Key Takeaways
- PVsyst is the gold standard for bankable simulation reports accepted by lenders
- SurgePV is an all-in-one platform covering design, simulation, proposals, and engineering
- PVsyst offers zero design or proposal capabilities — it is simulation only
- PVsyst is desktop-only (Windows), while SurgePV is fully cloud-based
- SurgePV costs less and eliminates the need for 2-3 separate software tools
- Teams needing bankable reports for investors may still need PVsyst alongside SurgePV
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
If your primary need is producing bankable simulation reports for lenders and investors on utility-scale projects, PVsyst remains the industry standard. For everyone else — solar installers, EPCs, and commercial developers who need to design, simulate, generate proposals, and create permit packages — SurgePV delivers far more value in a single platform at a lower total cost.
Company Overview
PVsyst
Founded
1992
Headquarters
Satigny, Switzerland
Focus
PV simulation & energy yield
Best For
Bankable simulation reports
Pricing Starts
≈$800–1,400/yr
SurgePV
Founded
2025
Headquarters
London, UK (Global)
Focus
All-in-one solar platform
Best For
Global residential, commercial & utility
Pricing Starts
$1,499/yr
Feature Comparison
Here’s a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of PVsyst vs SurgePV across the capabilities that matter most to solar professionals.
| Feature | PVsyst | SurgePV |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based | ✗ (Desktop only, Windows) | ✓ |
| Panel Layout / Design | ✗ | ✓ (AI-powered auto-design) |
| Satellite Imagery | ✗ | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) |
| Energy Yield Simulation | ✓ (Industry gold standard) | ✓ (8760-hour simulation) |
| Bankable Reports | ✓ (Accepted by lenders) | Growing acceptance |
| Loss Diagrams | ✓ (Detailed Sankey diagrams) | ✓ |
| Shade Analysis | ✓ (Granular shading/soiling) | ✓ (8760-hour shade maps) |
| Degradation Modeling | ✓ (Detailed) | ✓ |
| Auto Panel Layout | ✗ | ✓ (AI-powered) |
| String Sizing | Manual configuration | ✓ (Auto-stringing) |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✗ | ✓ (Native) |
| Three-Line Diagrams | ✗ | ✓ (Native) |
| Bill of Materials | ✗ | ✓ (Detailed with pricing) |
| Permit Package Generation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Proposal Generation | ✗ | ✓ (Web + PDF) |
| Financial Modeling | Basic economic evaluation | ✓ (Global, multi-currency) |
| Battery Storage Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial Projects (>100kW) | ✓ (Simulation only) | ✓ (Full workflow, up to 5MW) |
| Utility-Scale | ✓ (Simulation only) | ✓ (Design + simulation) |
| API Access | ✗ | ✓ (All plans) |
| Mac / Linux Support | ✗ (Windows only) | ✓ (Any browser) |
Design Capabilities
This is where PVsyst and SurgePV differ most fundamentally. PVsyst is a simulation engine. SurgePV is a full solar design software platform, from design to proposal, that includes simulation.
PVsyst Design Capabilities
PVsyst does not have design capabilities. There is no panel layout tool, no satellite imagery, no roof modeling, and no drag-and-drop editor. PVsyst expects you to arrive with a pre-designed system and feed it parameters for simulation.
For the design portion of your workflow, PVsyst users typically rely on separate tools — HelioScope for commercial layouts, SketchUp for 3D modeling, or manual CAD drawings. This means managing multiple software licenses and transferring data between platforms, which adds time and introduces potential for errors.
PVsyst’s 3D scene editor allows basic obstruction modeling for shade analysis, but it is not a design tool in any practical sense.
SurgePV Design Capabilities
SurgePV provides the complete design workflow in one platform. Teams can draw roof outlines on satellite imagery, use AI-powered auto-design to generate optimized panel layouts, and run an 8760-hour shade simulation — all without leaving the application.
The platform also includes native electrical engineering: automatic string sizing, SLD generation, three-line diagrams, wire sizing calculations, and permit package creation. For teams that currently use PVsyst for simulation alongside a separate design tool and a separate CAD tool, SurgePV replaces all three.
SurgePV handles residential rooftops, commercial projects up to 5MW, ground-mount arrays, carport solar, and utility-scale design — giving it a versatility that PVsyst simply cannot match as a simulation-only product.
Proposal & Sales
PVsyst Proposals
PVsyst does not generate customer-facing proposals. The software produces technical simulation reports — detailed PDF outputs with loss diagrams, energy yield tables, and system performance metrics. These reports are designed for engineers and financial analysts, not homeowners or commercial clients.
If you need to present a proposal to a customer, you must use a separate tool entirely. This is a significant workflow gap for solar installers and EPCs who need to move from design to sale quickly.
SurgePV Proposals
SurgePV generates both web-based and PDF proposals with customizable templates. The platform supports cash, loan, lease, and PPA financing structures with multi-currency support and global tax/incentive modeling.
Proposals include energy yield projections at P50/P75/P90 confidence levels, detailed financial analysis with ROI and payback calculations, and system specifications. Teams can white-label proposals with their own branding and logo.
For teams currently using PVsyst, adding SurgePV eliminates the need for a separate proposal tool and connects your simulation results directly to customer-facing documents.
Pricing Comparison
PVsyst and SurgePV occupy different price points, but the real comparison is total cost of ownership when you factor in the additional software PVsyst users need for a complete workflow.
| Plan | PVsyst | SurgePV |
|---|---|---|
| Annual License | ≈$800–1,400/yr | $1,499/year (3 users) |
| Premium / Multi-User | ≈$1,400/yr per seat | $1,299/user/year (5 users) |
| Design Software Needed? | Yes (+$1,900–3,800/yr) | No (built-in) |
| Proposal Software Needed? | Yes (+$600–2,000/yr) | No (built-in) |
| CAD for SLDs Needed? | Yes (+$1,800/yr) | No (native SLDs) |
| Total Year 1 Cost (1 user) | $5,100–8,600+ | $1,499 |
| Features Included | Simulation only | All features, all plans |
PVsyst + design + proposals + CAD: $5,100–8,600 vs SurgePV $1,499 — SurgePV saves 70–82%Replace 3 Tools With One Platform
Design, simulate, propose, and generate permit packages — all in one platform, starting at $1,499/year.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No desktop install · Full access
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
PVsyst
Pros
Cons
SurgePV
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
The right choice depends on what you actually need from your software stack. Use this decision matrix to find the best fit.
| Your Situation | Choose PVsyst | Choose SurgePV |
|---|---|---|
| Need bankable reports for lenders/investors | ✓ | |
| Utility-scale due diligence projects | ✓ | |
| Need design + simulation in one tool | ✓ | |
| Need customer-facing proposals | ✓ | |
| Residential solar installer | ✓ | |
| Commercial EPC (under 5MW) | ✓ | |
| Budget-conscious teams | ✓ | |
| Need electrical engineering (SLDs) | ✓ | |
| Mac or Linux users | ✓ | |
| Want to eliminate multiple software subscriptions | ✓ |
Migration Guide: PVsyst to SurgePV
Switching from PVsyst to SurgePV is straightforward. Most teams complete the transition within 1-2 days. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Sign Up for SurgePV Free Trial
Create your SurgePV account with full access to all features. No credit card required, no feature limitations during the trial. Works on any device — no Windows install needed.
Import Your Meteo Data and System Parameters
Transfer your meteorological data sources and system configuration parameters. SurgePV’s onboarding team can help map your PVsyst project settings to the new platform.
Design Your Projects Using AI Auto-Design
Unlike PVsyst, SurgePV handles design natively. Use AI-powered auto-design to create panel layouts on satellite imagery — something that previously required a separate tool.
Run Simulations and Compare Results
Run SurgePV’s 8760-hour simulation on a few reference projects and compare energy yield results with your existing PVsyst outputs. Most teams see results within 2-3% variance.
Cancel Redundant Software Subscriptions
Once validated, cancel your PVsyst license along with any separate design, proposal, and CAD tools. SurgePV replaces the entire stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurgePV as accurate as PVsyst for simulation?
SurgePV uses an 8760-hour simulation engine with P50/P75/P90 confidence levels. While PVsyst remains the gold standard for bankable reports accepted by financial institutions, SurgePV delivers comparable accuracy for most residential and commercial projects.
Can SurgePV replace PVsyst?
For most solar installers and EPCs, yes. SurgePV combines design, simulation, proposals, and electrical engineering in one platform. The exception is utility-scale projects requiring bankable reports for lender due diligence, where PVsyst reports are still the industry standard.
Does PVsyst include design capabilities?
No. PVsyst is a simulation-only tool. You need separate software for panel layout, roof design, proposals, and electrical engineering. SurgePV handles all of these in a single platform.
Which is easier to learn?
SurgePV is significantly easier. PVsyst has a steep learning curve that typically requires formal training. SurgePV’s cloud-based interface with AI auto-design lets most teams start producing designs within hours.
Can I use both PVsyst and SurgePV together?
Yes. Some teams use SurgePV for design, proposals, and day-to-day projects while running PVsyst simulations for utility-scale bankable reports. This is a common hybrid approach during transition.
Is PVsyst worth the price if I already have SurgePV?
Only if you regularly produce bankable simulation reports for lenders and investors on large-scale projects. For standard residential and commercial work, SurgePV’s built-in simulation is more than sufficient.