Key Takeaways
- PVcase is an AutoCAD/Civil3D plugin for utility-scale ground-mount design
- Scanifly is a drone-based 3D survey tool for residential site assessment
- There is virtually no feature overlap — they serve different market segments entirely
- PVcase needs AutoCAD ($1,800+/yr); Scanifly needs drone hardware ($500-2,000+)
- Neither tool generates customer proposals, SLDs, or financial models
- SurgePV covers both residential and utility-scale in one cloud platform
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
PVcase and Scanifly are not alternatives to each other — they operate in entirely different market segments. PVcase designs multi-megawatt ground-mount solar farms inside AutoCAD. Scanifly surveys residential rooftops with drones. If your company works exclusively in one segment, the choice is obvious. If you need a single platform that handles projects across the spectrum, SurgePV covers residential through utility-scale without requiring AutoCAD or drone hardware.
Company Overview
PVcase
Headquarters
Vilnius, Lithuania
Focus
AutoCAD/Civil3D utility-scale design
Best For
Utility-scale ground-mount projects
Customers
1,500+ in 75+ countries
Pricing
Enterprise (custom) + AutoCAD license
Scanifly
Headquarters
United States
Focus
Drone-based 3D solar survey
Best For
US residential site assessment
Key Feature
DroneDesign — inch-accurate 3D models
Pricing
≈$99-199/month + drone hardware
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PVcase | Scanifly |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | AutoCAD/Civil3D plugin | Cloud + drone hardware |
| Residential Rooftop Design | ✗ | ✓ (DroneDesign) |
| Utility-Scale Design | ✓ (Core strength) | ✗ |
| 3D Site Survey | Imports topographic data | ✓ (Drone photogrammetry) |
| Terrain Analysis | ✓ (DEM/LiDAR) | ✗ |
| Cable Routing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pile Plan Generation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Roof Measurement | ✗ | ✓ (Inch-accurate) |
| Shade Analysis | Terrain-based | ✓ (From real 3D model) |
| Proposal Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | ✗ | Basic (US rates) |
| SLD Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cloud Access | ✗ (Desktop plugin) | ✓ |
Design Workflows
PVcase: Utility-Scale Engineering
PVcase operates inside AutoCAD and Civil3D, giving engineers access to familiar CAD drafting tools alongside PVcase’s solar-specific automation. The workflow starts with importing a site boundary and topographic data (DEM or LiDAR point clouds), then generating terrain-following tracker or fixed-tilt layouts that respect slope constraints, setbacks, and exclusion zones.
The tool automates pile plan generation with precise coordinates for every mounting post — critical for construction teams. Cable routing optimization calculates trench paths, cable lengths, and voltage drop between combiner boxes and inverter stations. These are capabilities that residential tools simply don’t need.
PVcase has over 1,500 customers in 75+ countries, making it one of the most widely adopted utility-scale design tools globally. The trade-off is the AutoCAD/Civil3D dependency — you can’t run PVcase without an active Autodesk license, adding $1,800+/year to the cost.
Scanifly: Residential Site Capture
Scanifly’s workflow starts in the field. A technician flies a consumer drone (DJI Mavic or similar) over a residential property, capturing overlapping photos from multiple angles. Scanifly’s cloud platform processes these photos into a centimeter-accurate 3D point cloud and surface model.
From this 3D model, Scanifly extracts precise roof dimensions, pitch angles, azimuth values, and obstruction heights — all without anyone climbing on the roof. The DroneDesign feature then allows panel placement on the 3D model with basic production estimates.
Scanifly positions itself as 30-70% cheaper than Aurora Solar for similar residential design capability, making it attractive to smaller US installers who want accurate site data without the cost of a full design platform. The trade-off is limited simulation depth and no utility-scale capability.
Pricing Comparison
| Cost Factor | PVcase | Scanifly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Cost | Enterprise pricing (custom) | ≈$99-199/month |
| Required Add-Ons | AutoCAD/Civil3D ($1,800+/yr) | Drone hardware ($500-2,000+) |
| Estimated Year 1 Total | $5,000+ | $1,700-4,400+ |
| Proposals Included? | No | No |
| Engineering Docs Included? | No (CAD drawings only) | No |
Looking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
One platform for residential through utility-scale — design, simulate, propose, and engineer. No AutoCAD or drones needed.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · All project types · $1,499/year
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
PVcase
Pros
Cons
Scanifly
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Situation | Choose PVcase | Choose Scanifly |
|---|---|---|
| Utility-scale ground-mount projects | ✓ | |
| US residential site surveys | ✓ | |
| Complex terrain analysis | ✓ | |
| Accurate roof measurements | ✓ | |
| Already own AutoCAD/Civil3D | ✓ | |
| Already own drone fleet | ✓ | |
| Need one tool for all project types | Neither — consider SurgePV | |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
PVcase only does utility-scale. Scanifly only does residential survey. Neither generates proposals, financial models, or engineering documentation. For companies that work across project types, or want a complete workflow without hardware dependencies, both tools leave gaps.
SurgePV is a cloud-based solar design software that covers the full spectrum:
- Residential, commercial, and utility-scale design in one tool
- Satellite and aerial imagery for site modeling — no drone required
- 8760-hour shade simulation with monthly shade maps
- AI auto-design and auto-stringing
- Native SLD and three-line diagram generation
- Branded proposals in web and PDF formats
- Global financial modeling with multi-currency support
- $1,499/year — no AutoCAD, no drone hardware, no hidden costs
SurgePV replaces the need for segment-specific tools by providing one platform that works across all project types.
One Platform, Every Project Type
From residential rooftops to utility-scale farms — SurgePV handles it all at $1,499/year.
Book a DemoNo credit card required · No AutoCAD needed · No drone needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVcase better than Scanifly?
They target completely different markets. PVcase is an AutoCAD/Civil3D plugin for utility-scale ground-mount solar design. Scanifly is a drone-based 3D survey tool for residential site assessment. There is almost no overlap between them.
Can Scanifly design utility-scale projects?
No. Scanifly is built for residential and small commercial site surveys using drone photogrammetry. It does not support utility-scale layout generation, terrain analysis, or the cable routing features that PVcase offers.
Can PVcase do residential rooftop design?
No. PVcase is designed for utility-scale and large commercial ground-mount projects within AutoCAD/Civil3D. It does not model residential rooftops. For residential work, Scanifly or SurgePV are better options.
Do I need both PVcase and Scanifly?
Only if your company handles both utility-scale development and residential installation — which is uncommon. Most teams work in one segment or the other. If you need both capabilities, SurgePV covers residential through utility-scale in one platform.
What is a better alternative to both tools?
SurgePV is a cloud-based platform that handles residential, commercial, and utility-scale design with simulation, proposals, and engineering — all in one tool at $1,499/year, with no AutoCAD license or drone hardware required.
How do the costs compare?
PVcase requires enterprise pricing plus an AutoCAD/Civil3D license ($1,800+/yr). Scanifly costs $99-199/month plus drone hardware ($500-2,000+). Both carry significant ancillary costs beyond the software subscription itself.