Key Takeaways
- PV*SOL excels at residential and small commercial 3D simulation on Windows desktops
- PVcase is purpose-built for utility-scale ground-mount design inside AutoCAD/Civil3D
- PV*SOL costs ≈$1,410 one-time plus ≈$300/year maintenance; PVcase requires enterprise pricing plus AutoCAD license
- PV*SOL supports battery, EV charger, and heat pump simulation; PVcase focuses on large-scale layout optimization
- Neither tool offers built-in proposal generation or financial modeling for customers
- SurgePV covers both rooftop and utility-scale in one cloud platform at $1,499/year
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
PV*SOL and PVcase serve fundamentally different market segments. If you design residential or small commercial rooftop systems in Europe, PV*SOL’s 3D simulation engine is hard to beat. If you design multi-megawatt ground-mount solar farms and already work in AutoCAD/Civil3D, PVcase streamlines that workflow. For teams that work across both rooftop and utility-scale — or want a single cloud-based platform — SurgePV is the stronger choice.
Company Overview
PV*SOL
Developer
Valentin Software (Germany)
Headquarters
Berlin, Germany
Focus
Desktop 3D PV simulation
Best For
European residential & small commercial
Pricing
≈$1,410 one-time + ≈$300/yr
PVcase
Developer
PVcase (Lithuania)
Headquarters
Vilnius, Lithuania
Focus
AutoCAD/Civil3D utility-scale design
Best For
Utility-scale ground-mount projects
Pricing
Enterprise (custom) + AutoCAD license
Feature Comparison
Here’s how PV*SOL and PVcase compare across the capabilities that matter most to solar design teams.
| Feature | PV*SOL | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop (Windows only) | AutoCAD/Civil3D plugin |
| Cloud-Based | ✗ | ✗ |
| 3D Shade Simulation | ✓ (Minute-level resolution) | Limited (terrain-based) |
| Rooftop Design | ✓ (Core strength) | ✗ |
| Utility-Scale Design | ✗ | ✓ (Core strength) |
| Ground-Mount Layout | Basic | ✓ (Advanced terrain-following) |
| Battery Simulation | ✓ | ✗ |
| EV Charger Simulation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Heat Pump Integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Topographic Analysis | ✗ | ✓ (DEM/LiDAR import) |
| Cable Routing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Proposal Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | Basic (economic analysis) | ✗ |
| SLD Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Permit Packages | ✗ | ✗ |
| Multi-User Collaboration | ✗ (Single-seat license) | ✓ (Team licenses) |
| API Access | ✗ | Limited |
Design & Simulation
PV*SOL and PVcase approach solar design from opposite ends of the project spectrum. Understanding their design philosophies helps clarify which tool fits your workflow.
PV*SOL Design Workflow
PV*SOL is a dedicated desktop simulation tool from Valentin Software, a German company with decades of experience in thermal and PV simulation. The software focuses on detailed 3D modeling of rooftop systems with minute-level shade simulation throughout the year.
You build your 3D scene by importing building footprints, adding roof geometry, placing obstructions like chimneys and dormers, and then positioning panels. PV*SOL calculates shading losses at each timestep, factoring in horizon profiles and nearby objects. The simulation engine is respected across Europe for its accuracy in small-to-medium rooftop projects.
PV*SOL also stands out with its battery storage simulation, EV charger integration, and heat pump coupling — making it a solid choice for residential energy system design in markets where self-consumption optimization matters. These are features you won’t find in PVcase at all.
The main limitations: PV*SOL is Windows-only, doesn’t work in the cloud, and is a single-seat desktop license. There’s no real-time collaboration, no web-based access, and no proposal generation built in.
PVcase Design Workflow
PVcase takes a completely different approach. It’s a plugin for AutoCAD and Civil3D, designed specifically for utility-scale and large commercial ground-mount solar farms. If you’re designing a 50MW solar park with complex terrain, PVcase is built for that.
The tool imports topographic data (DEM/LiDAR), generates terrain-following tracker and fixed-tilt layouts, handles pile plan generation, and automates cable routing across large sites. PVcase users work within the familiar AutoCAD environment, which means all standard CAD drafting tools remain available.
PVcase has over 1,500 customers in 75+ countries, and its strength is in the engineering-heavy early stages of utility-scale development — site layout, grading, and constructability analysis. It does not do rooftop design, battery simulation, or residential financial modeling.
The key dependency: you need an active AutoCAD or Civil3D license to run PVcase. That adds $1,800+/year to the total cost of ownership before you even purchase PVcase itself.
Proposal & Financial Tools
Neither PV*SOL nor PVcase includes a built-in proposal generator or customer-facing financial modeling tool. This is a significant gap for teams that need to present project economics to clients or investors.
PV*SOL Financial Capabilities
PV*SOL includes a basic economic analysis module that calculates payback period, internal rate of return, and levelized cost of electricity. It’s useful for engineering teams evaluating system viability, but it’s not designed to produce customer-facing proposals. There’s no branded PDF output, no interactive web proposal, and no e-signature integration.
PVcase Financial Capabilities
PVcase has no built-in financial modeling. The tool focuses entirely on layout and engineering design. For financial analysis, PVcase users typically export their designs and use separate tools like Excel models, PVsyst, or RatedPower for energy yield and bankability reporting.
For both tools, if you need to send a professional proposal to a homeowner or a financing memo to an investor, you’ll need additional software.
Pricing Comparison
Cost structures differ significantly between these two tools, and the total cost of ownership depends heavily on your existing software stack.
| Cost Factor | PV*SOL | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| License Model | One-time purchase | Annual subscription |
| Base Price | ≈$1,410 one-time | Enterprise (custom pricing) |
| Annual Maintenance | ≈$300/year | Included in subscription |
| Required Add-Ons | None (standalone) | AutoCAD/Civil3D ($1,800+/yr) |
| Year 1 Total Cost | ≈$1,710 | $5,000+ (estimated) |
| Year 2+ Annual Cost | ≈$300/year | $3,000+ (estimated) |
| Proposal Software Needed? | Yes (separate tool) | Yes (separate tool) |
PV*SOL ≈$1,710 vs PVcase $5,000+ (estimated with AutoCAD)Looking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
Design rooftop and utility-scale projects in one cloud platform — with simulation, proposals, and engineering included.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No desktop install · Works on any OS
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
PV*SOL
Pros
Cons
PVcase
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
The right choice depends on what types of projects your team works on and your existing software stack.
| Your Situation | Choose PV*SOL | Choose PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Residential rooftop projects in Europe | ✓ | |
| Utility-scale ground-mount (10MW+) | ✓ | |
| Battery + EV + heat pump modeling | ✓ | |
| Already using AutoCAD/Civil3D | ✓ | |
| Budget under $2,000 | ✓ | |
| Complex terrain analysis needed | ✓ | |
| Need proposals + simulation in one tool | Neither — consider SurgePV | |
| Mac or Linux user | Neither — consider SurgePV | |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
Both PV*SOL and PVcase are strong within their respective niches, but neither covers the full project lifecycle. PV*SOL stops at simulation — no proposals, no SLDs, no permit packages. PVcase stops at layout engineering — no financial models, no customer deliverables, no rooftop support.
SurgePV is a cloud-based solar design software that handles the entire workflow in one platform:
- Residential, commercial, and utility-scale design in a single tool
- 3D shade simulation with 8760-hour analysis and monthly shade maps
- AI-powered auto-design for fast panel layout generation
- Native SLD and three-line diagram generation — no AutoCAD needed
- Proposal generation with branded PDF and web proposals
- Global financial modeling with multi-currency support
- Permit package creation for DSO and utility submissions
- Cloud-based — works on Windows, Mac, Linux, or any device with a browser
- $1,499/year with all features included on every plan
For teams that work across project types, or that need design-to-proposal capability without juggling multiple desktop tools, SurgePV eliminates the need for both PV*SOL and PVcase — plus the AutoCAD license PVcase requires.
Replace Multiple Tools with One Platform
SurgePV handles rooftop, commercial, and utility-scale projects — design through permit package — at $1,499/year.
Book a DemoNo credit card required · No desktop install · Full access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PV*SOL better than PVcase?
They serve different markets. PV*SOL is a desktop 3D simulation tool built for residential and small commercial rooftop projects, primarily in Europe. PVcase is an AutoCAD/Civil3D plugin designed for utility-scale ground-mount projects. Most teams need one or the other, not both.
Can PVcase do rooftop solar design?
PVcase is built for utility-scale ground-mount and large commercial projects using AutoCAD and Civil3D. It is not designed for residential rooftop work. For rooftop projects, PV*SOL or a cloud-based tool like SurgePV is a better fit.
Does PV*SOL work on Mac?
No. PV*SOL is Windows-only desktop software. Mac users need Boot Camp or a virtual machine to run it. Cloud-based alternatives like SurgePV work on any operating system with a browser.
Which has better simulation accuracy?
PV*SOL uses detailed 3D shade simulation with minute-level resolution and is well-regarded for rooftop accuracy. PVcase relies on AutoCAD/Civil3D and topographic data for utility-scale yield estimates. Both are accurate within their target segments.
Is there a better alternative to both PV*SOL and PVcase?
Yes. SurgePV is a cloud-based platform that handles residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects in one tool. It includes design, simulation, proposals, and electrical engineering at $1,499/year — without requiring desktop software or AutoCAD licenses.
How much does PVcase cost?
PVcase uses enterprise pricing that is not publicly listed. Most estimates put it at several thousand dollars per seat annually. You need an existing AutoCAD or Civil3D license on top of the PVcase subscription.