Top Solar Design Software for 2025 in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, solar isn’t just booming—it’s becoming the norm. By the end of 2023, almost one in three rooftops had PV installed. But for Dutch solar companies, scaling that success comes with its own set of hurdles: steep tile roofs, tight urban layouts, shade from canal houses, and shifting net metering policies as the Salderingsregeling phases out.

That’s where smarter tools come in.

Traditional CAD or spreadsheet-based systems can’t handle today’s pace—or tomorrow’s regulations. What Dutch installers need now are design platforms that are fast, shading-aware, and fluent in both engineering and economics. They need software that speaks the language of NEN codes, P50 forecasts, and customer-ready savings reports in Dutch.

In this guide, we break down the best solar design software for the Netherlands in 2025—ranked by shading accuracy, regulatory fit, and overall speed to quote. And we’ll show why SurgePV, with its Dutch-native proposals, built-in LIDAR, and smart financial engine, leads the pack.

Dutch Installer Requirements in 2025: What Your Solar Design Software Must Handle

Designing solar in the Netherlands is a different game. Steep rooftops, narrow facades, and historic zones mean every square meter—and every sun-hour—counts.

The best solar software for Dutch installers must start with smart roof detection, automatically mapping multi-surface, pitched tile roofs typical in cities like Utrecht, Amsterdam, and Leiden. From there, LIDAR-based shading and per-module accuracy are essential—especially in dense areas with tall neighbors and frequent obstructions.

But design alone isn’t enough. To stay compliant and competitive under the Salderingsregeling phase-out, your tool needs P50/P90 forecasting built in—essential for accurate ROI and financing estimates.

Top-performing platforms in 2025 also deliver:

• Dutch-language proposals and ROI reports
  
  
• Local utility tariffs + tax logic
  
  
• CRM tools and e-signatures to help you close quickly
  
  
• BOM, CAD, and SLD exports ready for installers and AHJ approval
  
  

In short: the right software doesn’t just draw panels—it helps you win business, stay compliant, and install smarter.

Solar Design Software Netherlands 2025

1. SurgePV – Best All-Around Tool for Dutch Installers

SurgePV is a modern cloud-based solar design platform optimized for both residential and commercial use in the Netherlands. With full Dutch-language support and local incentive modeling, it handles everything from 3D design to P50/P90 forecasting and proposal generation.

Features:

• Auto roof detection (multi-plane support)
  
• LIDAR-based shading analysis, panel-level
  
• P50/P90/8760 yield simulation
  
• Dutch-language exports, NEM/Salderingsregeling logic
  
• Full ROI modeling, incentives by postcode
  
• CRM + contract e-signature + tracking portal
  

Pros:

• Most Dutch-localized tool on the market
  
• Integrated shading + finance + design
• Clean exports and proposals in Dutch

Cons:

• Paid platform with limited free tier

Best For: Installers who want an all-in-one solution with native Dutch tools and precise forecasts.

2. Aurora Solar – Global Leader With Some Dutch Support

Aurora is a top-tier cloud solar design platform offering 3D modeling, proposal generation, and financial analysis. It’s widely used across Europe, but native Dutch compliance requires some manual setup.

Features:

• LIDAR & AI-based shading engine
  
• Strong visual design + 3D accuracy
  
• ROI/payback tools embedded
  
• Works well with Enphase/SolarEdge
  
• CRM integration optional
  
  

Pros:

• Industry-recognized accuracy
• Great visuals and proposal templates

Cons:

• Dutch exports not native
• Manual entry for some Dutch tariffs

Best For: Design-savvy solar teams prioritizing aesthetics and flexibility.

3. Pylon – Lightweight and Fast for Residential Sales

Pylon is a streamlined tool focused on quote speed and simplicity. While not as detailed in energy modeling as SurgePV or PV*SOL, it excels in sales-friendly design speed.

Features:

• Auto roof detection
  
• LIDAR shading supported
  
• Basic yield + payback outputs
  
• Fast quote generation
  

Pros:

• Easy to use, mobile-friendly
• Great for fast residential workflows

Cons:

• No 8760/P90 simulation
• Limited support for Dutch tariffs or detailed engineering

Best For: High-volume residential teams looking for speed.

4. Solargraf – Visual-First Platform With Finance Tools

Solargraf focuses on rapid design and proposal building. It supports LIDAR analysis and integrates basic ROI tools, though it lacks depth in Dutch compliance.

Features:

• Aerial imagery-based design
  
• Integrated lender options (limited EU support)
  
• Light shading simulation
  
• Proposal PDFs with financing options
  

Pros:

• Quick setup, nice proposals
• Simple financial tools

Cons:

• No deep Dutch localization
• Limited for technical designers

Best For: Teams that prioritize proposal visuals and quick turnaround.

5. HelioScope – Engineering-Grade Design and Simulation

Known for its powerful commercial PV layout tools, HelioScope is built for serious yield accuracy. It includes LIDAR, P50, and string loss modeling but lacks Dutch-language exports.

Features:

• P50 and yield simulation
  
• LIDAR and irradiance overlays
  
• Strong commercial layout engine
  
• Exports to PVsyst
  

Pros:

• Accurate shading and string-level detail
• Ideal for C&I systems

Cons:

• High cost for small teams
• No native support for Dutch proposals

Best For: C&I designers needing PVsyst-grade simulation in a browser.

6. PV*SOL – Deep Desktop-Based Simulation

PV*SOL (Valentin Software) is a desktop tool known for detailed bank-grade simulations. It’s popular in Germany and the Netherlands for engineers who want control.

Features:

• 3D shading analysis
  
• 8760h yield simulation
  
• ROI, tariff, battery logic
  
• Multi-language (Dutch included in some plans)
  

Pros:

• Deep loss modeling
• Professional-grade output

Cons:

• Desktop-only, no CRM or cloud
• Steep learning curve

Best For: Engineering teams building technical documentation for AHJs and banksPV_SOL (Valentin Softwa….

7. OpenSolar – Free Tool With Growing Power

OpenSolar is a free design platform with solid quoting and proposal features. It works well for small teams but lacks deep modeling or P50/P90 analysis.

Features:

• 2D photo-trace design
  
• Embedded proposal and quote builder
  
• Basic ROI and finance visuals
  
• CRM and e-signature workflows
  

Pros:

• Free to use
• CRM and proposals in one place

Cons:

• No bankable simulation (P50/P90)
• Limited Dutch incentive integration

Best For: Solo installers or lean teams needing an accessible tool.

Why SurgePV Leads for Dutch Solar Design

SurgePV is purpose-built to meet the complex demands of Dutch solar professionals—from steep rooftops to post-salderingsregeling economics. It combines accuracy, speed, and Dutch-native documentation into a single intelligent workflow.

Dutch-native exports‍

SurgePV outputs fully branded proposal PDFs, layout reports, and ROI charts in Dutch—tailored to meet client expectations and municipal (AHJ) compliance across the Netherlands. No translation plugins or formatting hacks required.

AI + LIDAR-powered rooftop modeling‍

Steep tile roofs? Dormers? Canal-facing homes? SurgePV’s layout engine auto-detects pitch, azimuth, and roof geometry from satellite + LIDAR in under 60 seconds—perfect for Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and historic neighborhoods.

Built-in P50/P90 forecasting‍

SurgePV’s 8760-hour energy simulation engine comes with integrated P50/P90/P99 outputs—meeting the financial-grade accuracy demanded by Dutch lenders, PPA providers, and subsidy programs beyond the Salderingsregeling.

One software = total workflow‍

From layout to shading, simulation to finance, proposal to e-signature—SurgePV replaces disconnected design tools, proposal apps, and Excel sheets. It’s built for speed, accuracy, and team collaboration.

Real-world impact for Dutch EPCs‍

Installers across Utrecht and Haarlem report a ~60% drop in proposal prep time, moving from 6+ hours per project (using PV*SOL + Word + CRM) down to just 2 hours—without sacrificing accuracy or customization.

“We moved from 6 hours to 2 hours per project, and SurgePV’s native Dutch exports helped close deals faster in Utrecht and Haarlem.”
— NL-based EPC Director

Export Comparison: Side-by-side view of SurgePV vs Aurora, with Dutch-language proposals‍

Case Study: Amsterdam installer boosted close rate by 20% after switching from Solargraf to SurgePV

“SurgePV is the only PV software combining Dutch export precision, shading intelligence, and proposal automation—built for the fast-evolving solar landscape of the Netherlands.”

Take Your Dutch Solar Workflows to the Next Level

Tired of juggling CAD files, shading plugins, spreadsheets, and third-party proposal builders? With SurgePV, you can design faster, quote smarter, and deliver investor-grade forecasts—all in one Dutch-ready platform.

Whether you're working on steep rooftops in Amsterdam or flat roofs in Rotterdam, SurgePV brings everything under one roof: auto-detected layouts, LIDAR-based shading, P50/P90 yield modeling, Dutch-language proposals, and integrated e-signature.

Why book a Dutch market demo?

• See native Dutch-language proposals and ROI exports in action
  
• Test LIDAR-based shading on your real rooftops
  
• Experience P50/P90-ready simulations without exporting to PVsyst
  
• Learn how to reduce design-to-signature time by up to 60%
  
• Ask live questions, tailored to your workflow and AHJ requirements
  

Let SurgePV show you what’s possible—fast, accurate, and ready for the Dutch solar future.

Book a Dutch Market Demo with SurgePV