Best Solar Design Software to Use in 2025

In solar, precision equals profit.‍

One wrong tilt. One missed tree. One slow quote. That’s all it takes to lose a deal—or worse, deliver a system that underperforms for years.

If you're still switching between AutoCAD for layout, PVsyst for simulation, and Excel for quoting, you're bleeding time and introducing risk. It’s like building a solar system on duct tape and good intentions.

Today’s top-performing EPCs, installers, and solar engineers have moved on. They've adopted end-to-end solar design software—tools that handle everything from AI-powered 3D modeling to LIDAR-based shading, 8760-hour irradiance analysis, and click-to-close proposals.

This guide is your shortcut to those tools. We’ve reviewed and ranked the best solar design software platforms of 2025, based on speed, shading precision, proposal automation, and total workflow ROI.

And yes—SurgePV takes the crown.‍

With blazing-fast 3D layouts, built-in financial modeling, and beautiful proposals that convert, it’s the new standard for serious solar pros.

Core Needs of Solar Designers in 2025

In 2025, the demands on solar design professionals have never been higher. Whether working on residential rooftops, complex commercial installations, or hybrid storage projects, designers and engineers need more than basic layout tools—they need platforms that deliver technical precision, sales enablement, and operational speed.

Accurate, AI-Powered Roof Modeling

Modern design software must handle complex roof types—flat, pitched, multi-surface, or irregular geometries. AI-assisted modeling automates array layout, detects obstructions, and adapts to architectural constraints, cutting design time from hours to minutes. Multi-roof and split-array support is now essential, especially for mixed-use and battery-integrated designs.

Shading Analysis with LIDAR + Satellite Imagery

Panel-level irradiance accuracy is a non-negotiable. Tools must integrate LIDAR datasets and satellite mapping to simulate real-world shading conditions, tree coverage, and structural obstruction. Visual shade maps, time-of-day irradiance charts, and year-round projections ensure systems perform as modeled.

8760-Hour Simulation & Bankable Forecasting

Investors and finance partners require confidence. That means software must offer 8760-hour performance simulations with P50/P90 forecasting for yield variance and revenue assurance. Financial-grade modeling is now table stakes for mid-to-large projects.

CAD-Quality Outputs

Beyond visuals, design tools must export detailed deliverables: bill of materials (BOM), single-line diagrams (SLD), elevation drawings, racking layouts, and stringing configurations. These are critical for engineering reviews, AHJ permitting, and procurement.

Integrated Proposal Generation

Fast and professional proposals win deals. Solar platforms must support interactive quotes, automated ROI calculations, utility-specific incentives, VAT/tax handling, and branded visuals—all with minimal manual input.

Connected Workflow Tools

Sales and design can’t operate in silos. Leading tools now embed CRM syncing, live proposal share links, customer eSignature, and even embedded payment options. This transforms the handoff from design to deal closure into a seamless digital experience.

Why This Matters

The best solar software doesn’t just draw panels—it drives results. In 2025, high-performing EPCs and solar sales teams expect one unified platform that can go from rooftop layout to signed contract without switching systems or compromising data.

Modern solar design tools must reduce soft costs, improve customer experience, and ensure accuracy from the first click to the final proposal. Anything less is obsolete.

Top-Ranking Solar Design Tools (SERP‑Backed)

The solar software landscape in 2025 is more competitive and specialized than ever. From full-stack design platforms to niche engineering tools, choosing the right software depends on your role, project scale, and business model.

This section breaks down the most important PV design tools on the market—based on SEO data, EPC feedback, and software reviews—with a focus on capabilities, workflows, and where each tool excels or falls short.

SurgePV – All-in-One PV Design Platform

SurgePV is a modern, browser-based solar design and proposal software built for end-to-end solar workflows. It’s designed specifically for solar installers, engineers, and EPCs who want to move faster without sacrificing technical accuracy.

Key Features:

• AI-powered 3D layout for pitched and flat roofs
  
• LIDAR-based shading + obstruction detection
  
• 8760-hour performance simulation
  
• P50/P90 bankable forecasting
  
• Proposal engine with ROI visuals, VAT, TOU rates
  
• CRM, eSignature, and payment link integrations
  
• Multi-roof, ESS, and utility rate modeling
  
• AHJ-ready permit packages
  

Strengths:

• Fully unified workflow: layout → quote → eSign → invoice
  
• Highly accurate shading and simulation
  
• Optimized for both residential and commercial teams
  
• Low learning curve with fast onboarding
  

Use Case:
Ideal for solar teams looking to reduce their layout-to-proposal time by 70% and eliminate manual quoting or external engineering exports.

Pros:

• Built for speed and accuracy
  
• Bankable modeling outputs
  
• True 3D + LIDAR integration
  
• Full proposal and CRM integration
  
• Works across small resi to mid-scale C&I
  

Cons:

• Requires internet access (cloud-based)
  
• Newer in market (less legacy recognition)
  

Aurora Solar – Strong Visual + 3D Engine

Aurora Solar is one of the most well-known solar design tools, often used for its polished 3D visualizations and AI-assisted layouts. It's targeted at premium residential installers and larger C&I firms.

Key Features:

• 3D roof and terrain modeling
  
• AutoDesigner for fast layouts
  
• Integrated shading via LIDAR
  
• NREL-validated irradiance models
  
• Smart proposal tools
  
• Solar financing API integrations
  

Strengths:

• Exceptional visuals for sales proposals
  
• Robust component database
  
• Industry credibility and support
  

Limitations:

• ROI, VAT, and incentive modeling not included in all plans
  
• Pricing is premium; support and onboarding add cost
  

Pros:

• Best-in-class visuals for customer-facing demos
  
• Strong simulation backend
  
• Extensive integrations
  

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
  
• Pricey for small teams
  
• Slower sales proposal workflows for non-standard jobs
  

Solar Graf

Solar Graf is a web-based solar sales and design tool, popular in North America for proposal-driven workflows. It focuses on speed, customer visuals, and CRM integration.

Key Features:

• Quick drag-and-drop layout tool with HD imagery
  
• Built-in proposal generator with eSignature
  
• Utility bill import and savings forecasting
  
• Financing options and customer communication tools
  
• Integrated CRM and team management
  
  

Strengths:

• Extremely fast for sales reps
  
• Proposals are polished and customer-ready
  
• No engineering skills needed
  

Limitations:

• Not suitable for technical/engineering-grade simulations
  
• Lacks advanced modeling or shading tools
  
• Focused more on residential than commercial
  

Use Case:
Best for solar sales teams needing rapid layout + proposal generation to close deals faster.

Pylon – Fast Design + Quote for EU Installers

Pylon is an affordable, pay-per-project solar design tool that’s become popular in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. It excels in ease of use and proposal output.

Key Features:

• High-res imagery and fast layout tools
  
• LIDAR-assisted shading
  
• Built-in quoting and interval data analysis
  
• Branded proposals with ROI and payment options
  
• CRM + SMS/email follow-ups
  
• No monthly fees
  

Strengths:

• Extremely cost-effective
  
• Simple to learn and fast to deploy
  
• Translated/localized for EU markets
  

Limitations:

• No 8760-hour or P50/P90 simulations
  
• Not suited for large or multi-inverter jobs
  

Pros:

• Easy to adopt for small teams
  
• Crisp quote generation
  
• Spanish and multilingual UI
  

Cons:

• Limited customization of proposal templates
  
• No CAD/BOM-level output
  

HelioScope – Engineering + Shading Power

HelioScope is known for its accurate shading engine and engineering-grade performance simulations. Now under Aurora Solar, it continues to serve mid-to-large commercial designers.

Key Features:

• 2D/3D layout with shading tools
  
• P50/P90 bankable energy simulations
  
• Single-line diagram generation
  
• Support for trackers, optimizers, and string planning
  
• CAD + PVsyst export options
  

Strengths:

• Trusted in the C&I and utility space
  
• Shading precision is a standout feature
  
• Strong simulation logic with real weather data
  

Limitations:

• Less intuitive interface for sales
  
• Proposal generation not as fast or polished
  

Pros:

• Engineering-focused and bankable
  
• Excellent for layout accuracy and losses
  
• Pairs well with PVsyst for deep dives
  

Cons:

• Pricey for smaller firms
  
• Limited CRM or sales tools
  
• UI feels dated compared to newer platforms
  

OpenSolar – Free Tool for Installers

OpenSolar is a 100% free-to-use solar design and sales platform, monetized through sponsorships. It provides a solid set of features for small-to-mid-sized installation businesses.

Key Features:

• 3D design with heatmaps
  
• Integrated proposal generator
  
• CashFlow payment module
  
• Built-in CRM tools
  
• API + hardware integrations
  
• Global language and currency support
  

Strengths:

• Zero cost to start
  
• Solid for early-stage installers
  
• Web-based with responsive mobile support
  

Limitations:

• No P50/P90 forecasting
  
• Limited proposal flexibility
  
• Less CAD/export control for engineering teams
  

Pros:

• Freemium access for lean startups
  
• Basic but effective proposal engine
  
• Integrates with SolarAPP+ for permitting
  

Cons:

• Visuals are weaker than premium tools
  
• No engineering-grade simulations
  
• Cannot model advanced storage/load profiles
  

PV*SOL / PVsyst – German Simulation Tools

PVSOL and PVsyst are industry staples for solar simulation and technical validation. While PVSOL offers visual 3D modeling, PVsyst focuses on deep electrical and yield analysis.

Key Features:

• P50/P90 modeling
  
• Bankability-grade irradiance modeling
  
• Self-consumption and battery profiles
  
• Global climate data (PVGIS, Meteonorm)
  
• Component database (20k+ modules)
  
• 3D terrain + obstruction analysis (Premium only)
  

Strengths:

• Trusted by financiers, consultants, and utility-scale developers
  
• Robust weather and degradation modeling
  

Limitations:

• Complex and steep learning curve
  
• No CRM or proposal features
  

Pros:

• High simulation accuracy
  
• Reliable for pre-construction analysis
  
• Excellent export/reporting features
  

Cons:

• Expensive for casual users
  
• Not optimized for sales workflows
  
• Windows-only; no cloud version
  

PVcase – CAD Plugin for Utility Layouts

PVcase is a specialized design software for utility-scale projects, operating as an AutoCAD plugin. It's ideal for engineers working on complex ground-mounted and tracker-based systems.

Key Features:

• AutoCAD-based 3D layout
  
• Terrain grading + cut/fill calculations
  
• Row spacing + slope logic
  
• Tracker optimization
  
• BOM export + PVsyst simulation compatibility
  
• Cloud-based modules for yield and prospecting
  

Strengths:

• Deep terrain integration
  
• Full control over layout logic and BOM
  
• Optimized for engineering workflows
  

Limitations:

• Not suitable for residential or SMB users
  
• Requires AutoCAD license
  
• No embedded proposal or CRM tools
  

Pros:

• Best-in-class for utility-scale layouts
  
• Strong integration with PVsyst
  
• Supports MW-scale modeling and slope design
  

Cons:

• High cost + CAD dependency
  
• No shading or ROI calculators
  
• Not intuitive for non-engineers

Why SurgePV Reigns in 2025

SurgePV isn’t just another design tool—it’s the modern solar platform built to unify everything from layout to close. If you’re tired of switching between five different apps just to get one quote out the door, SurgePV is your answer.

Imagine dropping in a complex, multi-surface rooftop and getting a clean layout in minutes—no CAD, no guesswork. SurgePV’s AI-powered design engine automatically detects pitched, gabled, or irregular surfaces, handling everything from Spanish tile to Dutch dormers with ease.

Need to know how shading affects every panel across the year? With LIDAR-based modeling and 3D sun-path simulation, you get per-module accuracy backed by real irradiance data. It’s not just visual—it’s bankable.

The simulation engine runs 8760-hour energy forecasts with P50/P90 outputs, so EPCs and developers can present real, defensible financials. These aren’t buried in spreadsheets either—they’re embedded directly into the proposal. Speaking of which…

SurgePV’s proposals aren’t just pretty—they’re powerful. You get ROI, IRR, VAT, payback period, and net-metering impact, all auto-calculated and exportable in your customer’s language. Want to close faster? Include an e-signature link and branded PDF or URL right in the quote.

And it’s not just about design and sales. SurgePV plugs into your stack—with CRM, API, and integrations for QuickBooks, Salesforce, and more. Plus, it works with all major inverter brands like SMA, Fronius, SolarEdge, KACO, and Enphase—no hardware lock-in, no limits.

Teams love it because it works. One C&I installer put it best:

“We cut our time-to-quote by 75%. SurgePV is the first platform where design, sales, and ops are finally on the same page.”

This is why, in 2025, SurgePV isn’t just an option—it’s the clear upgrade for solar teams ready to grow.

Visual Aids & Use Cases (Recommended)

• Before/After LIDAR Shade Map: highlight how panel-level placement changes based on real irradiance data
  
• Localized Proposal PDF (Spanish/German): show branded proposals with native-language financial outputs
  

Let me know if you'd like a visual storyboard version for this section.

Positioning Statement

“Only SurgePV combines design precision, simulation accuracy, proposal automation, and contract execution—in one modern solar design platform.”

Ready to See What Solar Design Should Feel Like?

Still juggling CAD exports, Excel forecasts, manual BOMs, and proposal PDFs that don’t match your layout? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing it that way.

SurgePV brings everything together: fast layouts, real simulations, accurate ROI, beautiful proposals, and signed contracts—all in one streamlined platform.

Whether you’re designing in the office, quoting in the field, or reviewing with a client, SurgePV keeps your entire team in sync—and your deals moving forward.

If you're ready to stop duct-taping your workflow together, it's time to experience what a modern solar platform really looks like.

Take the Next Step with SurgePV

Book a personalized walkthrough and see how SurgePV can:

• Cut your design-to-proposal time by up to 75%
  
• Eliminate proposal rework and Excel errors
  
• Help sales and design teams collaborate in real time
  
• Support both residential and C&I portfolios
  
• Adapt to your current workflow—no hardware lock-in, no learning curve headaches

✅ Schedule a SurgePV Demo

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a real look at a tool that works.