Key Takeaways
- PV*SOL is a desktop rooftop simulation tool; RatedPower is a web-based utility-scale design automation platform
- PV*SOL supports battery, EV, and heat pump simulation — RatedPower focuses on large PV + BESS projects
- RatedPower produces bankable yield reports with P50/P75/P90 values for investor due diligence
- PV*SOL costs ≈$1,410 one-time; RatedPower uses enterprise subscription pricing
- Neither tool generates customer-facing proposals or electrical engineering drawings
- SurgePV handles both rooftop and utility-scale with proposals and SLDs included at $1,499/year
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
PV*SOL and RatedPower serve entirely different segments of the solar market. If you design residential or small commercial rooftop systems and need detailed shade simulation with battery and heat pump modeling, PV*SOL is the right tool. If you develop utility-scale solar farms and need automated layout generation with bankable yield reports, RatedPower is purpose-built for that. Teams that span both segments should consider SurgePV as a unified alternative.
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
RatedPower
Developer
Enverus (acquired RatedPower)
Headquarters
Madrid, Spain / Austin, USA
Focus
Automated utility-scale PV + BESS design
Best For
Utility-scale developers & EPCs
Pricing
Tiered license (enterprise pricing)
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PV*SOL | RatedPower |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop (Windows only) | Web-based (cloud) |
| Rooftop Design | ✓ (Core strength) | ✗ |
| Utility-Scale Design | ✗ | ✓ (Core strength) |
| BESS Design | Residential battery only | ✓ (Utility-scale BESS) |
| 3D Shade Simulation | ✓ (Minute-level) | Terrain-based shading |
| Topographic Analysis | ✗ | ✓ (DEM/satellite) |
| Automated Layout Generation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Bankable Yield Reports | ✗ | ✓ (P50/P75/P90) |
| Gen-Tie Reports | ✗ | ✓ |
| EV Charger Simulation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Heat Pump Integration | ✓ | ✗ |
| Proposal Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| SLD Generation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cable Routing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi-User Collaboration | ✗ | ✓ |
Design & Simulation
PV*SOL Simulation Strengths
PV*SOL from Valentin Software has been a staple in the European solar market for years. Its 3D simulation engine models rooftop systems with minute-level shade calculation, accounting for every obstruction, horizon profile, and module orientation across all 8,760 hours of the year.
The tool’s real differentiation is in residential energy system modeling. PV*SOL simulates the interaction between solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, and heat pumps — calculating self-consumption rates, grid feed-in, and optimized battery dispatch. For German, Austrian, and Swiss markets where self-consumption economics drive project viability, this depth is essential.
PV*SOL produces detailed technical reports with loss diagrams, monthly yield breakdowns, and component specifications. These reports serve engineering review well, but they’re not formatted for investor due diligence or bankability assessment.
RatedPower Design Automation
RatedPower (now part of Enverus) automates the preliminary design of utility-scale solar farms. You define a site boundary, import topographic data, select equipment, and the platform generates an optimized layout in minutes — complete with tracker/fixed-tilt configurations, inverter placement, and cable routing.
The tool’s bankability features set it apart from engineering-focused tools. RatedPower produces P50/P75/P90 energy yield estimates, uncertainty analysis, and Gen-Tie reports that developers need for interconnection applications. These outputs feed directly into financial models and investment committee presentations.
RatedPower handles BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) integration at utility scale, a capability that’s growing in importance as co-located solar+storage projects become the norm in competitive markets.
The limitation is clear: RatedPower does zero residential or small commercial work. If your portfolio includes rooftop projects, you need a separate tool entirely.
Pricing Comparison
| Cost Factor | PV*SOL | RatedPower |
|---|---|---|
| License Model | One-time purchase | Annual subscription (tiered) |
| Base Price | ≈$1,410 one-time | Enterprise pricing (not public) |
| Annual Maintenance | ≈$300/year | Included |
| Additional Software Needed? | No | No |
| Year 1 Total Cost | ≈$1,710 | $3,000-10,000+ (estimated) |
| Proposal Tool Included? | No | No |
PV*SOL ≈$1,710 (rooftop) vs RatedPower $3,000-10,000+ (utility-scale)Looking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
One cloud platform for rooftop, commercial, and utility-scale — with simulation, proposals, and engineering drawings.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · Covers all project types · $1,499/year
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
PV*SOL
Pros
Cons
RatedPower
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Situation | Choose PV*SOL | Choose RatedPower |
|---|---|---|
| Residential rooftop projects | ✓ | |
| Utility-scale solar farms (10MW+) | ✓ | |
| Battery + EV + heat pump modeling | ✓ | |
| Bankable yield reports for investors | ✓ | |
| BESS co-located with solar | ✓ | |
| Budget under $2,000 | ✓ | |
| Need proposals + engineering + design | Neither — consider SurgePV | |
| Mixed portfolio (rooftop + utility) | Neither — consider SurgePV | |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
PV*SOL stops at simulation. RatedPower stops at layout and yield reporting. Neither generates customer-facing proposals, SLDs, or permit packages. For teams that need the full design-to-delivery workflow, both tools leave significant gaps.
SurgePV is a cloud-based solar design software that covers the complete project lifecycle:
- Residential, commercial, and utility-scale in one platform
- 8760-hour shade simulation with monthly shade maps
- AI auto-design for optimized panel layouts
- Native SLD and three-line diagram generation
- Branded proposals with cash, loan, lease, and PPA models
- Global financial modeling with multi-currency support
- Permit package generation for regulatory submissions
- Cloud-based — works on any OS, any device
- $1,499/year with all features included
Instead of running PV*SOL for rooftop projects and RatedPower for utility-scale, SurgePV handles both in a single subscription — with the proposal and engineering tools that neither tool provides.
One Platform for Every Project Type
SurgePV replaces multiple tools — rooftop simulation, utility-scale design, proposals, and engineering in one place.
Book a DemoNo credit card required · All project types · Full access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PV*SOL better than RatedPower?
They target different project types. PV*SOL is built for residential and small commercial rooftop simulation with battery and heat pump modeling. RatedPower (now part of Enverus) automates utility-scale and BESS design with topographic data. Your project size determines the right tool.
Can RatedPower design rooftop systems?
No. RatedPower is designed for utility-scale ground-mount solar farms and battery storage projects. It does not support rooftop design, residential projects, or small commercial installations. For rooftop work, PV*SOL or SurgePV are better options.
Does PV*SOL support utility-scale projects?
PV*SOL is optimized for residential and small commercial projects. While it can technically model larger arrays, it lacks the terrain analysis, cable routing, and automated layout tools that utility-scale projects require. RatedPower or SurgePV are better for large-scale work.
Which is better for bankable energy reports?
RatedPower generates bankable yield assessments with P50/P75/P90 confidence levels, Gen-Tie reports, and uncertainty analysis — the kind of documentation investors and lenders require. PV*SOL produces detailed simulation reports but is not typically used for utility-scale bankability studies.
Is there a tool that handles both rooftop and utility-scale?
Yes. SurgePV is a cloud-based platform that supports residential, commercial, and utility-scale design in one tool, with simulation, proposals, and electrical engineering included at $1,499/year.
How does RatedPower pricing compare to PV*SOL?
PV*SOL costs ≈$1,410 one-time plus ≈$300/year maintenance. RatedPower uses tiered license pricing that is not publicly listed, but enterprise subscriptions typically run several thousand dollars per year. The cost difference reflects their different target markets.