Key Takeaways
- Solargraf is a cloud-based sales and proposal tool optimized for Enphase residential installs
- PV*SOL is a desktop simulation tool with deep engineering capabilities for European markets
- PV*SOL includes battery, EV charging, and heat pump simulation that Solargraf lacks entirely
- Solargraf has proposal and financing tools that PV*SOL does not offer
- These tools serve fundamentally different purposes — many teams use both
- SurgePV bridges the gap with cloud-based design, simulation, proposals, and engineering in one platform
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
Solargraf and PV*SOL solve different problems. Solargraf is a sales-first platform built around Enphase residential installs in North America. PV*SOL is an engineering-first desktop tool built for detailed simulation in European markets. If you need both sales workflow and engineering depth in one place, neither platform delivers that alone. SurgePV combines cloud convenience with technical depth at $1,499/yr.
Company Overview
Solargraf
Founded
2016 (acquired by Enphase 2022)
Headquarters
Montreal, Canada
Focus
Residential design, proposals & permitting
Best For
Enphase installers in US/Canada
Pricing
Opaque / premium (contact sales)
PV*SOL
Founded
1998 (Valentin Software)
Headquarters
Berlin, Germany
Focus
Desktop 3D PV simulation & engineering
Best For
European engineers & planners
Pricing
~€1,410 one-time (perpetual license)
Feature Comparison
These two products overlap less than you might expect. Solargraf is built for sales speed; PV*SOL is built for simulation accuracy.
| Feature | Solargraf | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based | ✓ | ✗ (Windows desktop) |
| 3D Shade Simulation | Basic | ✓ (Detailed 3D with objects) |
| Battery Storage Simulation | Basic (Enphase batteries) | ✓ (Detailed charge/discharge modeling) |
| EV Charging Simulation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Heat Pump Integration | ✗ | ✓ |
| Proposal Generation | ✓ (Interactive, branded) | Basic report only |
| E-Signatures | ✓ | ✗ |
| Financing Integration | ✓ (30+ providers) | ✗ |
| Permitting Workflow | ✓ | ✗ |
| Single-Line Diagrams | ✗ | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | Basic (US/Canada) | ✓ (European tariffs, feed-in) |
| Auto-Roofline Detection | ✓ | ✗ (Manual 3D modeling) |
| Hardware Agnostic | ✗ (Enphase-optimized) | ✓ |
| Component Database | Enphase-focused | ✓ (20,000+ components) |
| Commercial Projects | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi-User Collaboration | ✓ | ✗ (Single-user desktop) |
Simulation & Engineering Depth
Solargraf’s Approach
Solargraf treats simulation as a supporting feature rather than the main event. The platform runs enough energy yield calculation to populate proposals with savings estimates, but it does not offer the granular simulation controls that engineers expect. Shade analysis exists but is basic compared to dedicated simulation tools.
The design workflow is fast. Auto-roofline detection, automatic Enphase microinverter assignment, and a streamlined panel placement tool make it possible to go from address to proposal in under 30 minutes. That speed is the point — Solargraf is a sales acceleration tool, not an engineering tool.
PV*SOL’s Approach
PV*SOL is the opposite. It is an engineering tool first, with simulation accuracy as its primary concern. The software offers detailed 3D shade modeling where you can place individual trees, chimneys, dormers, and neighboring buildings to calculate precise shade impact throughout the year.
What sets PV*SOL apart is its integrated energy system modeling. You can simulate solar PV alongside battery storage, EV charging stations, and heat pumps in a single project. The software calculates how these systems interact — when the battery charges from solar, when the EV draws power, and how heat pump demand affects self-consumption ratios.
The trade-off is speed and accessibility. PV*SOL is a Windows-only desktop application. 3D modeling is manual and time-consuming. There is no cloud collaboration. Each project requires significant hands-on time from a trained operator.
Sales & Proposal Workflow
Solargraf Sales Tools
This is where Solargraf dominates the comparison. The platform offers a complete residential sales pipeline: lead intake, automated design, branded proposals, multiple financing options from 30+ lending partners, e-signature capture, and permitting submission. For a residential sales team doing volume installs with Enphase equipment, this workflow is hard to beat.
PV*SOL Reports
PV*SOL generates technical reports, not sales proposals. The output is a detailed engineering document with yield calculations, loss diagrams, and system specifications. It is useful for permitting authorities and technical stakeholders, but homeowners will not find it engaging. PV*SOL has no CRM, no financing integration, and no e-signature capability.
Many European solar companies use PV*SOL for engineering and a separate tool for customer-facing proposals. This works but adds cost and workflow friction.
Pricing Comparison
| Aspect | Solargraf | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | Annual subscription | One-time perpetual (~€1,410) |
| Pricing Transparency | Opaque (contact sales) | Published pricing |
| Annual Updates | Included in subscription | Optional maintenance fee |
| Multi-User | Per-seat pricing | Per-license (no multi-user) |
| Platform | Any browser (cloud) | Windows only |
| SLD/Engineering Docs | Not included (need separate tool) | Not included (need separate tool) |
PV*SOL’s one-time license is attractive for long-term cost. After the initial purchase, annual maintenance is optional. Over 3-5 years, PV*SOL costs significantly less than any subscription tool. The limitation is that you are locked to Windows desktop machines with no cloud access or team collaboration.
Looking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
Cloud-based design with engineering-grade simulation, native SLD generation, and global financial modeling — all in one platform.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · Works on any device · Full access from day one
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
Solargraf
Pros
Cons
PV*SOL
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Situation | Choose Solargraf | Choose PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Enphase residential installs in US/Canada | ✓ | |
| Need interactive customer proposals | ✓ | |
| Need financing integration | ✓ | |
| European market with local tariffs | ✓ | |
| Battery + EV + heat pump simulation | ✓ | |
| Detailed 3D shade engineering | ✓ | |
| Prefer one-time license over subscription | ✓ | |
| Cloud-based team collaboration | ✓ | |
| Need SLD generation or permit packages | ||
| All-in-one design + sales + engineering |
The last two rows are empty for a reason. Neither Solargraf nor PV*SOL generates SLDs, three-line diagrams, or complete permit packages. And neither combines design, sales, and engineering in a single platform.
Best Alternative: SurgePV
The Solargraf vs PV*SOL comparison reveals a gap in the market. Solargraf handles sales but not engineering. PV*SOL handles simulation but not sales. Many teams end up using both — or adding AutoCAD on top.
SurgePV eliminates that fragmentation as a cloud-based, all-in-one solar platform at $1,499/yr:
- Cloud-based design with AI auto-layout — no Windows dependency
- 8760-hour shade simulation with monthly shade maps — engineering-grade accuracy
- Native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, and automatic wire sizing
- Professional proposals with global financial modeling and multi-currency support
- Permit package generation — no separate engineering tools needed
- Commercial projects up to 5MW — beyond what either Solargraf or PV*SOL handles comfortably
- Hardware agnostic — works with Enphase, SolarEdge, Huawei, and all major brands
Instead of paying for Solargraf plus PV*SOL plus AutoCAD, one SurgePV subscription covers design, simulation, proposals, and engineering documentation.
Pro Tip
SurgePV offers a free trial with full access to every feature. Run a real project through the platform before committing. Start your free trial here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PV*SOL more accurate than Solargraf?
PV*SOL provides deeper simulation accuracy with detailed 3D shading, battery modeling, EV charging integration, and heat pump coupling. Solargraf focuses on speed and sales workflow rather than engineering-grade simulation depth.
Can PV*SOL replace Solargraf for proposals?
Not directly. PV*SOL is a simulation and engineering tool with basic report generation. It lacks interactive proposals, e-signatures, financing integrations, and the sales workflow features that Solargraf provides.
Is Solargraf cloud-based and PV*SOL desktop?
Yes. Solargraf is fully cloud-based and accessible from any browser. PV*SOL is a Windows desktop application that requires local installation and runs only on Windows machines.
Which is better for European solar projects?
PV*SOL is purpose-built for European markets with region-specific electrical codes, tariff structures, and component databases. Solargraf has limited presence outside the US and Canada.
Is SurgePV a better alternative to both?
For teams that want cloud-based design with engineering-grade simulation depth, SurgePV combines the best of both worlds. It offers Solargraf-style cloud convenience with PV*SOL-level technical depth, plus native SLD generation, at $1,499/yr.
How much does PV*SOL cost?
PV*SOL Premium costs approximately 1,410 EUR as a one-time perpetual license. Annual maintenance and updates are available for an additional fee. This is significantly cheaper long-term than subscription-based tools.