Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aurora Solar - AI-powered cloud platform for solar design, sales proposals, and customer proposals with advanced 3D modeling and financial analysis.
- 2#2: OpenSolar - Free end-to-end solar design, engineering, and proposal software optimized for residential and commercial installations.
- 3#3: HelioScope - High-capacity commercial solar design and layout software with row-level optimization and production modeling.
- 4#4: PVsyst - Professional PV system simulation software for detailed performance analysis, shading, and yield prediction.
- 5#5: PV*SOL - Comprehensive 3D design and simulation tool for grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic systems with economic evaluation.
- 6#6: System Advisor Model (SAM) - Free performance and financial model from NREL for renewable energy systems including detailed PV estimating.
- 7#7: SolarDesignTool - Online platform for quick solar PV system design, energy yield calculation, and permit-ready documentation.
- 8#8: EnergyToolbase - Commercial solar modeling and financial analysis platform for PPA pricing, IRR calculations, and project optimization.
- 9#9: SolarEdge Designer - Free web-based tool for designing SolarEdge PV systems with optimizer layout, string sizing, and performance simulation.
- 10#10: Enphase Designer - Cloud-based design service for Enphase microinverter systems with layout optimization and energy production estimates.
These tools were chosen based on functionality depth—including design, simulation, and financial modeling—user experience, and value, ensuring they meet the diverse demands of residential and commercial solar practitioners.
Comparison Table
Solar estimating software simplifies project design, and this comparison table compares top tools like Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, HelioScope, PVsyst, PV*SOL, and more to guide users toward the right fit. Readers will discover key features, performance nuances, and suitability for various workflows, helping them make informed decisions tailored to their project needs and technical preferences.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora Solar AI-powered cloud platform for solar design, sales proposals, and customer proposals with advanced 3D modeling and financial analysis. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | OpenSolar Free end-to-end solar design, engineering, and proposal software optimized for residential and commercial installations. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | HelioScope High-capacity commercial solar design and layout software with row-level optimization and production modeling. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | PVsyst Professional PV system simulation software for detailed performance analysis, shading, and yield prediction. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | PV*SOL Comprehensive 3D design and simulation tool for grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic systems with economic evaluation. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | System Advisor Model (SAM) Free performance and financial model from NREL for renewable energy systems including detailed PV estimating. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 5.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 7 | SolarDesignTool Online platform for quick solar PV system design, energy yield calculation, and permit-ready documentation. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | EnergyToolbase Commercial solar modeling and financial analysis platform for PPA pricing, IRR calculations, and project optimization. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | SolarEdge Designer Free web-based tool for designing SolarEdge PV systems with optimizer layout, string sizing, and performance simulation. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Enphase Designer Cloud-based design service for Enphase microinverter systems with layout optimization and energy production estimates. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
AI-powered cloud platform for solar design, sales proposals, and customer proposals with advanced 3D modeling and financial analysis.
Free end-to-end solar design, engineering, and proposal software optimized for residential and commercial installations.
High-capacity commercial solar design and layout software with row-level optimization and production modeling.
Professional PV system simulation software for detailed performance analysis, shading, and yield prediction.
Comprehensive 3D design and simulation tool for grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic systems with economic evaluation.
Free performance and financial model from NREL for renewable energy systems including detailed PV estimating.
Online platform for quick solar PV system design, energy yield calculation, and permit-ready documentation.
Commercial solar modeling and financial analysis platform for PPA pricing, IRR calculations, and project optimization.
Free web-based tool for designing SolarEdge PV systems with optimizer layout, string sizing, and performance simulation.
Cloud-based design service for Enphase microinverter systems with layout optimization and energy production estimates.
Aurora Solar
specializedAI-powered cloud platform for solar design, sales proposals, and customer proposals with advanced 3D modeling and financial analysis.
TrueShade™ polyline shading analysis for pinpoint accuracy in complex environments
Aurora Solar is a leading cloud-based solar design and sales platform that enables solar professionals to create accurate 3D roof models, perform energy production forecasts, and generate compelling proposals using AI-driven tools and high-resolution satellite imagery. It streamlines the entire process from site assessment to permitting and financing, helping installers and EPCs win more projects efficiently. With integrations to popular CRMs and monitoring systems, it supports end-to-end solar project workflows.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate AI-powered 3D modeling and shading analysis with TrueShade technology
- Seamless proposal generation with financial modeling and e-signatures
- Robust integrations with CRMs, monitoring platforms, and permitting tools
Cons
- High pricing may deter very small operations
- Advanced features have a learning curve for new users
- Relies heavily on internet connectivity as a cloud-based tool
Best For
Mid-to-large solar installers, EPCs, and sales teams needing precise design automation and sales acceleration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $145/user/month for core plans, with higher tiers for advanced features and unlimited projects.
OpenSolar
specializedFree end-to-end solar design, engineering, and proposal software optimized for residential and commercial installations.
Autopilot AI that automatically generates optimized 3D solar designs in seconds using roof data and local regulations
OpenSolar is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed specifically for solar professionals, offering tools for instant 3D system design, accurate proposals, permitting, and project management. It leverages satellite imagery, AI-driven Autopilot for automated layouts, and integrates CRM and financial modeling to streamline the entire sales-to-installation process. Widely used by thousands of installers globally, it stands out for enabling rapid, professional-grade solar estimating without software costs.
Pros
- Completely free with full access to advanced features like 3D modeling and Autopilot design
- Lightning-fast proposal generation and global satellite imagery integration for accurate estimates
- End-to-end workflow including CRM, permitting, and dispatch tools
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for very large enterprise-scale operations
- Requires reliable internet connection as it's fully cloud-based
- Steeper learning curve for complex custom designs despite intuitive interface
Best For
Solar sales teams and small-to-medium installers needing a powerful, no-cost solution for quick designs and proposals.
Pricing
100% free forever, with no subscription fees or hidden costs; optional premium support available.
HelioScope
enterpriseHigh-capacity commercial solar design and layout software with row-level optimization and production modeling.
Full-array parametric simulation that optimizes massive solar layouts in minutes
HelioScope is a cloud-based solar PV design and modeling software specialized for commercial and utility-scale projects, enabling rapid simulation of energy production, shading analysis, and system optimization. It supports parametric sweeps for design iteration, detailed financial modeling, and automated proposal generation. Users can model complex terrain and obstructions with high accuracy, making it a powerhouse for engineering-grade solar estimating.
Pros
- Lightning-fast simulations for large-scale arrays (thousands of modules in seconds)
- Advanced shading, terrain, and soiling modeling for precise yield forecasts
- Parametric tools and financial integration streamline design-to-proposal workflow
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires engineering expertise
- Pricing is premium and less ideal for small residential installers
- Limited CRM or sales automation compared to all-in-one platforms
Best For
Commercial and utility-scale solar engineers who prioritize speed and accuracy in complex PV system modeling over simplicity.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$250/user/month (billed annually), with tiered enterprise plans by project size and features.
PVsyst
specializedProfessional PV system simulation software for detailed performance analysis, shading, and yield prediction.
Sophisticated 3D near-shading scene modeling with fish-eye photo import for precise obstruction analysis
PVsyst is a leading professional software for detailed design, sizing, and performance simulation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, supporting grid-connected, off-grid, and pumping configurations. It excels in accurate yield predictions by modeling complex factors like module mismatch, soiling, aging, and detailed shading effects using 3D scene modeling. Widely trusted in the industry for bankable energy production estimates and system optimization, it's ideal for engineering-grade solar estimating.
Pros
- Unmatched accuracy in PV performance simulation and yield forecasting
- Vast database of modules, inverters, and meteo data sources
- Advanced 3D shading analysis and detailed economic reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a complex, non-intuitive interface
- High upfront cost with additional fees for updates
- Windows-only, lacking mobile or cloud-based accessibility
Best For
Professional PV engineers and engineering firms needing precise, bankable simulations for utility-scale and commercial solar projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license from €790 (basic) to €1,190 (PRO edition); annual update subscription ~20% of license cost.
PV*SOL
specializedComprehensive 3D design and simulation tool for grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic systems with economic evaluation.
Precise 3D shading analysis with dynamic hourly simulations accounting for seasonal vegetation and building obstructions
PV*SOL is a professional desktop software for designing, simulating, and optimizing photovoltaic (PV) systems, offering 3D modeling of rooftops and surroundings for accurate shading analysis. It provides detailed yield predictions, economic evaluations, and grid-connection simulations using a comprehensive database of over 100,000 PV modules and 10,000 inverters. The tool generates professional reports and supports both grid-tied and off-grid systems, making it ideal for precise solar estimating.
Pros
- Extensive component database for realistic system design
- Advanced 3D shading and yield simulation with hourly resolution
- Professional reporting and export options for proposals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Windows-only desktop application, no cloud version
- High upfront cost without subscription flexibility
Best For
Experienced PV engineers and installers handling complex residential or commercial solar projects requiring detailed simulations.
Pricing
One-time purchase: PV*SOL basic ~€600, premium ~€1,700; optional annual maintenance ~20% of license fee.
System Advisor Model (SAM)
otherFree performance and financial model from NREL for renewable energy systems including detailed PV estimating.
Integrated parametric analysis and scripting via SAM SDK for optimizing system designs and sensitivity studies
The System Advisor Model (SAM) is a free, open-source software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for performance and financial modeling of renewable energy systems, with comprehensive support for solar PV, concentrating solar power (CSP), wind, and hybrid configurations including storage. It enables detailed simulations of energy production, system losses, degradation, and techno-economic analyses like levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and cash flows. SAM is widely used for research, feasibility studies, and project optimization, integrating time-series weather data and component libraries for high-fidelity estimates.
Pros
- Exceptionally detailed physics-based models for accurate long-term performance predictions
- Free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Robust financial modeling including incentives, financing structures, and metrics like LCOE and IRR
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring technical expertise and extensive parameter inputs
- Desktop-only application lacking cloud collaboration or mobile access
- Not optimized for rapid quoting or sales proposals, better for in-depth analysis
Best For
Engineers, researchers, and project developers needing precise, validated techno-economic modeling for solar projects.
Pricing
Completely free to download and use, with no paid tiers or subscriptions.
SolarDesignTool
specializedOnline platform for quick solar PV system design, energy yield calculation, and permit-ready documentation.
One-click PV array layout optimization with automatic edge detection on roofs
SolarDesignTool is a web-based solar design and estimating platform that allows users to create PV system layouts on satellite imagery, perform shading analysis, and generate detailed proposals with cost estimates. It streamlines the process from site assessment to sales by automating energy production forecasts and bill of materials. Primarily targeted at solar sales and installation teams, it emphasizes speed over complex engineering simulations.
Pros
- Rapid design creation using drag-and-drop on aerial imagery
- Integrated shading analysis and production estimates for quick accuracy
- Professional proposal generation with customizable templates
Cons
- Limited advanced engineering tools compared to dedicated simulators
- Estimating features are sales-oriented, lacking deep financial modeling
- Full functionality requires paid subscription; free tier is basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized solar sales teams needing fast, visually appealing designs and proposals without heavy engineering needs.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at $49/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
EnergyToolbase
enterpriseCommercial solar modeling and financial analysis platform for PPA pricing, IRR calculations, and project optimization.
Proprietary PVMOD+ engine for ultra-precise energy yield predictions incorporating real-time irradiance and microclimate data
EnergyToolbase is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for solar professionals, offering precise energy modeling, system design, and proposal generation tools to streamline solar project estimation and sales. It supports accurate production forecasting using site-specific data, financial analysis, and integration with CRM systems for efficient workflows. Beyond estimating, it provides project management, permitting assistance, and post-installation asset monitoring for the full solar lifecycle.
Pros
- Highly accurate PV modeling with hyper-local weather data integration
- Seamless proposal generation and e-signing capabilities
- End-to-end project lifecycle management including asset performance tracking
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small installers
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization features
- Limited standalone mobile app; relies on web interface
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers, EPCs, and developers needing integrated estimating, design, and long-term asset management tools.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at approximately $299/month for basic plans, scaling to enterprise levels with add-ons for advanced features.
SolarEdge Designer
specializedFree web-based tool for designing SolarEdge PV systems with optimizer layout, string sizing, and performance simulation.
Integrated LiDAR-based 3D roof modeling for precise module placement and shading analysis
SolarEdge Designer is a free web-based platform for designing solar PV systems, enabling users to model rooftops with high-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR data. It supports module placement, string optimization, shading analysis, and energy yield simulations using real weather data. The tool generates professional reports, single-line diagrams, and bills of materials, with seamless integration for SolarEdge hardware.
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits
- Accurate 3D modeling and shading analysis using LiDAR and weather data
- Generates exportable reports, SLDs, and BOMs quickly
Cons
- Strong bias toward SolarEdge inverters and optimizers
- Limited support for non-SolarEdge components and advanced financial estimating
- Requires internet access and account signup for full features
Best For
Solar installers and designers primarily using SolarEdge equipment who need fast, accurate PV layout and production estimates.
Pricing
Free for all users with optional premium support for enterprise accounts.
Enphase Designer
specializedCloud-based design service for Enphase microinverter systems with layout optimization and energy production estimates.
Automatic PV array optimization tailored specifically to Enphase microinverters and batteries
Enphase Designer is a free, cloud-based solar design tool optimized for Enphase IQ microinverters, batteries, and ecosystem components. It enables users to create precise 3D roof models, perform shading analysis, optimize PV layouts, and generate professional proposals with energy production forecasts and financial breakdowns. Ideal for streamlining the design-to-proposal workflow within the Enphase ecosystem, it supports accurate estimating for residential and commercial solar projects.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Enphase hardware for accurate system optimization
- Advanced 3D modeling and automated shading analysis
- Generates polished proposals with financial tools at no cost
Cons
- Limited flexibility for non-Enphase components
- Learning curve for complex designs
- Regional data limitations in some areas
Best For
Enphase installers and designers focused on IQ ecosystem projects needing quick, hardware-specific proposals.
Pricing
Free to use with no subscription required.
Conclusion
The top solar estimating tools provide robust options for varying needs, with Aurora Solar leading as the top choice, boasting AI-powered design, 3D modeling, and financial analysis. OpenSolar stands out as a free, end-to-end solution for residential and commercial use, while HelioScope excels in high-capacity commercial layouts and production modeling—each offering unique strengths to suit different workflows.
Start exploring Aurora Solar's leading AI-driven platform today to elevate your solar projects, whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or developer.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison