV project calculations across many sites without rebuilding assumptions each time. It provides an irradiance and energy-yield calculation workflow tied to Solargis datasets, then produces standardized outputs for sizing, design iteration, and reporting.
- +Standardized calculation workflow reduces per-site reconfiguration effort
- +Location-driven irradiance basis supports consistent energy yield comparisons
- +Configurable PV inputs support repeatable design scenario evaluation
- +Portfolio-oriented outputs support engineering reviews and internal reporting
- –Detailed module and electrical layout workflows can feel limited
- –Advanced shading and horizon handling may require additional setup effort
- –Export formats may not match every internal design toolchain
Solar project developers
Compare yield across multiple rooftops
Faster site shortlisting
PV engineering teams
Validate design assumptions quickly
Reduced design churn
Show 1 more scenario
Portfolio analysts
Batch evaluation for many projects
More consistent ranking
Analysts process multiple sites using the same evaluation structure to keep comparisons consistent.
Best for: Fits when engineering teams need consistent PV yield evaluations across many locations with repeatable assumptions.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 solar calculation software, Aurora Solar stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Solar Calculation Software
This guide compares solar calculation software built for PV system sizing, shading-aware energy yield estimation, and design artifact handoffs across SunDAT, Polysun, Global Solar Atlas, Aurora Solar, and OpenSolar. The comparison also includes HOMER, Solargis, SolarEdge Designer, Solargraf, and ARKA 360, with emphasis on where each tool keeps layout decisions connected to calculation outputs.
The tools differ most in how they handle shading context and loss reporting, how tightly design iterations stay linked to electrical configuration, and how much automation support exists for repeatable workflows. SunDAT leads with loss-aware calculation reporting tied to modeled module layout and shading context, while Polysun emphasizes horizon and shading modeling that updates yield and loss diagrams inside a single design workflow.
Solar Calculation Software for PV sizing, shading analysis, and design-ready energy yield outputs
Solar calculation software produces PV sizing and energy yield results from modeled PV geometry, irradiance inputs, and loss assumptions, then attaches those results to outputs used in design reviews and proposal deliverables. These platforms typically combine shading modeling, electrical configuration, and yield estimation so design changes propagate into updated calculations.
SunDAT is centered on loss-aware calculation reporting that stays linked to the modeled module layout and shading context, which supports repeatable PV calculation iterations with export-ready artifacts. Polysun focuses on an integrated horizon and shading workflow that updates yield and loss diagrams continuously, with variant management that keeps multiple design options inside one project.
Solar calculation criteria that decide PV sizing accuracy and handoff quality
Solar calculation software must keep shading context and electrical configuration coupled so design edits change the same underlying calculations, not just visual layouts. The highest repeatability comes from tools that connect loss reporting and yield outputs to the modeled geometry, then carry those results into exportable design artifacts.
Loss-linked calculation reporting tied to layout and shading context
SunDAT connects loss-aware reporting to the modeled module layout and shading context so iterations stay explainable in PV design reviews. ARKA 360 also targets repeatable calculation cycles, but its strongest emphasis is consistent deliverable generation across repeated design runs.
Integrated horizon and shading workflow that updates yield and loss diagrams
Polysun maintains a single continuous design workflow where shading inputs directly update yield and loss diagrams with variant management. Aurora Solar also combines terrain and shading with energy yield estimation, but it prioritizes a 3D terrain session that can slow large multi-building layout re-optimizations.
Electrical configuration linkage for inverter-aware string sizing
SolarEdge Designer ties inverter-linked string sizing to SolarEdge system modeling so string mismatch risk stays lower within SolarEdge assumptions. OpenSolar links design workflow electrical configuration to energy yield outputs, which supports consistent assumptions across revisions.
Geospatial-driven yield workflows for multi-location screening and engineering reports
Global Solar Atlas delivers web-based multi-location yield screening with consistent irradiance assumptions for early-stage comparisons. Solargis uses geospatial horizon and terrain shading inputs to drive energy yield estimation workflows designed for engineering-style reporting and documentation.
Dispatch-aware PV and storage simulation for hourly load-meeting outcomes
HOMER co-simulates PV production with battery behavior at an hourly level so PV sizing accounts for load meeting and autonomy outcomes. This makes HOMER different from layout-first design tools like Aurora Solar that focus on shading-aware PV layout decisions during a design session.
Layout-to-sizing iteration consistency across exports
Solargraf keeps string sizing tightly coupled to module layout edits so design iterations preserve downstream sizing consistency in exports. SunDAT also emphasizes repeatable calculation iterations with export-ready artifacts, but it centers on loss-aware reporting linked to modeled shading context.
Decision framework for choosing Solar Calculation Software by workflow coupling
Selection starts with the coupling level needed between geometry changes and the resulting energy and loss outputs. Tools that tie shading context to loss breakdown reduce rework during repeated PV sizing iterations because the explanation follows the modeled layout.
The next fork is whether the work is primarily design-artifact generation, multi-site screening, or hourly energy and storage behavior. Each category emphasizes different workflow engines, with SunDAT and Polysun focused on design iteration continuity and HOMER focused on dispatch simulation loops.
Choose geometry-linked loss reporting when the team must justify every iteration
Pick SunDAT when the workflow depends on loss-aware calculation reporting that stays linked to the modeled module layout and shading context for review-ready traceability. Pick Polysun when the team needs an integrated horizon and shading workflow that updates yield and loss diagrams continuously during a single GUI-based design session.
Choose inverter-aware sizing when SolarEdge-aligned design assumptions must stay intact
Select SolarEdge Designer when the engineering process expects inverter-linked string sizing tied to SolarEdge system modeling within one design workflow. Select OpenSolar when the process needs electrical configuration tied directly to energy yield outputs across revision cycles, even when the automation depth for programmable workflows is not the primary focus.
Choose geospatial screening tools for consistent assumptions across many locations
Select Global Solar Atlas when the workflow requires web-based site screening with consistent irradiance assumptions for rapid multi-location yield estimates. Select Solargis when geospatial horizon and terrain shading inputs must feed an energy yield estimation workflow designed for engineering-style reports and documentation.
Choose 3D terrain and shading workflow tools when layout decisions drive yield changes in-session
Select Aurora Solar when PV layout decisions must be updated inside a unified 3D terrain and shading workflow that ties obstructions into PV layout decisions. Select Solargraf when module layout edits must stay tightly coupled to downstream string sizing results to preserve iteration consistency without heavy custom automation.
Choose dispatch co-simulation when PV sizing must include battery and hourly load meeting
Select HOMER when the design objective includes hourly dispatch modeling and load meeting with battery behavior because PV and storage interact across time steps. Treat tools like Aurora Solar as a mismatch when the core requirement is dispatch behavior rather than layout-driven shading and yield estimation.
Avoid tools with mismatched automation expectations for the team’s integration style
If the workflow depends on automation depth, prioritize tools with stronger integration capability expectations since Polysun highlights limited API-driven automation compared with calculator suites built for integration. If the workflow depends on UI-driven repeatability, Polysun’s variant management and SunDAT’s tight coupling of layout, loss breakdown, and yield calculations tend to reduce iteration inconsistency.
Who should use which Solar Calculation Software workflow
Different teams optimize for different failure modes, like losing traceability between shading inputs and loss outputs or generating engineering outputs that do not match the intended dispatch model. The best fit depends on whether the team primarily produces design artifacts for PV system sizing, performs multi-location screening, or runs hourly dispatch simulations for PV plus storage.
PV design teams producing repeatable calculation artifacts for handoffs
SunDAT fits teams that need loss-aware calculation reporting linked to modeled module layout and shading context so exports remain consistent across revisions. ARKA 360 also targets repeatable PV calculations with standard report outputs, but it places less emphasis on automation depth for external workflows.
Installers and design firms running frequent shading-driven layout iterations
Polysun fits GUI-based repeatable design packages with shading inputs tied directly to yield outputs and loss diagrams and with variant management inside one project. Aurora Solar fits teams prioritizing a unified 3D terrain and shading workflow that updates PV layout decisions and energy yield inside the same design session.
Engineering teams aligned to SolarEdge system modeling assumptions
SolarEdge Designer fits workflows that require inverter-linked string sizing tied to SolarEdge system modeling so mismatch risk stays lower within SolarEdge assumptions. OpenSolar fits engineering teams that want electrical configuration connected to energy yield outputs for consistent assumptions across revisions.
Grid development analysts screening many candidate sites across regions
Global Solar Atlas fits multi-location yield screening with consistent irradiance assumptions for early-stage comparisons before deeper engineering. Solargis fits workflows that require geospatially informed yield studies where horizon and terrain shading inputs drive energy yield estimation for sign-off reporting.
PV plus storage planners running hourly load meeting and autonomy studies
HOMER fits dispatch-aware PV and storage simulation where iterative sizing loops link component choices to hourly energy outcomes. This focus can be a mismatch for teams expecting layout-level optimization to be the dominant workflow driver.
Common buyer pitfalls that break PV sizing repeatability
Misalignment often comes from choosing a tool that looks strong on shading visuals but does not keep shading context and loss outputs tightly coupled to the modeled geometry. It also happens when automation expectations do not match the tool’s workflow engine, which can turn integration work into manual re-entry for each revision. The result is inconsistent outputs across design iterations or engineering sign-off delays because the workflow does not preserve the same assumptions from input edits to reported yield changes.
Buying a tool that handles shading inputs but not loss-linked reporting that traces back to the modeled layout
SunDAT’s tight coupling of layout, loss breakdown, and yield calculations reduces traceability gaps when design iterations are frequent. If the team needs similar continuity, Polysun updates yield and loss diagrams continuously in one workflow, which supports review consistency.
Assuming multi-location screening tools provide string-level sizing quality and layout optimization
Global Solar Atlas emphasizes global irradiance mapping with site-specific yield outputs for fast cross-region screening, so it provides limited granularity for string-level sizing and module layout optimization. Solargis and Aurora Solar are better aligned with engineering report workflows where shading inputs feed more detailed PV design sessions.
Expecting dispatch simulation behavior from layout-first PV design tools
HOMER is built around hourly dispatch modeling that co-simulates PV production with battery behavior for load-meeting outcomes. Aurora Solar focuses on 3D terrain and shading updates to PV layout decisions and energy yield, so it is not a substitute for dispatch sensitivity planning.
Selecting a SolarEdge-aligned project pipeline without using inverter-linked string sizing tied to SolarEdge system modeling
SolarEdge Designer is structured for inverter-aware string sizing inside SolarEdge assumptions to reduce mismatch risk. Tools like Polysun and OpenSolar can support electrical configuration connections, but they do not center SolarEdge inverter linkage in the same way.
Underestimating upfront input curation for horizon and terrain context
SunDAT ties shading workflow inputs to horizon and terrain context, and curation adds upfront project setup time. Aurora Solar also requires careful configuration to match engineering expectations, so planning for input prep prevents slow first-project cycles.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated SunDAT, Polysun, Global Solar Atlas, Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, HOMER, Solargis, SolarEdge Designer, Solargraf, and ARKA 360 using features at 40% weight, ease at 20% weight, and value at 30% weight. Features focused on how tightly shading context and loss or yield outputs stay linked to modeled geometry for PV system sizing and design iteration workflows.
Ease focused on how consistently teams can run repeatable calculations after importing shading and terrain context or updating module layout decisions. We weighted SunDAT heavily because its loss-aware calculation reporting stays linked to modeled module layout and shading context, which supports repeated PV calculation iterations with export-ready design artifacts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Calculation Software
How do SunDAT and Polysun handle loss breakdowns across shading and layout edits?
What breaks if Aurora Solar and SolarEdge Designer are used for vendor-neutral designs that must match a specific system model?
When should Global Solar Atlas replace an engineering tool like Solargis for PV sizing and design sign-off?
Which tools support repeated project provisioning across multiple designers with admin controls and automation?
How do HOMER and Aurora Solar differ when hourly dispatch affects energy yield outcomes?
How do Polysun and Solargis incorporate horizon and terrain inputs into yield estimation?
What integration and automation workflow differences appear between OpenSolar and Solargraf when exporting design artifacts?
Which tool is better when shading analysis requires object-aware 3D context rather than only simplified horizon inputs?
Where does OpenSolar fall short compared with tools that are tightly coupled to inverter execution assumptions?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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