Top 10 Best Solar Power Software of 2026

Aurora Solar is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for solar professionals, offering advanced 3D modeling, shade analysis, and financial forecasting to streamline solar project design and sales. It leverages satellite imagery, LIDAR data, and machine learning for highly accurate rooftop assessments and proposal generation. The software integrates with CRM systems and supports end-to-end workflows from lead generation to permitting, making it a top choice for solar installers and sales teams.

OpenSolar is a comprehensive cloud-based solar design and sales platform that allows professionals to create accurate 3D solar system designs, generate financial proposals, and manage customer relationships. It automates layout optimization, shading analysis, and sales workflows to streamline the process from site assessment to contract signing. The software integrates CRM tools, inventory management, and a customer portal for enhanced collaboration.

PVsyst is a premier photovoltaic system design and simulation software used by professionals for accurate modeling of grid-connected, stand-alone, and water-pumping PV systems. It integrates extensive meteorological databases, component libraries for modules and inverters, and advanced tools for performance prediction including shading losses and system optimization. The software delivers detailed yield assessments, financial analysis, and report generation to support project feasibility and engineering.

HelioScope is a cloud-based solar design and engineering software specialized for utility-scale and commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems. It enables rapid modeling of large solar arrays, detailed 3D shade and terrain analysis, energy yield predictions, and financial modeling. The platform supports collaborative workflows, AutoCAD integration, and generates professional proposals for EPCs and developers.

PV*SOL premium is a professional-grade photovoltaic system design and simulation software developed by Valentin Software, enabling precise modeling of PV installations on complex roofs and terrains. It performs detailed yield simulations accounting for shading, module orientation, and meteorological data, supporting both grid-connected and off-grid systems. The tool also includes economic analysis, component databases, and customizable reports for project documentation.

The System Advisor Model (SAM), developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is a free, open-source software tool for simulating the performance and financial metrics of renewable energy systems, with comprehensive support for solar PV, concentrating solar power (CSP), and other technologies. Users can model energy production, system sizing, incentives, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by inputting detailed technical, meteorological, and financial parameters. It excels in parametric studies, optimization, and uncertainty analysis for project feasibility assessments.

PVcase is a specialized CAD plugin for AutoCAD and Revit designed for utility-scale solar PV projects, automating array layout, site grading, stringing, and cable management on complex terrains. It generates detailed 2D/3D models, shading reports, and construction documents to streamline the design process from feasibility to engineering. The software integrates civil engineering workflows, ensuring compliance with setbacks, drainage, and structural constraints.

SolarEdge Designer is a free, web-based platform for designing solar PV systems, allowing users to model roofs using satellite imagery, place panels via drag-and-drop, and simulate energy production with shading analysis. It generates detailed reports including bill of materials, string designs, and performance forecasts optimized for SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers. Ideal for residential and commercial projects, it integrates seamlessly with SolarEdge's monitoring ecosystem for post-installation insights.

Sunny Design is a free web-based tool from SMA Solar Technology for designing and simulating photovoltaic (PV) systems. It enables users to perform site analysis, select components from a comprehensive database (primarily SMA products), calculate energy yields, and verify grid compliance. The platform supports 3D modeling, static reports, and export options for professional documentation.

Enphase Designer is a cloud-based platform for designing solar PV systems optimized for Enphase microinverters, batteries, and IQ ecosystem components. It offers 3D modeling, precise shade analysis using satellite and LiDAR data, energy production forecasting, and automated proposal and permit package generation. The tool streamlines the design process for residential and commercial installations, ensuring NEC compliance and integration with Enphase monitoring.