Whether you're designing a compact rooftop in Barcelona or planning a multi-megawatt tracker array on sloped farmland, precision is non-negotiable. But too many solar professionals are still piecing together outdated workflows—using CAD for layouts, separate terrain tools for ground-mounts, and spreadsheets for simulations and proposals.
The result? Slow turnaround times, versioning errors, and handoffs that stall deals.
In this guide, we break down the best rooftop and ground-mount solar design software tools for 2025, comparing each by what matters most: layout accuracy, shading depth, yield forecasting, and how well they support your end-to-end workflow.
Leading the charge is SurgePV—a platform built for modern solar teams. With AI-driven layout automation, LIDAR-based shading, 8760-hour energy simulations, and integrated CRM, e-signature, and proposal tools, SurgePV gives EPCs, installers, and designers a complete design-to-contract experience—whether you’re working on shingles or soil.
If you’re ready to stop juggling tools and start designing smarter, let’s dive in.
Essential Features by System Type
Whether you're working on residential rooftops or utility-scale ground-mounts, the demands of solar design in 2025 go far beyond panel placement. Each system type comes with unique technical needs—and your software should handle both without compromise.
For rooftop systems, accuracy and automation are key. Tools should offer:
- Auto-detection of roof geometry, including pitched and multi-plane surfaces
- LIDAR-based or pixel-accurate shading from trees, dormers, and nearby buildings
- Smart layout optimization for pitched roofs and clean, visual exports for customers
For ground-mount systems, terrain complexity matters:
- Topographic-aware layout engines that adjust for slope and elevation
- Support for racking types, clip-in rows, and setbacks
- Cable layout, trench routing, and system-scale string planning
And for both system types, true end-to-end workflow support is essential:
- 8760-hour simulations with P50/P90 bankability forecasts
- CAD-grade exports like SLDs, BOMs, and plan sets
- Proposal-ready outputs with ROI visuals, eSignatures, and CRM sync
If your team is switching between tools just to complete one project—you're losing time and risking mistakes. The best platforms do it all.
Top Tools for Rooftop & Ground-Mount Solar Design (SERP-Informed Rankings – 2025)
If your solar business handles both rooftops and ground-mount projects, choosing the right design software is critical. Below is a ranked breakdown of the top solar CAD and modeling tools—with rooftop and ground-mount strengths, pros and cons, and key features for each.
SurgePV — Best All-Around Platform for Rooftop + Ground-Mount Projects
SurgePV is a modern, cloud-based solar design platform that automates the full design-to-contract workflow. It’s built for teams that need both fast rooftop layouts and precise terrain-aware ground-mount systems, with integrated CRM, shading, and proposal tools.
Rooftop Strengths:
- AI-powered auto-roof detection for pitched and complex surfaces
- LIDAR-based per-panel shading
- Visual-rich proposals with eSignatures, ROI, and exports
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- Terrain-adaptive layouts with topographic slope detection
- Clip-in racking logic, setbacks, and row spacing
- Cable routing and trench planning built in
Key Features:
- 8760-h + P50/P90 simulation
- Full permit export pack (SLD, BOM, CAD)
- Integrated CRM, eSignature, and payment links
Pros:
- Unified tool for sales, design, and engineering
- Works for resi, C&I, and utility-scale
- Significant time savings (60–75%)
Cons:
- Requires internet connection (cloud-based only)
Aurora Solar — Great Rooftop Tool with Some Ground-Mount Flexibility
Aurora Solar is widely used for residential and small commercial design. It offers polished 3D visuals and a strong proposal engine, especially for sales-oriented teams.
Rooftop Strengths:
- 3D design with sun-path shading
- LIDAR-based layout (Pro tier)
- Dynamic proposal generation with finance options
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- Basic terrain editing
- Manual layout adjustments possible
Key Features:
- Solar access + shading simulation
- Design database of components
- Proposal builder with financing integrations
Pros:
- Strong UX and visual quality
- Good for proposal-driven orgs
Cons:
- Terrain and cable modeling are limited
- Some features locked behind higher tiers
Pylon — Fast Rooftop Design, Light Ground-Mount Support
About:
Pylon is a budget-friendly, pay-per-project solar design tool aimed at smaller teams. It’s great for quick quoting and basic 3D layout.
Rooftop Strengths:
- Fast, LIDAR-enhanced layouts
- Simple quote engine with ROI visuals
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- Manual array placement only
- No terrain-grade correction or cable logic
Key Features:
- Proposal builder
- CRM tools and project tracking
- Utility database (EU-focused)
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use
- Low cost, no per-seat fees
Cons:
- Not scalable for complex or large jobs
- No 8760-h sim or terrain tools
PVcase — Best for Utility-Scale Ground-Mount Projects
PVcase is an AutoCAD plugin for ground-mount systems, ideal for utility-scale layouts. It handles advanced grading, substructure design, and cable engineering.
Rooftop Strengths:
— (Not designed for rooftops)
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- AutoCAD-driven terrain adaptation
- Tracker + fixed-tilt systems
- Electrical routing, stringing, trench paths
Key Features:
- DXF-based exports
- PVsyst integration
- Bankability-focused documentation
Pros:
- Perfect for engineers working on MW-scale sites
- Terrain + structural optimization built in
Cons:
- Requires AutoCAD license
- No proposals, no shading visuals
HelioScope — Strong C&I Simulation Tool
HelioScope is a trusted name in commercial design, known for bankable P50 forecasts and energy modeling.
Rooftop Strengths:
- Fast layout planning
- Per-string design logic
- Bankable simulations
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- Terrain simulation support
- Basic layout adaptation (not auto-adjusted)
Key Features:
- 8760-h P50 forecasting
- Shade animation tools
- PVsyst-compatible exports
Pros:
- Strong engineering-grade performance tools
- Trusted by commercial EPCs
Cons:
- UI feels dated
- No CRM or proposal tools
OpenSolar — Best Free Rooftop Design Tool
OpenSolar is a vendor-sponsored, browser-based tool built for small installers needing design + quote capabilities without upfront software costs.
Rooftop Strengths:
- Fast layouts with satellite imagery
- Built-in CRM and proposal engine
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- Not built for terrain modeling
- Flat placement only
Key Features:
- Lead tracking
- eSign and quote links
- Proposal templates
Pros:
- 100% free to use
- Easy to onboard for small teams
Cons:
- No shading precision
- No yield simulation or engineering-grade exports
PV*SOL — Advanced Rooftop Simulation Engine
PV*SOL is a desktop-based simulation tool focused on performance modeling, used widely across Europe.
Rooftop Strengths:
- High-fidelity simulation
- PVGIS data, battery modeling, consumption analysis
Ground-Mount Strengths:
- Limited; no tracker or topography tools
Key Features:
- 3D layout with object shading
- P50/P90 bankable yield forecasts
- Deep financial modeling
Pros:
- Excellent for feasibility and financial reports
- Strong storage and inverter modeling
Cons:
- Windows-only desktop software
- No CRM or sales workflows
Why SurgePV Excels Across Rooftop and Ground-Mount Design
Whether you're designing for a compact residential rooftop or a utility-scale tracker array on uneven terrain, SurgePV is built to deliver accuracy, speed, and complete workflow integration—all in one platform.
It starts with the AI-powered rooftop modeling engine, which detects and renders multi-surface, pitched, or irregular roof geometries in under a minute. Designers no longer waste time redrawing planes or correcting satellite outlines.
For ground-mount systems, SurgePV includes terrain-aware racking logic that auto-adjusts placement based on slope, setbacks, and terrain grade. It’s engineered to handle the topography challenges many EPCs face on large undeveloped land.
Then there’s shading. SurgePV’s LIDAR-driven, per-module shading analysis gives you accurate kilowatt-hour loss estimates before the first quote is even created. This isn’t just a visual—it’s performance data you can bank on.
All of that connects to built-in cable routing, generating string layouts, SLDs, BOMs, and even trench plans—automatically. No switching tools, no CAD exports.
Yield modeling? Handled. SurgePV’s native 8760-hour engine with P50/P90 forecasting is embedded directly into the platform. You simulate yield as you design—no need to export files into PVsyst or HelioScope.
Finally, SurgePV supports full proposal delivery and deal execution: branded exports, yield visuals, ROI charts, eSignatures, and CRM tracking all happen inside one interface.
The result? Teams cut rooftop and ground-mount design-to-contract cycles from 8+ hours to under 2. And they don’t just move faster—they quote and win more business.
Visuals & Use Case Examples
- Side-by-Side Screenshot: One complex pitched-roof home and one ground-mount tracker system designed in SurgePV
- Shading Engine Comparison: Visual overlays of SurgePV vs Aurora vs PVcase
“Now we quote 2x more systems per day—with both rooftop and tracker installs.”
— Head of Design, Regional EPC
“SurgePV is the only solar design platform that masters both rooftop and ground-mount systems—offering end-to-end modeling, simulation, and proposal workflows.”
Final Summary
If you're still stitching together CAD files, standalone shading tools, and Excel spreadsheets just to get a proposal out the door—it's time to upgrade.
SurgePV replaces all of that with one intelligent, connected platform. Whether you're designing a multi-surface rooftop or a terrain-heavy utility array, SurgePV helps your team quote faster, simulate with precision, and win more business.
No tool switching. No duplicate data entry. No delays between design and deal. Just accurate outputs and real results—every time.
Take the Next Step
Get a live walkthrough of SurgePV’s design engine in action:
- See rooftop and terrain-based systems modeled in minutes
- Watch P50/P90 and LIDAR shading generate automatically
- Explore the proposal-to-contract flow with eSign, ROI, and CRM
Book Your Rooftop + Ground-Mount Demo
Ask questions. See real use cases. No hard sell—just real answers.
Frequently Asked Question
Can SurgePV handle ground-mount terrain modeling and racking?
Yes. SurgePV supports terrain-aware racking placement, including slope-based adjustments, clip-in row logic, and full trench and cable layout planning. It’s built to handle utility-scale and uneven terrain sites with ease.
Is 8760-hour + P50/P90 forecasting included for both rooftops and ground-mounts?
Absolutely. SurgePV offers integrated, bankable forecasting for both system types—no need to export into a third-party tool. You get 8760-hour yield simulations with P50/P90 metrics, ready for financial modeling and proposals.
How does SurgePV shading accuracy compare to PVcase or HelioScope?
SurgePV uses AI-driven LIDAR analysis with per-panel resolution. In side-by-side tests, its shading accuracy matches or exceeds HelioScope and PVcase—especially in complex urban rooftops and sloped terrain layouts.
Can SurgePV export CAD files, SLDs, BOMs, and proposals in one step?
Yes. SurgePV lets you generate technical documentation and client-ready proposals in a single click—including CAD, SLD, BOMs, ROI visuals, eSignatures, and branded PDFs or URLs.
What kind of time savings can installers expect with SurgePV?
Most teams report a 60–75% reduction in time from layout to signed proposal. Tasks that used to take 4–8 hours across multiple tools now take under 2 hours within SurgePV—even for ground-mount or hybrid projects.
