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Environment Energy

Top 10 Best Solar Power System Design Software of 2026

Discover top solar power system design software to streamline projects. Compare, choose, optimize efficiently today.

Gitnux Team

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Solar power system design software is critical for streamlining renewable energy project development, enabling accurate modeling, optimization, and professional proposal creation to ensure efficiency and success. With tools ranging from AI-driven cloud platforms to free open-source solutions, tailored to residential, commercial, and utility-scale needs, selecting the right software is key to project effectiveness.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Aurora Solar - AI-powered cloud-based platform for solar PV system design, sales proposals, and performance analysis.
  2. 2#2: Helioscope - Professional software for rapid design, layout optimization, and energy yield analysis of utility-scale solar projects.
  3. 3#3: PVsyst - Industry-standard tool for detailed simulation, sizing, and performance prediction of grid-connected and off-grid PV systems.
  4. 4#4: PV*SOL - Comprehensive 3D design and dynamic simulation software for residential and commercial photovoltaic systems.
  5. 5#5: OpenSolar - Free cloud-based solar design, proposal generation, and CRM platform for residential and commercial installations.
  6. 6#6: System Advisor Model (SAM) - Free NREL tool for modeling performance and financial metrics of solar PV, wind, and other renewable energy systems.
  7. 7#7: SolarEdge Designer - Web-based tool for designing and optimizing SolarEdge inverter-based PV systems with single-line diagrams.
  8. 8#8: Solargraf - Integrated platform for solar design, quoting, permitting, and project management with 3D modeling.
  9. 9#9: Arka360 - 360-degree solar proposal software featuring 3D roof modeling and financial analysis for sales teams.
  10. 10#10: EasySolar - Online tool for quick 3D solar PV system design, visualization, and professional proposal creation.

These tools were evaluated based on core features (including simulation accuracy, 3D visualization, and integration capabilities), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive list that serves professionals across diverse market sectors.

Comparison Table

Solar power system design software is integral to creating precise, optimized energy solutions. This comparison table evaluates leading tools like Aurora Solar, Helioscope, PVsyst, PV*SOL, OpenSolar, and additional options, highlighting key features, strengths, limitations, and ideal use scenarios to guide users in selecting the best fit for their projects.

AI-powered cloud-based platform for solar PV system design, sales proposals, and performance analysis.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
9.3/10
Value
9.1/10
2Helioscope logo9.2/10

Professional software for rapid design, layout optimization, and energy yield analysis of utility-scale solar projects.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.7/10
3PVsyst logo9.2/10

Industry-standard tool for detailed simulation, sizing, and performance prediction of grid-connected and off-grid PV systems.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.7/10
4PV*SOL logo8.7/10

Comprehensive 3D design and dynamic simulation software for residential and commercial photovoltaic systems.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10
5OpenSolar logo8.8/10

Free cloud-based solar design, proposal generation, and CRM platform for residential and commercial installations.

Features
8.6/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
9.8/10

Free NREL tool for modeling performance and financial metrics of solar PV, wind, and other renewable energy systems.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
6.2/10
Value
10/10

Web-based tool for designing and optimizing SolarEdge inverter-based PV systems with single-line diagrams.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
9.6/10
8Solargraf logo8.3/10

Integrated platform for solar design, quoting, permitting, and project management with 3D modeling.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
7.9/10
9Arka360 logo8.1/10

360-degree solar proposal software featuring 3D roof modeling and financial analysis for sales teams.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.0/10
10EasySolar logo8.1/10

Online tool for quick 3D solar PV system design, visualization, and professional proposal creation.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
9.0/10
Value
7.6/10
1
Aurora Solar logo

Aurora Solar

specialized

AI-powered cloud-based platform for solar PV system design, sales proposals, and performance analysis.

Overall Rating9.6/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
9.3/10
Value
9.1/10
Standout Feature

TrueShade with LiDAR-powered 3D modeling for industry-leading shading and production accuracy

Aurora Solar is a leading cloud-based solar design and sales platform that automates the creation of accurate 3D rooftop models using satellite imagery, LiDAR, and AI-driven tools. It enables solar professionals to perform precise shading analysis, energy production forecasting, and financial modeling to streamline system design and engineering. The software integrates seamlessly with CRM systems and sales tools, facilitating rapid proposal generation and customer approvals.

Pros

  • Exceptionally accurate 3D modeling and TrueShade technology for precise shading analysis
  • AI-powered automation speeds up design from hours to minutes
  • Robust sales tools including customizable proposals and CRM integrations

Cons

  • High pricing may deter small businesses
  • Steep learning curve for advanced customization
  • Cloud-only access requires reliable internet

Best For

Mid-to-large solar installation companies and EPC firms needing an end-to-end platform for design, engineering, and sales.

Pricing

Subscription starts at ~$239/user/month (Designer plan) up to $500+/user/month for enterprise, billed annually with custom quotes available.

Visit Aurora Solaraurorasolar.com
2
Helioscope logo

Helioscope

specialized

Professional software for rapid design, layout optimization, and energy yield analysis of utility-scale solar projects.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Production+ engine for bankable, sub-hourly energy yield simulations with advanced shading and soiling factors

Helioscope is a cloud-based solar PV design and proposal software tailored for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects. It enables rapid 3D modeling, automated layout optimization, precise shade analysis, and accurate energy production forecasting using its advanced Production+ engine. The platform streamlines the design-to-proposal workflow with financial modeling, stakeholder collaboration, and exportable reports for professional sales presentations.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast 3D modeling and automated array layouts for large-scale projects
  • Highly accurate energy yield predictions with Production+ irradiance modeling
  • Seamless integration of design, financials, and proposal generation in one platform

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to residential-focused tools
  • Less optimized for small residential projects
  • Subscription pricing may be prohibitive for solo installers or very small firms

Best For

Commercial and utility-scale solar EPC firms and designers handling complex rooftops and ground-mount systems that require speed and precision.

Pricing

Subscription-based starting at around $199/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $499+/user/month for enterprise features; custom quotes available.

Visit Helioscopehelioscope.com
3
PVsyst logo

PVsyst

specialized

Industry-standard tool for detailed simulation, sizing, and performance prediction of grid-connected and off-grid PV systems.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Sophisticated near-shading calculation using interactive 3D scene modeling and horizon line tools

PVsyst is a professional-grade software for the detailed design, sizing, and performance simulation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, supporting grid-connected, stand-alone, and pumping applications. It provides precise energy yield predictions using extensive meteorological databases, module/inverter libraries, and advanced modeling of shading, soiling, and system losses. The tool is widely used by engineers for bankable simulations in utility-scale and commercial projects.

Pros

  • Exceptionally accurate simulation engine with validated models
  • Vast database of 90,000+ modules and 9,000+ inverters
  • Advanced 3D shading analysis and meteo data integration

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • High upfront cost and Windows-only compatibility
  • Interface feels dated compared to modern web-based tools

Best For

Experienced PV engineers and consultants needing precise, bankable simulations for complex or large-scale projects.

Pricing

Perpetual licenses from €790 (basic) to €1,590 (premium), plus €295-€495 annual updates.

Visit PVsystpvsyst.com
4
PV*SOL logo

PV*SOL

specialized

Comprehensive 3D design and dynamic simulation software for residential and commercial photovoltaic systems.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

Advanced 3D near-shading analysis with interactive module placement and horizon line modeling

PV*SOL from Valentin Software is a professional-grade tool for designing, simulating, and optimizing grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems. It features advanced 3D modeling of roofs and surroundings for precise shading analysis, yield predictions, and economic evaluations. The software integrates extensive databases of PV modules, inverters, and batteries, supporting detailed system configuration and performance simulations under real-world conditions.

Pros

  • Highly accurate 3D shading and yield simulation
  • Vast component database with frequent updates
  • Comprehensive economic and grid integration analysis

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for non-experts
  • Windows-only compatibility
  • Relatively high upfront cost

Best For

Professional solar engineers and installers handling complex residential or commercial PV projects requiring precise 3D modeling.

Pricing

Perpetual license for PV*SOL premium starts at ~€850, plus optional annual maintenance (~€200); free basic online version available.

Visit PV*SOLvalentin-software.com
5
OpenSolar logo

OpenSolar

specialized

Free cloud-based solar design, proposal generation, and CRM platform for residential and commercial installations.

Overall Rating8.8/10
Features
8.6/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
9.8/10
Standout Feature

Fully automated 3D design and professional proposal generation in under 2 minutes

OpenSolar is a cloud-based solar design and sales platform that enables professionals to create accurate 3D PV system designs, perform shading analysis, and generate professional proposals in minutes. It includes financial modeling, CRM integration, and customer portals for streamlined sales workflows. The software is fully free for unlimited use, supporting solar installers from design to installation tracking.

Pros

  • Completely free with unlimited designs and proposals
  • Lightning-fast 3D modeling and automated shading analysis
  • Integrated proposal generation and CRM tools for sales efficiency

Cons

  • Limited advanced customization for complex commercial projects
  • Requires constant internet connection with no offline mode
  • Enterprise-level support and features require paid upgrades

Best For

Solar sales teams and small-to-medium installers needing a free, quick design-to-proposal workflow.

Pricing

Free for all core features and unlimited use; enterprise plans with advanced support at custom pricing.

Visit OpenSolaropensolar.com
6
System Advisor Model (SAM) logo

System Advisor Model (SAM)

specialized

Free NREL tool for modeling performance and financial metrics of solar PV, wind, and other renewable energy systems.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
6.2/10
Value
10/10
Standout Feature

Integrated techno-economic modeling that combines hour-by-hour performance simulation with detailed financial analysis and dispatch optimization in a single tool

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 viability of renewable energy systems, with a primary focus on solar PV, concentrating solar power (CSP), wind, and other technologies. It enables users to model system energy production, optimize designs using parametric analysis, and generate detailed cash flow projections, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and payback periods under various scenarios. SAM is particularly valued for its rigorous, research-backed models and integration of real-world weather and financial data.

Pros

  • Extremely comprehensive modeling for performance, financials, and optimization
  • Free and open-source with NREL-validated accuracy
  • Supports a wide range of solar technologies including PV, CSP, and battery storage

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring technical expertise
  • Dated and clunky user interface
  • Time-intensive data input and setup process

Best For

Experienced engineers, researchers, and developers conducting detailed techno-economic analyses for utility-scale solar projects.

Pricing

Completely free to download and use with no licensing fees.

7
SolarEdge Designer logo

SolarEdge Designer

enterprise

Web-based tool for designing and optimizing SolarEdge inverter-based PV systems with single-line diagrams.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
9.6/10
Standout Feature

True Module-Level Voltage (TMLV) calculations for optimizer-level string design and mismatch mitigation

SolarEdge Designer is a free, cloud-based software tool specialized for designing residential and commercial solar PV systems, particularly those using SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers. Users can create 3D roof models, select modules and components from a vast library (including third-party options), and run detailed energy yield simulations with weather data integration. It generates professional reports, single-line electrical diagrams, and permit-ready documentation, while supporting team collaboration and real-time design sharing.

Pros

  • Completely free with enterprise-level simulation accuracy using PVsyst-engineered models
  • Extensive component library and automatic string optimization for module-level designs
  • Seamless export of professional reports, SLDs, and integration with SolarEdge monitoring platforms

Cons

  • Primarily optimized for SolarEdge hardware, limiting flexibility for non-SolarEdge ecosystems
  • Internet-dependent as a web app, with occasional performance lags on complex projects
  • Moderate learning curve for advanced features like custom shading analysis

Best For

Solar installers and engineers who frequently design systems with SolarEdge components and need precise, report-ready outputs without software costs.

Pricing

Free for all users; requires a free SolarEdge account to access.

8
Solargraf logo

Solargraf

specialized

Integrated platform for solar design, quoting, permitting, and project management with 3D modeling.

Overall Rating8.3/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered instant 3D solar designs directly from any address using satellite data and rooftop extraction

Solargraf is a cloud-based solar design software that uses AI and satellite imagery to instantly generate accurate 3D models of rooftops and solar PV systems from any address. It streamlines the design-to-proposal process with tools for shading analysis, financial modeling, energy production forecasts, and customizable proposals. Ideal for solar professionals, it integrates with CRMs and monitoring systems to support residential and light commercial projects efficiently.

Pros

  • Rapid automated 3D design generation from addresses
  • High-quality visualizations and professional proposal templates
  • Strong integration with sales tools and monitoring platforms

Cons

  • Higher pricing may deter small operations
  • Limited advanced customization for complex commercial projects
  • Cloud-only access requires reliable internet

Best For

Solar installers and sales teams focused on residential projects needing fast, professional designs and proposals.

Pricing

Starts at $99/user/month for basic plan; Pro at $199/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.

Visit Solargrafsolargraf.com
9
Arka360 logo

Arka360

specialized

360-degree solar proposal software featuring 3D roof modeling and financial analysis for sales teams.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Interactive 3D flythroughs and photorealistic renderings for immersive client presentations

Arka360 is a cloud-based solar design software that enables users to create detailed 3D models of photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops and ground-mounted sites. It automates panel placement, performs energy yield simulations using advanced algorithms, and generates professional proposals with financial analysis. The platform is tailored for solar EPCs, installers, and sales teams to accelerate project design, quoting, and closing deals.

Pros

  • Intuitive 3D modeling with automated panel optimization
  • Integrated financial modeling and energy yield calculations
  • Professional proposal generation with interactive visuals

Cons

  • Limited advanced shading and microclimate analysis compared to premium tools
  • Steeper learning curve for non-expert users on complex sites
  • Custom pricing can be opaque for small teams

Best For

Solar sales teams and mid-sized EPC firms needing fast, visually compelling designs for client proposals.

Pricing

Subscription-based with plans starting around $99/user/month; enterprise pricing custom-quoted.

Visit Arka360arka360.com
10
EasySolar logo

EasySolar

specialized

Online tool for quick 3D solar PV system design, visualization, and professional proposal creation.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
9.0/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

One-click automatic 3D PV system design from a roof photo or address

EasySolar is a cloud-based software platform tailored for solar professionals, enabling rapid design of photovoltaic (PV) systems directly on 3D roof models generated from photos or addresses. It offers tools for shading analysis, energy yield calculations, and automatic generation of professional sales proposals with pricing and financial simulations. The platform emphasizes speed and sales efficiency, with mobile app support and integrations for CRM and ERP systems.

Pros

  • Extremely fast 3D design generation from a single roof photo
  • Professional sales proposals with financial calculators
  • Mobile app for on-site sales and collaboration

Cons

  • Limited advanced engineering simulations compared to competitors
  • Subscription pricing can be steep for small teams
  • Heavy reliance on internet connectivity and accurate input data

Best For

Solar sales teams and installers who prioritize quick proposals and visualizations over in-depth engineering analysis.

Pricing

Subscription-based starting at €49/user/month for Basic plan, €99 for Pro, and custom Enterprise pricing.

Visit EasySolareasysolar.com

Conclusion

Aurora Solar, our top choice, shines with its AI-driven cloud platform that integrates design, proposals, and performance analysis, excelling across diverse projects. Helioscope stands out for rapid layout optimization in utility-scale systems, while PVsyst remains a key tool for detailed simulations of grid-connected and off-grid setups. Together, these three options cater to varied needs, ensuring users find strong solutions whether scaling up or focusing on precision.

Aurora Solar logo
Our Top Pick
Aurora Solar

Begin your solar design journey by exploring Aurora Solar—its intuitive platform can help you create efficient, professional proposals and streamline your workflow.