Key Takeaways
- HelioScope is built for commercial rooftop design; PVcase is built for utility-scale ground-mount
- PVcase requires AutoCAD/Civil 3D ($1,800+/yr); HelioScope is standalone web-based
- HelioScope includes built-in simulation; PVcase relies on PVsyst for energy modeling
- PVcase excels at terrain modeling, cable routing, and construction documentation
- Neither tool generates proposals, SLDs, or financial models for customers
- SurgePV covers C&I through utility-scale in one cloud platform at $1,499/year
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
HelioScope and PVcase operate at different scales. HelioScope is the right tool for commercial rooftop and smaller ground-mount projects where web-based speed and built-in simulation matter. PVcase is the right tool for utility-scale solar farms where terrain modeling, cable routing, and AutoCAD integration are non-negotiable. If you need one platform that spans both scales without the AutoCAD dependency, SurgePV covers residential through utility-scale at a lower total cost.
Company Overview
HelioScope
Founded
2013 (Folsom Labs)
Headquarters
San Francisco, USA
Focus
Web-based C&I solar design & simulation
Best For
Commercial rooftop & small ground-mount
Pricing Starts
$159/month ($1,908/yr)
PVcase
Founded
2018
Headquarters
Vilnius, Lithuania
Focus
AutoCAD-based utility-scale solar design
Best For
Utility-scale solar farms & EPCs
Pricing Starts
Enterprise pricing (contact sales)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | HelioScope | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based | ✓ | ✗ (AutoCAD plugin) |
| Standalone Software | ✓ | ✗ (Requires AutoCAD/Civil 3D) |
| Built-in Simulation | ✓ (Within 1% PVsyst) | ✗ (Exports to PVsyst) |
| Terrain Modeling | ✗ | ✓ (Civil 3D integration) |
| Cable Routing | ✗ | ✓ (Automated) |
| Construction Documentation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Commercial Rooftop Design | ✓ (Core strength) | Limited |
| Utility-Scale Design | ✗ | ✓ (Core strength) |
| Proposal Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Component Library | ✓ (45,000+) | ✓ |
| Shade Analysis | ✓ | ✓ (Terrain-based) |
| Tracker Layout | Limited | ✓ (Single-axis, bi-facial) |
| BOM Generation | Basic | ✓ (Detailed) |
| API Access | ✓ | Limited |
Design Capabilities
HelioScope and PVcase were built for entirely different project scales. Comparing them directly is like comparing a sedan to a truck — both are vehicles, but they serve different purposes.
HelioScope Design Strengths
HelioScope is optimized for commercial rooftop and smaller ground-mount projects. Its web-based interface lets engineers go from satellite image to simulation results in under an hour for a typical C&I system. The 45,000+ component library and built-in simulation engine (within 1% of PVsyst) make it a self-contained design tool.
HelioScope works well for projects up to a few megawatts. Beyond that scale, it lacks the terrain modeling, civil engineering tools, and construction documentation features that utility-scale projects demand.
PVcase Design Strengths
PVcase was purpose-built for utility-scale solar farms. As an AutoCAD/Civil 3D plugin, it leverages the full power of Autodesk’s engineering suite for terrain analysis, grading, and civil engineering workflows. PVcase automates cable routing, generates construction documentation, and supports single-axis tracker layouts with bifacial module optimization.
For 10MW+ solar farms, PVcase delivers capabilities that web-based tools simply cannot match. The terrain-to-construction workflow is integrated, reducing the number of tools a utility-scale EPC needs.
The trade-off is cost and complexity. PVcase requires an AutoCAD or Civil 3D license ($1,800+/year), has enterprise-level pricing, and demands users who are already proficient in Autodesk products.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | HelioScope | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $159-259/month | Enterprise (contact sales) |
| Annual Cost | $1,908-$3,108/yr | Custom pricing |
| AutoCAD Required? | No | Yes (+$1,800+/yr) |
| PVsyst Required? | No (built-in simulation) | Yes for simulation (+$1,350+/yr) |
| Estimated Total (Year 1) | $1,908-$3,108 | $5,000+ (PVcase + AutoCAD + PVsyst) |
| Best Value For | C&I teams (10-500 projects/yr) | Utility EPCs (multi-MW farms) |
PVcase + AutoCAD + PVsyst = $5,000+/yr vs HelioScope standalone = $1,908/yrLooking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
Design residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects in one cloud platform. No AutoCAD required. No PVsyst needed. Built-in simulation, proposals, and SLDs.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No AutoCAD dependency · $1,499/year all-inclusive
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
HelioScope
Pros
Cons
PVcase
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Situation | Choose HelioScope | Choose PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial rooftop projects | ✓ | |
| Utility-scale solar farms (10MW+) | ✓ | |
| Need built-in simulation | ✓ | |
| Terrain modeling and grading | ✓ | |
| Already use AutoCAD/Civil 3D | ✓ | |
| Budget under $3,000/year | ✓ | |
| Cable routing and tracker layout | ✓ | |
| Small team without AutoCAD expertise | ✓ | |
| Need C&I + utility in one platform | Choose SurgePV | |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
HelioScope tops out at commercial scale. PVcase requires a $5,000+/year software stack. Neither generates proposals, SLDs, or financial models. Teams working across project scales often end up licensing both tools plus additional software.
SurgePV spans the full range in one cloud platform:
- Design: AI-powered auto-design for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects up to 5MW
- Simulation: 8760-hour energy yield simulation with P50/P75/P90 confidence levels
- Proposals: Web and PDF proposals with multi-currency financial modeling (cash, loan, lease, PPA)
- Engineering: Native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, wire sizing, and permit packages
- Pricing: $1,499/year with all features included — no AutoCAD required, no PVsyst needed
For teams that need a solar design tool covering everything from rooftop residential to multi-megawatt ground-mount, SurgePV eliminates the need for separate tools at each project scale.
Pro Tip
SurgePV offers a free trial with full feature access. Design a commercial rooftop and a ground-mount array in the same platform to test the workflow. Book a demo for a guided walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HelioScope or PVcase better for utility-scale projects?
PVcase is the clear winner for utility-scale solar. It integrates directly with AutoCAD and Civil 3D for terrain-based design, cable routing, and construction documentation. HelioScope is designed for rooftop and smaller ground-mount C&I systems.
Can HelioScope handle ground-mount solar farms?
HelioScope can design smaller ground-mount arrays, but it lacks the terrain modeling, cable routing, and civil engineering tools that utility-scale projects require. PVcase and SurgePV are better choices for ground-mount farms above 1MW.
Does PVcase work without AutoCAD?
PVcase requires an AutoCAD or Civil 3D license to run, as it operates as a plugin. This adds $1,800+/year to the total cost. SurgePV offers a standalone cloud platform with no AutoCAD dependency.
Which is more affordable, HelioScope or PVcase?
HelioScope is more affordable at $159-259/month. PVcase uses enterprise pricing (contact sales) and requires an AutoCAD license ($1,800+/year), making the total cost significantly higher.
Is there a tool that covers both C&I and utility-scale?
SurgePV supports residential, commercial (up to 5MW), and utility-scale projects in a single cloud platform at $1,499/year with no AutoCAD dependency. It fills the gap between HelioScope’s C&I focus and PVcase’s utility-scale specialization.
Does PVcase include simulation?
PVcase focuses on layout design, terrain analysis, and cable routing. It integrates with PVsyst for simulation rather than including its own simulation engine. HelioScope and SurgePV both include built-in simulation.