Key Takeaways
- OpenSolar is free and cloud-based, built for fast residential proposals and sales
- PV*SOL is a paid desktop tool with superior simulation accuracy and European focus
- PV*SOL excels at battery, EV charger, and heat pump modeling
- OpenSolar struggles with projects above 500kW and lacks electrical engineering tools
- Neither platform offers native SLD generation or permit packages
- SurgePV combines cloud accessibility with engineering depth at $1,499/year
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
OpenSolar and PV*SOL serve fundamentally different needs. OpenSolar is the go-to free platform for residential installers who need quick proposals and a financing marketplace. PV*SOL is the choice for engineers who need bankable simulation accuracy, especially for European projects with battery and heat pump integration. If you want the cloud convenience of OpenSolar with the technical depth approaching PV*SOL — plus native electrical engineering — SurgePV is the stronger all-in-one alternative.
Company Overview
OpenSolar
Founded
2016
Headquarters
Melbourne, Australia
Focus
Free solar design & proposals
Best For
Residential installers on a budget
Pricing
Free forever
PV*SOL
Founded
1998 (Valentin Software)
Headquarters
Berlin, Germany
Focus
Desktop 3D simulation & yield analysis
Best For
European engineers & detailed simulation
Pricing
≈$1,410 one-time license
Feature Comparison
Here’s a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of OpenSolar vs PV*SOL across the capabilities that matter most to solar design professionals.
| Feature | OpenSolar | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Cloud-based (any OS) | Desktop (Windows only) |
| 3D Modeling | Basic roof modeling | ✓ Full 3D with shading objects |
| Shade Analysis | Basic satellite-based | ✓ Detailed 3D ray-tracing |
| Auto Panel Layout | ✓ AI-powered | ✓ |
| Energy Yield Simulation | Basic estimation | ✓ Minute-level simulation |
| Battery Storage Modeling | Basic | ✓ Detailed self-consumption |
| EV Charger Simulation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Heat Pump Integration | ✗ | ✓ |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Proposal Generation | ✓ Lifestyle proposals | Basic PDF reports |
| Financial Modeling | ✓ With financing marketplace | Basic ROI calculation |
| Financing Marketplace | ✓ | ✗ |
| Commercial Projects (>100kW) | Limited (degrades above 500kW) | ✓ |
| Permit Package Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Component Database | Standard | ✓ 20,000+ components |
| Multi-User Collaboration | ✓ Cloud-based | ✗ Single-user license |
| White-Label Proposals | ✓ | ✗ |
Design & Simulation
These two platforms take very different approaches to solar design. OpenSolar prioritizes speed and accessibility. PV*SOL prioritizes engineering accuracy.
OpenSolar Design Strengths
OpenSolar’s biggest advantage is its zero-cost, cloud-based accessibility. Any team member can log in from any device and start designing immediately. The platform uses AI-powered auto-design to generate panel layouts from satellite imagery, and its lifestyle proposal imagery helps homeowners visualize their solar installation.
With over 25,000 professionals and $10B+ in solar sales processed through the platform, OpenSolar has proven itself for residential workflows. However, it has clear technical limits. The platform degrades noticeably above 500kW, uses lower-precision satellite imagery compared to specialized tools, and lacks any electrical engineering capabilities — no SLDs, no three-line diagrams, no wire sizing.
PV*SOL Design Strengths
PV*SOL is an engineering-first tool. Its desktop 3D modeling engine lets you build detailed roof and site models with accurate shading objects — chimneys, trees, neighboring buildings. The simulation runs at minute-level resolution rather than hourly, producing energy yield results that banks and utilities accept for financing.
Where PV*SOL truly separates itself is integrated energy system modeling. You can simulate solar + battery + EV charger + heat pump as a complete system, with detailed load profiles for self-consumption optimization. For European markets where sector coupling is standard practice, this is a significant advantage.
The trade-off is that PV*SOL is Windows-only desktop software with no cloud collaboration, no proposal generation beyond basic PDF reports, and no built-in financing tools.
Proposals & Sales
OpenSolar Proposals
OpenSolar produces visually engaging proposals with lifestyle imagery that helps homeowners understand their solar investment. The platform includes a built-in financing marketplace that connects installers with lending partners, making it a complete sales tool for residential teams.
The proposals include basic financial projections, savings estimates, and system specifications. For residential sales where the homeowner experience matters most, OpenSolar delivers a polished output at zero cost.
PV*SOL Reports
PV*SOL generates technical PDF reports with detailed simulation results, energy yield projections, and system performance data. These reports are designed for engineers and utility submissions, not homeowner sales.
If your workflow requires customer-facing proposals alongside PV*SOL’s simulation data, you’ll need a separate proposal tool — which adds both cost and complexity to your stack.
Pricing Comparison
The pricing models here could not be more different. OpenSolar is free. PV*SOL requires an upfront license purchase.
| Cost Factor | OpenSolar | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| License Cost | Free forever | ≈$1,410 one-time |
| Annual Maintenance | $0 | ≈$350/year (updates) |
| Per-User Cost | $0 | ≈$1,410 per license |
| SLD/Engineering Add-on | Not available | Not available |
| Year 1 Cost (1 user) | $0 | ≈$1,410 |
| Year 1 Cost (3 users) | $0 | ≈$4,230 |
Neither tool includes SLD generation — both require AutoCAD ($1,800/yr) for engineering docsLooking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
Cloud-based design, bankable simulation, proposals, and native SLD generation — all in one platform at $1,499/year.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No desktop install · Full feature access
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
OpenSolar
Pros
Cons
PV*SOL
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
The right choice depends on whether you prioritize cost and sales speed or simulation accuracy and technical depth.
| Your Situation | Choose OpenSolar | Choose PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Zero budget for software | ✓ | |
| Need customer-facing proposals | ✓ | |
| Residential-only installer | ✓ | |
| Need bankable simulation reports | ✓ | |
| Battery + EV + heat pump design | ✓ | |
| European market focus | ✓ | |
| Commercial projects above 500kW | ✓ | |
| Multi-user team collaboration | ✓ | |
| Need financing marketplace | ✓ | |
| Detailed self-consumption analysis | ✓ |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
Both OpenSolar and PV*SOL leave gaps. OpenSolar lacks simulation depth and engineering tools. PV*SOL lacks cloud access, proposals, and collaboration. If you’re finding yourself needing both tools — or frustrated by the limitations of either — SurgePV fills both gaps in a single platform.
What SurgePV adds over both:
- Cloud-based like OpenSolar, but with 8760-hour simulation approaching PV*SOL’s accuracy
- Native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, and permit packages — neither OpenSolar nor PV*SOL offers this
- AI-powered auto-design with auto-stringing for faster workflows
- Professional proposals (web + PDF) with global financial modeling and multi-currency support
- Commercial and utility-scale support up to 5MW — no performance degradation
- All features included at $1,499/year for 3 users
For teams that want the convenience of a free cloud tool with the technical rigor of desktop simulation software, SurgePV is the strongest all-in-one alternative on the market.
Pro Tip
SurgePV offers a free trial with full access to every feature. Test it alongside your current OpenSolar or PV*SOL workflow before making a switch — most teams complete their evaluation within a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenSolar or PV*SOL better for residential solar design?
OpenSolar is better for fast residential proposals with its free cloud-based platform and lifestyle imagery. PV*SOL delivers more accurate energy yield simulations with its desktop 3D engine and detailed component modeling, but requires a paid license.
Can PV*SOL replace OpenSolar?
Not directly. PV*SOL is a desktop simulation tool focused on technical accuracy, while OpenSolar is a cloud-based sales and design platform. They serve different stages of the solar workflow. Many teams use both.
Which has better battery and EV simulation?
PV*SOL is significantly stronger for battery, EV charger, and heat pump simulation. It models detailed load profiles and self-consumption scenarios that OpenSolar cannot match.
Is OpenSolar really free?
Yes. OpenSolar offers a free-forever plan with no per-user fees. Revenue comes from financing marketplace commissions. However, the free tier has limitations for commercial projects and advanced engineering.
Is SurgePV a better alternative to both OpenSolar and PV*SOL?
For teams that need design, simulation, proposals, and electrical engineering in one cloud platform, SurgePV combines the accessibility of OpenSolar with simulation depth closer to PV*SOL — all for $1,499/year.
Does PV*SOL work on Mac?
No. PV*SOL is Windows-only desktop software. Mac users need a Windows virtual machine or Boot Camp to run it. OpenSolar and SurgePV are both cloud-based and work on any operating system.