The Best Solar Software Tools in 2025

If you’re here because you want to find the best PV system software, then you’ve come to the right place.

As of 2025, there are at least 450 solar software companies worldwide, with approximately 80 to 100 of these based in the United States. Other major hubs include Germany, India, and China.

You might be overwhelmed with all these options. But don’t be. We’ve done our research, so we make it easy for you.

This article will guide you through:

• What solar software does since not every solution is the same. And you don’t want to waste subscription fees on features you won’t use in the first place. Let us help you distinguish between them and find the best match.
• How to choose the right solar software solution based on what you need, dive deep into what users say about their perks and their cons as well, pricing, and their specifications.

As long as you know what you’re coming here for, then you’ll also leave this article with the right solution in mind.

If you need quick help and a solar system tailored to your needs, get your free solar quote right away!

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What Are Solar Software Tools?

Solar software, particularly solar design software, is a key asset in creating outstanding solar system designs, project proposals, and ensuring a solar company meets compliance requirements and relevant regulations.

From design planning to optimization and analysis of models you’ve built, to creating sales proposals and ROI analysis, and even down to installation and monitoring, solar software tools are built to make each phase of the solar project and sale have faster turnaround times, saving you time, resources, and even nerve cells.

Not All Solar Software Is Created Equal

Just as your team’s sales rep, engineer, installer, and maintenance tech all play different roles, solar software tools are not all the same – they have different functions and features. To ensure your system operates smoothly, carefully consider the software selection for your solar project management needs.

If you’ve ever tried using one solar PV software for everything, you’ve probably seen the cracks — and maybe that’s why you’re out looking for another, more suitable PV software solution.

Most solar business software platforms focus on design aspects like 3D modeling and visualization using LiDAR data or drone surveys, while others prioritize workflow automation, simplifying repetitive stages from site surveys to permitting, installation, and down to the final inspection.

Although true, there are more highly industrialized solutions that offer end-to-end assistance. Still, in case you only need a solution that focuses on a single aspect of your operation, then you don’t need to subscribe to a full-fledged solution. If you’re a sales-focused solar company, then you may not need a full engineering suite, and vice versa.

Top 7 Solar Software Tools in 2025

Our team compiled a list of seven popular solar design software tools, including their key features, cons, and pricing information.

PVcase

 

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
77,755	2	51	0.44	38.34%	47.28%	2.01%	7.82%	0.13%	4.43%

PVcase is an end-to-end solar project development solution that works pretty well for solar developers and engineers who need top-notch CAD-based tools for their projects. It is great for utility and commercial/industrial rooftops.

Pros:

• Speeds up projects from land scouting to design and energy estimates 
• Automates design, shading, and cabling calculations  
• Works well for large utility and commercial rooftop projects 
• Compares multiple layouts in real time 
• Integrates with and exports to PVsyst for yield analysis and BOM  
• Cuts design time by 60–70%

Cons:

• Expensive subscription  
• Steep learning curve 
• Needs AutoCAD, adding cost and setup

Pricing: Reach out to the vendor for a quote. But bear in mind that online sources state they have high subscription costs.

OpenSolar

 

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
649,335	6	349	0.33	70.55%	23.55%	0.26%	4.68%	0.12%	0.83%

OpenSolar is a solar energy software tool that combines design, proposals, and CRM for residential and commercial sales. It is best suited for small to medium solar businesses. 

Pros:

• Free platform — no license or seat limits  
• 3D modeling, shading analysis, and performance simulation  
• Built-in CRM, proposals, bill of materials (BOM), and financial modeling tools  
• Cloud-based with team collaboration  
• Supports e-signatures and payment options 
• Works worldwide with multiple currencies

Cons:

• Lacks advanced design for utility-scale installations 
• Outdated UI and learning curve  
• Relies on Google Maps/Nearmap and may cost extra  
• Paid support

Pricing: 

• Free core platform 
• Pay $280/month extra for support
• High-res imagery through Nearmap with a separate subscription fee

HelioScope

 

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
139,940	28	859	0.27	56.75%	27.74%	0.43%	14.22%	0.07%	0.69%

HelioScope is a solar software tool for professionals managing commercial solar projects. It focuses on design, simulation, and proposals. 

Pros:

• Web-based, easy-to-use design platform  
• 3D layouts, shading analysis, and yield simulation  
• Financial analysis tool and drag-and-drop proposal builder 
• Auto-generates electrical docs and BOM  
• Works well for large commercial systems
• Transparent and shareable reporting

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve and limited customization for complex projects 
• Limited residential features 
• Some accuracy concerns, shading analysis overestimation

Pricing: 

• Basic: $159/mo
• Pro: $259/mo 
• Enterprise available

Aurora Solar

 

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
574,572	7	433	0.27	62.40%	31.11%	0.44%	5.64%	0.05%	0.36%

Aurora Solar is an end-to-end platform for design, shading, proposals, and installation. It is great for professionals in solar installation and contractors. 

Pros:

• Cloud-based “gold standard” for solar design and integrated solar estimating software
• Remote site evaluation, LIDAR shading, and AI tools 
• 3D modeling, financing, and proposals in one platform  
• E-signatures for closing deals faster  
• Large PV component library and AutoCAD exports

Cons:

• Complex setup and training needed  
• No free trial  
• Can run slow on low-spec hardware

Pricing: 

• Basic: $159/mo 
• Premium: $259/mo

PVsyst

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
163,712	2	49	0.41	30.05%	60.31%	0.77%	6.65%	0.15%	2.00%

PVsyst is a design and simulation software for PV systems, intended for engineers, researchers, and other professionals who require comprehensive, in-depth technical analysis for advanced projects. It specializes in technical design and simulation for feasibility studies and performance analysis.

Pros:

• Industry-standard for technical PV design and simulation  
• Highly accurate yield predictions  
• Works for grid-tied, off-grid, and pumping systems  
• Extensive shading and component database 
• Detailed financial modeling
• Robust training & support resources

Cons:

• Steep learning curve  
• Desktop only; dated interface  
• No CAD/CRM integration
• Limited 3D modeling
• Too costly for smaller teams

Pricing: 

• Around 600 CHF/year (~$600 USD) 
• Student licenses ~25 CHF

PV*SOL

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
10,097	2	13	0.4	33.61%	52.01%	0.71%	11.01%	0.17%	2.19%

PV*SOL is solar design software that features PV design and performance analysis with financial tools. It is intended for professionals in solar design, architecture, and engineering.

Pros:

• Detailed PV system planning for homes and businesses  
• Accurate yield simulations and shading analysis  
• Battery storage design integration  
• 3D modeling (Premium version)  
• Full financial analysis and reports
• Strong support and free trial options

Cons:

• Windows-only, desktop-based  
• High cost (€585/year standard, €1,295 premium)  
• Steep learning curve
• Recent licensing friction (only one active device at a time)

Pricing: 

• Standard: €585/year 
• Premium: €1,295 + fees

Pylon 

 

Monthly Visits	Page Per Visit	Time On Site	Bounce Rate	Direct Traffic	Search Traffic	Paid Referrals	Referral Traffic	Mail Traffic	Social Traffic
425,198	5	334	0.38	71.53%	23.37%	0.57%	3.75%	0.08%	0.70%

Pylon features design + CRM in one platform, aimed at speeding up sales and post-sales work. It is ideal for fast-growing solar companies seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution that includes design and CRM tools. 

Pros:

• Combines design tools with CRM features  
• High-res imagery included (no monthly fee)  
• Quick proposals (under 2 mins)  
• Advanced shading, financial calcs, and project management  
• Pay-per-project model

Cons:

• Some clunky UI elements  
• Imagery quality may vary by location  
• Not ideal for complex utility-scale projects

Pricing: About $4/project. No monthly fee.

How To Choose the Right Solar Software: Final Tips From the SolarCC Team

The key to selecting the best solar power software is to match it to your current needs. Don’t focus too much on just what sounds impressive on paper.

With your team, think about: “Where do we spend most of our time in the solar project cycle?” Then, pick the tool built for that phase.

Here are our personal cherry-picked tool recommendations:

• For design accuracy, PVsyst, Aurora Solar, HelioScope, PV*SOL, and PVcase are highly recommended, as they are known for their accuracy and comprehensive simulation capabilities.
• For fast sales, opt for the best solar proposal software that integrates with a solar design tool, such as Pylon and Aurora Solar.
• For project coordination, choose solar project management software that connects designs, quotes, and schedules, such as OpenSolar, Pylon, and Aurora Solar.
  
• For monitoring, consider SolarEdge (not included in the list above), which is explicitly identified as a leader in solar monitoring software. Alternatives are Enphase Energy and SMA Solar Technology.

Whenever possible, we highly recommend trying demos or free trials first before committing. That way, you can test the waters and see which best suits your team’s adoption rate, clients’ needs, and most of all, your budget.

Where Is the Future of Solar Software Heading?

With the rise of AI and automation, we can expect its impact on the next generation of solar software solutions. For instance, consider a solar power plant design software that uses drone footage for instant solar system design. Or a solar management software platform that predicts panel degradation even before it happens.

There is just so much we can think of! And with further innovation, possibilities are endless…

Perhaps by 2030, that’s half a decade from now, these solar software companies can evolve to offer fully integrated suites covering AI-powered solar estimating software, solar proposal tools, and solar panel monitoring software — all in real-time.

We hope this comprehensive solar software tool guide 2025 helps you pick the best choice. Choose not the most flashy one on paper, but one that makes your next solar projects work 100x faster, easier, and far more accurate.

Still overwhelmed by the options? Get your no-obligation free solar quote now!

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What are the top 5 features to look for in solar software?

When looking for solar software, we suggest focusing on features like:

• Accurate 3D Modeling & Shading Analysis – find tools that incorporate LIDAR, satellite imagery, or AI features for precision on the panel placement and shading impact. (Recommendation: PVsyst or Aurora Solar)
  
• Precise Energy Yield Simulation – gives you accurate production forecasts, payback times, and ROI estimates. (Recommendation: PV*SOL or HelioScope)
• Comprehensive Financial Analysis & Proposal Generation – allows you to create persuasive and data-backed proposals with integrated financing analysis. (Recommendation: OpenSolar or Solargraf)
  
• Automated Design Tools – saves you tons of time and errors, all with AI-powered design automation capabilities. (Recommendation: PVcase)
• Integrated CRM & Project Coordination – this is really good at helping manage and track leads. This can also help synchronize design with installation schedules, ensuring you are never left behind. (Recommendation: Pylon or OpenSolar)