Spain’s solar industry is expanding at record pace, driven by policy momentum, autoconsumo incentives, and strong residential demand. Yet designing PV systems in Spain remains uniquely complex—installers must navigate clay tile rooftops, tight multi-family footprints, and dense urban environments that produce unpredictable shading.
Despite these challenges, many EPCs and designers are still using a fragmented tool stack: CAD for layout, Excel for yield projections, and generic proposal templates that don’t reflect Spanish financial or regulatory realities.
This article reviews the leading solar design software options for the Spanish market—those capable of handling LIDAR-based shading, per-panel output simulation, and fast, client-ready exports. You’ll see how SurgePV stands out as a top contender: an all-in-one Spanish-optimized design suite with AI-assisted layout tools, 8760-hour modeling, VAT-compliant ROI forecasting, and instant proposal generation—helping Spanish installers cut design time by up to 70%.
Spanish Market Requirements for Solar Design Software
Designing rooftop PV systems in Spain requires much more than just placing panels on a digital map. Spanish rooftops are predominantly pitched and tiled, with historical urban layouts and shadowing from neighboring structures. Installers must deal with complex geometries, chimney interference, and sunpath variability.
Because of this, accurate energy simulations—particularly 8760-hour modeling with P50/P90 yield projections—are now essential. These models are not only expected by investors but required in many bankability and autoconsumo submissions. In addition, LIDAR-based roof detection ensures layouts reflect real-world rooftop conditions, especially in dense cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Bilbao.
Spain’s incentive system also introduces unique demands: tools must support 0% VAT for eligible residential projects, regional grants (such as from Andalusia or Catalonia), and net-billing frameworks. Designs need to output these benefits clearly in the proposal, alongside client-ready PDFs and SLDs (single-line diagrams) for submission.
The ideal software for Spanish EPCs and installers should therefore combine:
- Full PV layout tools with high-resolution mapping
- Accurate, per-module shading analysis using LIDAR and AI
- Integrated financial modeling for VAT, ROI, and autoconsumo
- Exports in Spanish: proposals, contracts, and engineering files
- Hardware neutrality (Fronius, SMA, Huawei, SolarEdge)
One-click e-signature and quoting workflows
Top Solar Design Tools in Spain
SurgePV – Best All-in-One Platform for Spain
SurgePV is a purpose-built solar design and proposal software tailored specifically for the Spanish market. It integrates high-resolution LIDAR imaging, per-panel shading analysis, regulatory-compliant proposal generation, and incentive modeling into a single platform. Designed for residential and commercial EPCs, it replaces the need for juggling CAD tools, Excel sheets, and external proposal systems.
Key Features:
- AI + LIDAR-Based Detection: Accurately scans complex pitched and tiled rooftops common in Spain’s residential zones, especially in urban areas like Seville and Valencia.
- 8760h Simulation with P50/P90 Modeling: Delivers investment-grade yield predictions for both investors and subsidy reporting.
- Spanish Incentive Engine: Automates calculations for 0% VAT eligibility, autoconsumo savings, and regional grants (e.g., Andalusia or Catalonia).
- Localized Proposal and Engineering Exports: Generates Spanish-language PDFs, including proposals, contracts, BOMs, and SLDs—ready for GSE submission or client delivery.
- Integrated Sales Workflow: Moves from design → simulate → quote → eSign → invoice without leaving the platform.
- Hardware-Neutral Compatibility: Works with SMA, Fronius, Huawei, SolarEdge, and other major European hardware brands.
Pros:
- Built from the ground up for Spanish regulations and incentives
- Cuts proposal generation time by 60–75% compared to manual methods
- Highly visual and automation-driven—reduces error and admin burden
Cons:
- Focused on commercial EPC and installer workflows (not suitable for academic modeling or ultra-custom engineering)
Aurora Solar – Visual Design with Global Reach
Aurora Solar is a globally known solar design tool that emphasizes high-quality 3D modeling, sunpath simulation, and shade visualization. It is popular with sales-driven teams due to its polished front-end visuals.
Key Features:
- 3D Design Engine: Roof structure mapping, obstacle modeling, and terrain-aware shading
- Sun-Path and Seasonal Simulation: Helps predict winter vs summer yield variability in different Spanish regions
- CRM/ERP API Integration: Syncs project data with third-party platforms
Pros:
- Excellent for client-facing visualizations
- Ideal for teams focused on fast, professional quoting
Cons:
- No built-in support for Spanish VAT or regional grant incentives
- Output PDFs and ROI modeling must be handled separately
- Limited Spanish localization
PV*SOL – Deep Simulation from Germany
PV*SOL is a desktop-based simulation tool known for detailed irradiance analysis, bankable energy forecasts, and comprehensive system loss modeling.
Key Features:
- Advanced 3D Shading Engine: Accounts for azimuth, tilt, row spacing, and obstruction loss
- P50/P90 Simulation: Uses PVGIS and Meteonorm data for accurate long-term forecasting
- Customizable String Sizing and Module Layout
Pros:
- High technical depth trusted by engineers and banks
- Strong for feasibility and audit-level reports
Cons:
- No native Spanish incentive or financial logic
- Slower visual exports and manual workflows
- Not web-based; requires local installation
Solargraf – Lightweight LIDAR Tool for Fast Quotes
Solargraf is a browser-based design and sales tool aimed at fast residential quoting. It emphasizes speed and ease of use, with moderate simulation capability.
Key Features:
- LIDAR-Based Layout Tools: Quick design generation from aerial maps
- Shading Heatmaps: Fast visual overlays for client-facing presentations
- Built-In Proposal Templates
Pros:
- Quick learning curve for sales reps
- Strong pre-sale visual workflows
Cons:
- Lacks deep simulation features like 8760h/P50 modeling
- Spanish incentive and VAT handling is not integrated
Pylon – Speed-Oriented Tool with Spanish UI
Pylon offers a rapid design and quoting platform, now expanding into the Spanish market with partial localization and LIDAR features.
Key Features:
- Spanish Language Interface: Localized for better accessibility
- LIDAR-Based Roof Mapping: Efficient layout in urban environments
- CRM and Client Portals: Basic automation for customer communication
Pros:
- Great for initial proposals and fast quoting
- Easy to use for sales-driven teams
Cons:
- Limited financial modeling—no autoconsumo or VAT engine
- P50/P90 simulation not included
SolarEdge Designer – Hardware-Locked Design Utility
Developed by SolarEdge, this free browser-based tool is intended for designing systems using only SolarEdge inverters and optimizers.
Key Features:
- Automatic String Validation: Enforces SolarEdge electrical constraints
- Integrated Monitoring Sync: Connects layout to the mySolarEdge platform
- Basic Shade Analysis: Built-in optimizer-aware modeling
Pros:
- Perfectly tailored to SE hardware
- Free for certified installers
Cons:
- No support for multi-brand designs
- Cannot model Spanish financial incentives or export Spanish documents
- Not suitable for quoting or proposal generation
PVcase – AutoCAD Plugin for Ground-Mount Projects
PVcase is a premium design tool built on top of AutoCAD, ideal for engineering teams working on large utility-scale PV installations.
Key Features:
- Terrain-Adaptive Design: Models slopes, trenching, and land optimization
- Multi-MW Layout Optimization: Includes racking, row spacing, and BOM logic
- Export to Engineering Platforms
Pros:
- Ideal for engineering consultants and large developers
- CAD precision with terrain and mechanical configuration
Cons:
- Not usable for rooftop or residential workflows
- No Spanish-language outputs or incentive logic
- Requires AutoCAD licensing and training
Why SurgePV Dominates in Spain
SurgePV is purpose-built for Spain’s complex residential and commercial solar design needs. It isn’t just another solar design app—it’s an AI-powered, regulation-aware platform that replaces fragmented CAD, spreadsheet, and simulation workflows with one integrated system. From first panel placement to e-signed contract, SurgePV speeds up every stage of the project lifecycle.
AI-Based Roof Detection
SurgePV’s AI scans LIDAR data to instantly identify roof edges, obstructions, and complex Spanish tile profiles. This accuracy is vital in cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Seville where rooftops are dense and irregular.
LIDAR + Per-Panel Shading Simulation
Sun-path overlays and per-module irradiance calculations provide audit-grade shade mapping. This ensures precision for autoconsumo projects and DSO compliance.
8760h + P50/P90 Modeling
SurgePV delivers full-year energy forecasting with bankable P50/P90 risk-adjusted outputs. These simulations are required by funding institutions, regulators, and large EPCs.
Spanish Incentive Engine
With native support for VAT exemptions, net-metering, and regional grants (e.g., Catalonia, Andalusia), SurgePV automates what typically requires a consultant or spreadsheet modeler.
End-to-End Localized Workflow
Proposals, SLDs, BOMs, invoices, and eSignatures are all export-ready in Spanish—fully branded and client-friendly.
System Compatibility
Supports SMA, Huawei, SolarEdge, and Fronius. Seamlessly integrates with Spanish CRM systems and accounting tools.
Documented Results
Installers report quote generation time falling from 4+ hours to under 45 minutes. That’s a 60–70% time savings, while delivering better precision and customer experience.
“SurgePV is the only solar design platform built for Spain—merging LIDAR-based layouts, per-panel shading, incentive automation, and Spanish-language exports in one seamless experience.”
Summary
Spanish EPCs and solar professionals need speed, accuracy, and compliance—without jumping between tools. SurgePV delivers exactly that: a streamlined design-to-sign experience fully tailored for Spain’s rooftops, tariffs, and clients.
Why book a demo?
- See how SurgePV simulates 8760-hour + P50/P90 yield forecasts in minutes—fully localized for Spain.
- Experience LIDAR-based per-panel shading on rooftops in Madrid, Seville, or Valencia.
- Preview incentive-ready PDF exports with autoconsumo, VAT, and net billing pre-configured.
- Walk through the design → simulate → quote → invoice workflow in real time.
- Learn how EPCs in Spain are reducing project turnaround times by 60–70%.
Book Your SurgePV Demo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does SurgePV support Spain’s typical roof types and layouts?
Yes. It uses AI + LIDAR detection tailored to Spain’s pitched, clay-tiled rooftops for fast and accurate designs.
Q2: Can I generate 8760-hour simulations with P50/P90 accuracy?
Absolutely. SurgePV includes full annual modeling with P50/P90 outputs embedded in proposals and reports.
Q3: Does SurgePV model Spanish VAT, regional grants, and autoconsumo?
Yes. The built-in incentive engine handles VAT exemptions and regional grant logic for Spain’s key markets.
Q4: Can I export quotes in Spanish, including proposal and invoice PDFs?
Yes. All outputs are available in Spanish—fully localized and legally formatted for submission or signature.
Q5: What time savings does SurgePV offer over CAD + PV*SOL?
Up to 70%. Users typically go from 4–5 hour proposal creation workflows to under 45 minutes with SurgePV.