Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aurora Solar - AI-powered platform for end-to-end solar project design, sales, permitting, operations, and performance management.
- 2#2: OpenSolar - Free, comprehensive solar design, CRM, sales, and project management software for installers worldwide.
- 3#3: Pylon - Lightning-fast solar proposal generation, 3D design, and customer project tracking to accelerate sales and installations.
- 4#4: Scoop Solar - All-in-one CRM, design, quoting, and project management platform tailored for residential solar businesses.
- 5#5: HelioScope - Cloud-based engineering-grade PV design and layout software for utility-scale and commercial solar projects.
- 6#6: Arka360 - Integrated solar software for 3D design, CRM, financial modeling, and project workflow management.
- 7#7: PVcase - Automated design and engineering software for ground-mounted solar PV projects integrated with AutoCAD.
- 8#8: Solargraf - Professional 3D solar design, rendering, and proposal software for accurate project planning and sales.
- 9#9: PVsyst - Industry-standard PV performance simulation and analysis tool for detailed project feasibility and optimization.
- 10#10: Energy Toolbase - Cloud platform for solar and storage financial modeling, proposal generation, and portfolio project management.
We ranked these tools by evaluating features (including design accuracy, CRM integration, and financial modeling), product reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they align with the diverse needs of residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
Comparison Table
Solar project management software streamlines workflows from design to installation in the renewable energy sector. This comparison table features leading tools like Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, Pylon, Scoop Solar, HelioScope, and more, analyzing their key capabilities. Readers will gain insights to identify the best fit for their project needs based on usability, pricing, and specialized features.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora Solar AI-powered platform for end-to-end solar project design, sales, permitting, operations, and performance management. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | OpenSolar Free, comprehensive solar design, CRM, sales, and project management software for installers worldwide. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | Pylon Lightning-fast solar proposal generation, 3D design, and customer project tracking to accelerate sales and installations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Scoop Solar All-in-one CRM, design, quoting, and project management platform tailored for residential solar businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | HelioScope Cloud-based engineering-grade PV design and layout software for utility-scale and commercial solar projects. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Arka360 Integrated solar software for 3D design, CRM, financial modeling, and project workflow management. | specialized | 6.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | PVcase Automated design and engineering software for ground-mounted solar PV projects integrated with AutoCAD. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Solargraf Professional 3D solar design, rendering, and proposal software for accurate project planning and sales. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | PVsyst Industry-standard PV performance simulation and analysis tool for detailed project feasibility and optimization. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Energy Toolbase Cloud platform for solar and storage financial modeling, proposal generation, and portfolio project management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
AI-powered platform for end-to-end solar project design, sales, permitting, operations, and performance management.
Free, comprehensive solar design, CRM, sales, and project management software for installers worldwide.
Lightning-fast solar proposal generation, 3D design, and customer project tracking to accelerate sales and installations.
All-in-one CRM, design, quoting, and project management platform tailored for residential solar businesses.
Cloud-based engineering-grade PV design and layout software for utility-scale and commercial solar projects.
Integrated solar software for 3D design, CRM, financial modeling, and project workflow management.
Automated design and engineering software for ground-mounted solar PV projects integrated with AutoCAD.
Professional 3D solar design, rendering, and proposal software for accurate project planning and sales.
Industry-standard PV performance simulation and analysis tool for detailed project feasibility and optimization.
Cloud platform for solar and storage financial modeling, proposal generation, and portfolio project management.
Aurora Solar
specializedAI-powered platform for end-to-end solar project design, sales, permitting, operations, and performance management.
TrueCapture™ for photorealistic 3D modeling and precise shade analysis from satellite/drone imagery
Aurora Solar is a leading cloud-based platform that empowers solar professionals with advanced 3D modeling, energy forecasting, and sales tools to manage solar projects from initial site assessment to proposal closing. It integrates design accuracy with pipeline tracking, customer management, and financial analysis to streamline workflows. While excelling in design and sales enablement, it offers solid project oversight features like task automation and performance monitoring for end-to-end solar project management.
Pros
- Unmatched 3D modeling and shade analysis accuracy with TrueCapture technology
- Seamless CRM integrations and automated proposal generation
- Mobile app for real-time site surveys and project updates
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small operations
- Steeper learning curve for complex designs
- Less emphasis on post-installation field management compared to dedicated PM tools
Best For
Mid-to-large solar EPC firms and installers handling high-volume design-to-sales pipelines.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $100-200/user/month with volume discounts and annual contracts.
OpenSolar
specializedFree, comprehensive solar design, CRM, sales, and project management software for installers worldwide.
Photorealistic 3D proposals with one-click financial modeling and e-signatures that boost win rates
OpenSolar is a free, cloud-based platform tailored for solar professionals, providing end-to-end tools for designing solar systems, generating proposals, managing customer relationships, and overseeing project lifecycles from lead to installation. It features photorealistic 3D visualizations, a vast hardware catalog with over 100,000 modules and inverters, and seamless integrations with financing, permitting, and inventory systems. The software excels in streamlining workflows for solar installers, sales teams, and EPCs, helping them close deals faster and manage projects efficiently.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited users, projects, and storage—no hidden fees
- Extensive library of 100,000+ solar components and automatic financial calculations
- Powerful CRM, project tracking, and customer portal for full lifecycle management
Cons
- Cloud-only, requiring reliable internet for full functionality
- Steep learning curve for advanced design and customization features
- Limited offline capabilities and reporting flexibility compared to enterprise alternatives
Best For
Solar installers, sales teams, and small-to-medium EPCs seeking a cost-free, all-in-one platform for design, sales, and project management.
Pricing
100% free for all core features, unlimited projects, and users; optional paid add-ons for premium support or custom integrations.
Pylon
specializedLightning-fast solar proposal generation, 3D design, and customer project tracking to accelerate sales and installations.
AI-driven automated permitting that submits applications directly to AHJs in minutes
Pylon is a specialized project management platform tailored for solar installers, enabling seamless creation of professional proposals, automated permitting workflows, and end-to-end project tracking from design to installation. It integrates with tools like Aurora Solar for design data import and offers inventory management, scheduling, and field service tools to streamline operations. Ideal for residential and commercial solar projects, Pylon reduces administrative burdens and accelerates project timelines.
Pros
- Solar-specific automation for proposals and permitting
- Strong integrations with design and financing tools
- Mobile app for real-time field updates and scheduling
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with project volume
- Steeper learning curve for advanced permitting features
- Limited reporting customization options
Best For
Mid-sized solar installation companies seeking to automate proposals, permitting, and project management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans, scales to $499+/month based on projects and users; per-project billing available.
Scoop Solar
specializedAll-in-one CRM, design, quoting, and project management platform tailored for residential solar businesses.
Automated permitting and compliance workflows that integrate directly with local AHJ portals
Scoop Solar is an all-in-one project management platform tailored for solar installation companies, handling everything from lead tracking and sales proposals to design, permitting, and field operations. It integrates solar-specific tools like panel layout design, financing options, and automated permitting workflows to streamline the end-to-end project lifecycle. The software emphasizes mobility with a field app for technicians and real-time collaboration for teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive solar-specific tools including design and permitting automation
- Strong integrations with financing partners and hardware catalogs
- Mobile app for efficient field management and real-time updates
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams
- Learning curve for advanced customization features
- Fewer general CRM integrations compared to broader PM tools
Best For
Mid-sized solar installers seeking a specialized platform to manage complex projects from sales to installation.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $299+/user/month for pro/enterprise with custom quotes available.
HelioScope
specializedCloud-based engineering-grade PV design and layout software for utility-scale and commercial solar projects.
Design Space optimizer for generating thousands of layout iterations in minutes to maximize energy yield
HelioScope is a cloud-based solar PV design and engineering software that enables rapid modeling of utility-scale and commercial solar projects, including layout optimization, energy yield analysis, and financial modeling. It streamlines the design phase of solar project management by automating complex calculations and generating professional proposals. While powerful for engineering workflows, it focuses more on upfront design than full lifecycle project management like scheduling or procurement.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast site layout and design optimization for large-scale projects
- Accurate hourly energy production modeling with bankable results
- Cloud collaboration and integration with tools like AutoCAD and PVSyst
Cons
- Limited full project management tools beyond design (e.g., no native task tracking or procurement)
- Steep learning curve for non-engineers
- Enterprise pricing may not suit small installers or residential focus
Best For
Solar engineering firms and EPCs managing the design and modeling phases of commercial/utility-scale projects.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise subscription, typically $300-$1,000+ per user/month depending on scale and features.
Arka360
specializedIntegrated solar software for 3D design, CRM, financial modeling, and project workflow management.
360-degree real-time inventory visibility with multi-warehouse support
Arka360 is primarily an inventory management platform designed for tracking spare parts and stock across industries, which can be adapted for solar project management to handle components like panels, inverters, and batteries. It provides tools for barcode/QR scanning, purchase orders, stock alerts, and multi-warehouse management to support procurement and supply chain needs in solar installations. However, it lacks specialized solar features such as project scheduling, design optimization, permitting workflows, or performance monitoring, making it more of a general inventory tool than a full-fledged solar PM solution.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking with barcode and QR code support
- Mobile-first app for on-site stock management
- Affordable pricing suitable for small teams
Cons
- Lacks solar-specific tools like design, scheduling, or compliance features
- Limited integrations with solar industry software
- Reporting is basic and not tailored to project management
Best For
Small solar installers or distributors prioritizing inventory and procurement over full project lifecycle management.
Pricing
Starts at around $20/user/month (or equivalent in INR), with tiered plans up to enterprise custom pricing.
PVcase
specializedAutomated design and engineering software for ground-mounted solar PV projects integrated with AutoCAD.
Automated terrain-following array layout optimizer with real-time 3D visualization
PVcase is a specialized CAD-based software platform designed for utility-scale solar PV project design and engineering, automating layout generation, stringing, shading analysis, and post-construction reporting. It integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD and Revit to streamline the front-end design phase of solar projects, enabling faster permitting and construction handoff. While excelling in design automation, it offers limited broader project management tools like scheduling or procurement tracking.
Pros
- Highly automated PV layout and terrain modeling for rapid design iterations
- Accurate shading, yield estimation, and detailed report generation
- Strong integration with AutoCAD/Revit and tools like PVsyst
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to CAD dependency
- Lacks comprehensive project management features like task tracking or budgeting
- High cost unsuitable for small-scale or residential projects
Best For
Engineering firms and EPC companies focused on designing large utility-scale solar farms.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions; typically $10,000+ annually per license depending on modules and team size—contact sales for quotes.
Solargraf
specializedProfessional 3D solar design, rendering, and proposal software for accurate project planning and sales.
Instant 3D solar proposals with bankable engineering stamps and production guarantees
Solargraf is a comprehensive solar project management platform tailored for installers, offering integrated tools for 3D system design, sales proposals, permitting, and project tracking. It enables rapid generation of professional proposals with accurate engineering calculations and visual renders, streamlining the workflow from lead capture to installation completion. The software also includes CRM features, inventory management, and automated compliance checks to enhance operational efficiency in the solar industry.
Pros
- Rapid 3D proposal generation with precise shading and production analysis
- Automated permitting and AHJ package creation
- Integrated CRM and project scheduling for end-to-end management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small teams
- Steep learning curve for advanced design features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms
Best For
Mid-sized solar installation companies needing fast, accurate design-to-permit workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Starter plan; Pro at $199/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing.
PVsyst
specializedIndustry-standard PV performance simulation and analysis tool for detailed project feasibility and optimization.
Advanced 3D module layout and near-shading calculation for precise row-to-row shading impact modeling
PVsyst is a professional desktop software specialized in the detailed design, sizing, and performance simulation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. It excels in modeling solar arrays, inverters, and site-specific conditions like shading and meteorology to predict energy yield and system losses accurately. While it includes basic economic analysis tools, it lacks comprehensive project management features such as task scheduling, team collaboration, or CRM integration typically expected in solar project management software.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate PV simulation and yield prediction engine
- Vast database of PV modules, inverters, and meteo data
- Advanced 3D shading and near-shading analysis tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring PV engineering expertise
- No real-time collaboration or cloud-based project tracking
- High upfront cost with limited updates in perpetual license model
Best For
Experienced PV engineers and technical consultants focused on detailed system design and performance validation rather than end-to-end project coordination.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from €790 (basic) to €1,590 (premium); annual maintenance optional at ~20% of license cost; no subscription tiers.
Energy Toolbase
specializedCloud platform for solar and storage financial modeling, proposal generation, and portfolio project management.
ETB Proposer: Automated, branded proposal generation with embedded financial models and performance charts
Energy Toolbase is a specialized platform for solar energy professionals, offering advanced financial modeling, proposal generation, and asset management for commercial and utility-scale solar projects. It enables users to simulate project performance, forecast cash flows with incentives and tax credits, and track portfolio-level metrics. The software integrates with monitoring systems and supports data-driven decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Pros
- Robust financial modeling with accurate incentive and degradation simulations
- Comprehensive asset management for portfolio tracking and reporting
- Seamless integration with popular monitoring platforms like SolarEdge and Enphase
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users due to complex modeling inputs
- Limited native tools for construction scheduling and procurement management
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small developers or single-project users
Best For
Mid-sized solar developers, EPC firms, and financiers managing commercial portfolios who prioritize precise financial analysis over basic project tracking.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically starts at $500-$1,000/month based on users, projects, and features.
Conclusion
Aurora Solar emerged as the top choice, boasting an AI-powered end-to-end platform that handles design, sales, permitting, operations, and performance management seamlessly. OpenSolar and Pylon stood out as strong alternatives, with OpenSolar offering free, comprehensive tools for global installers and Pylon excelling in fast proposal generation and project tracking. Each tool addresses unique needs, making the top 3 a standout trio for any solar project team.
Take the next step in improving your solar project management—start with Aurora Solar to unlock its robust AI-driven capabilities and streamline your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
