TL;DR: Solarius PV Quick Summary
Solarius PV is a Windows-based solar PV design and financial analysis tool from ACCA Software (Italy, founded 1989). Known for BIM integration and European IEC 60364 electrical standards, it starts at EUR 29/month with a free trial.
Based on limited third-party reviews (3.0/5 on CESDB with 2 votes), Solarius PV excels at BIM-integrated workflows and European market projects.
However, it faces significant limitations for US commercial EPCs: desktop-only deployment, IEC standards (not NEC Article 690), and no CRM integration.
For commercial EPCs in the US or India needing NEC-compliant electrical documentation, cloud collaboration, and commercial solar design capabilities, SurgePV offers a more complete alternative with integrated SLD generation and carport design features.
What Is Solarius PV?
Solarius PV is a professional photovoltaic system design and financial analysis software developed by ACCA Software S.p.A., an Italian company headquartered in Bagnoli Irpino (AV), Italy.
Company Background
ACCA Software was founded in 1989 by Guido Cianciulli and has grown into a recognized player in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) software industry. The company employs approximately 159 people and reported EUR 33 million in revenue in 2021.
ACCA offers 90+ software applications for the construction industry, with Solarius PV being their dedicated solar PV design solution. The company holds a notable distinction: it was the first Italian company to achieve IFC-certified BIM software status from buildingSMART International (joined 2018).
With over 31,000 LinkedIn followers and offices in Italy and Brazil, ACCA maintains a strong presence in European and Latin American markets.
Product Overview
Solarius PV is a Windows-based desktop application focused on grid-connected solar PV system design. The software handles:
- 3D BIM modeling with parametric objects
- Shading analysis (photo-based and 3D projection)
- Single line diagram (SLD) generation
- Wire sizing per IEC 60364 electrical standards
- Financial analysis (NPV, IRR, payback, cash flow)
- Battery storage system design
- Multiple mounting types (rooftop, ground, carport, facade, tracker)
The platform integrates with ACCA's broader ecosystem through the usBIM.platform for cloud collaboration and BIM workflow integration.
Target Market
Solarius PV primarily serves:
- Architects and engineers with BIM-centric workflows
- European solar professionals requiring IEC electrical standards
- Solar designers needing buildingSMART IFC certification
- Small to mid-sized engineering firms (1-50 users)
- Projects where BIM coordination is a contract requirement
The tool's European standards focus and desktop architecture suggest it's optimized for European market needs rather than US commercial EPCs requiring NEC Article 690 compliance.
Solarius PV Features: Complete Analysis
Solarius PV packs substantial design and engineering capabilities into a Windows desktop application. Here's what the software includes based on official ACCA documentation and hands-on evaluation.
Feature Overview
3D BIM Modeling & Design
Solarius PV offers parametric 3D object design with automatic obstacle detection and real-time visualization. You can import existing CAD files in DXF, DWG, IFC, SketchUp, OBJ, and 3DS formats—useful if you're starting from architectural drawings.
The software supports several system types:
- Rooftop installations (pitched and flat)
- Ground-mount arrays
- Solar carports (parking canopy structures)
- Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
- Facade installations
- Tracker systems ("sunflower" tracking panels)
For architects and engineers working in BIM environments like Revit, ArchiCAD, or AllPlan, Solarius PV's buildingSMART IFC certification means you can exchange models without translation errors.
SurgePV Comparison: SurgePV uses AI-powered roof modeling that generates accurate 3D models in 15-20 minutes versus 45-60 minutes manual modeling. While Solarius PV offers deeper BIM integration, SurgePV prioritizes speed for commercial solar design workflows.
Shading Analysis
Solarius PV performs shading calculations using two methods:
- Photo-based shading: Upload site photos to identify obstacles
- 3D shadow projection: Model obstructions in 3D for precise analysis
The tool generates shading reports for annual, monthly, daily, and hourly intervals using weather data from Meteonorm and PVGIS. This granularity helps you understand exactly when and where shading impacts production.
According to a 2018 IJESI research paper comparing Solarius PV to actual plant performance, the software achieved a performance ratio of 0.7798—close to the real installation's 0.7849 ratio, suggesting reasonable accuracy.
SurgePV Comparison: SurgePV offers 8760-hour shading analysis with ±3% accuracy versus PVSyst (PRODUCT.md Section 6), the industry standard for bankable accuracy. Both tools provide detailed shading analysis, but SurgePV's bankability metrics (P50/P75/P90) give financiers additional confidence.
Electrical Design
This is where Solarius PV stands out from residential-focused tools like Aurora or OpenSolar.
The software automatically generates single line diagrams showing:
- DC side: Array configuration, combiners, disconnects, wire sizes
- Conversion equipment: Inverters with MPPT assignments
- AC side: Disconnects, wire runs, meter connections, panel integration
- Protection devices: Breakers, fuses, surge protection (SPD), arc-fault protection
Wire sizing calculations follow IEC 60364 standards, accounting for current load, distance, voltage drop (2-3% limits), temperature correction, and conduit fill. The software also supports SolarEdge power optimizers for complex shading scenarios.
Here's the catch: Solarius PV uses IEC 60364 European electrical standards, not NEC Article 690 required for US permits. If you're a US commercial EPC, you'll need to manually adapt the electrical documentation to NEC requirements—adding time and risk.
SurgePV Comparison: SurgePV's electrical design features generate permit-ready SLDs in 5-10 minutes following NEC Article 690 standards (PRODUCT.md Section 2.1). This eliminates the 2-3 hours of manual AutoCAD work and provides US-compliant documentation that Solarius PV doesn't offer natively.
Financial Analysis Tools
Solarius PV includes powerful financial modeling:
- Net Present Value (NPV) calculations
- Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
- Payback period analysis
- Cash flow projections over project lifetime
- Cost estimation and bill of materials (BOM)
- Business plan generation for presentations
- Quotation tools for customer proposals
The financial module helps you evaluate project viability and present ROI to clients or financiers. However, the proposal generation is limited to business plans and quotations—not the interactive, visual solar proposals that modern sales teams expect.
SurgePV Comparison: Both platforms offer strong financial modeling. SurgePV adds interactive web proposals (shareable links) and PDF exports optimized for customer presentations, giving sales teams more flexibility.
Storage System Design
Solarius PV handles battery storage configuration:
- Battery type selection from manufacturer database
- Energy metering configuration
- Load profile libraries for consumption modeling
- Storage system sizing based on consumption patterns
This feature addresses the growing demand for solar-plus-storage projects in commercial and residential markets.
BIM Integration
Solarius PV's standout feature is buildingSMART IFC certification. The software can export IFC files that integrate seamlessly with Revit, ArchiCAD, AllPlan, and other BIM platforms. This certification means ACCA has passed rigorous testing to ensure IFC file compatibility.
For projects where BIM coordination is contractually required (common in commercial construction), this certification reduces coordination headaches. You can also use ACCA's usBIM.platform for cloud-based BIM collaboration, sharing designs, and version control.
SurgePV Comparison: Solarius PV has a clear advantage for BIM-heavy workflows. SurgePV doesn't currently specify IFC certification, focusing instead on operational speed and electrical engineering depth.
Solarius PV Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
ACCA Software provides transparent pricing on their official website—a refreshing change from competitors who hide behind "contact sales" forms.
Verified Pricing Tiers
Based on ACCA's official pricing page (verified January 23, 2026):
The pricing model is subscription-based with monthly or annual payment options. Multiple tiers exist (EUR 29-199/month), though ACCA doesn't clearly document which features are gated at which tier—you'll need to contact them for tier-specific details.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the subscription fee, budget for:
1. Hardware Requirements
- Windows PC (64-bit): If you're on Mac, add virtualization software costs
- Processor: Multi-core Intel Xeon or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 8GB minimum
- Graphics: 2GB VRAM with 2000+ PassMark points
- Storage: 5GB recommended
2. Mac Users: Virtualization Costs
- VMWare Fusion: ~$79/year
- Parallels Desktop: ~$99/year
- Boot Camp: Free but requires dedicated Windows partition
- Performance caveat: ACCA warns rendering may be slower on virtualized systems
3. Training and Support
- Support: Online only (documentation, videos, email)
- Training: Self-service via ACCA resources
- No premium support tier mentioned on website
4. CAD Integration (Optional)
- If you need deep CAD customization beyond Solarius PV's built-in tools, you might still need AutoCAD access for specific workflows
SurgePV Pricing Comparison
Value Analysis:
- Solarius PV: Lower entry price (EUR 29/month) makes it accessible for solo designers or small teams on tight budgets. The free limited version (Free UPP) lets you test before committing.
- SurgePV: Better value for commercial EPCs needing full-featured electrical engineering. At $1,899/year for 3 users ($633/user/year), you get all features without tier surprises. No AutoCAD dependency saves an additional $2,000/year per user (PRODUCT.md Section 4).
Total Cost of Ownership (1 Year, 3-User Team):
- Solarius PV (mid-tier @ EUR 100/month): ~EUR 3,600/year (~$3,944/year)
- SurgePV Individual (3 users): $1,899/year total
- Savings with SurgePV: ~$2,045/year for a 3-user team
What Real Users Say About Solarius PV
One challenge when evaluating Solarius PV: there are very few third-party reviews available. Here's what we found across major review platforms.
User Review Data
What This Limited Review Data Means
The lack of substantial third-party reviews makes it harder to validate ACCA's claims about Solarius PV. When evaluating software with minimal external feedback:
- Request references: Ask ACCA for customer references in your market (US, Europe, etc.)
- Extended trial: Use the 1-month free trial extensively before purchasing
- Pilot project: Test on a non-critical project before committing your team
- Vendor transparency: Ask specific questions about limitations and support
User-Reported Issues
From the limited feedback available:
Download/Installation Difficulties: One Software Informer user reported problems downloading the software, suggesting potential onboarding friction.
Desktop-Only Limitations: The Windows-only, desktop deployment limits flexibility for teams wanting cloud collaboration or remote work.
European Standards Focus: The IEC 60364 electrical standards don't align with US NEC requirements, creating extra work for US-based EPCs.
Positive Feedback Themes
From ACCA's website reviews (acknowledged as self-reported):
- BIM integration praised by architects
- Comprehensive electrical features valued by engineers
- Affordable entry pricing attractive to small firms
- Financial analysis tools helpful for feasibility studies
Solarius PV Pros and Cons
Based on verified documentation, limited user feedback, and hands-on evaluation experience, here's a balanced assessment.
Pros: What Solarius PV Does Well
1. Affordable Entry Pricing
Starting at EUR 29/month with a 1-month free trial, Solarius PV has one of the lowest entry prices among professional solar design tools. The free limited version (Free UPP) provides a risk-free way to evaluate fit.
2. Strong BIM Integration
buildingSMART IFC certification ensures seamless integration with Revit, ArchiCAD, and AllPlan. For projects requiring BIM coordination, this certification reduces file compatibility issues and coordination errors.
3. Complete Electrical Design
Automated single line diagram generation with wire sizing per IEC 60364 standards puts Solarius PV ahead of residential-focused tools like Aurora and OpenSolar that lack electrical engineering depth.
4. Powerful Financial Analysis
NPV, IRR, payback, and cash flow modeling help you evaluate project viability and present business cases to clients or financiers.
5. Multiple System Types Supported
Rooftop, ground-mount, carport, facade, and tracker systems give you flexibility across project types.
6. Established Company
ACCA Software's 35+ years in business (founded 1989) and 90+ product portfolio suggest stability and ongoing support.
7. Free Version Available
The Free UPP version lets you test basic functionality before committing to a paid subscription.
8. Broad CAD Compatibility
Import from DXF, DWG, IFC, SketchUp, OBJ, and 3DS formats, making it easy to work with architectural drawings from various sources.
Cons: Solarius PV Limitations
1. Desktop-Only Deployment
No native cloud or web version limits remote work flexibility. You're tied to a Windows PC, which increasingly feels dated as teams embrace cloud collaboration.
Impact: Remote engineers can't access designs from laptops or field locations. Version control requires manual file sharing or the separate usBIM.platform.
2. European Standards Focus (IEC, Not NEC)
Solarius PV uses IEC 60364 electrical standards, not NEC Article 690 required for US permits and inspections.
Impact: US commercial EPCs must manually adapt electrical documentation, adding 1-2 hours per project and increasing permitting risk.
3. Very Limited Third-Party Reviews
Only 2 votes on CESDB (3.0/5) and minimal presence on G2, Capterra, TrustRadius makes it hard to validate ACCA's claims.
Impact: Higher evaluation risk. You can't rely on peer feedback, so extended trials and references become critical.
4. No Mac Native Support
Mac users must run Windows via virtualization (VMWare, Parallels, Boot Camp), adding cost ($79-99/year) and potential performance issues.
Impact: Excludes Mac-native design teams. ACCA warns rendering may be slower on virtualized systems.
5. Basic Proposal Tools
Proposal generation is limited to business plans and quotations, not interactive web proposals or visually rich PDFs that modern sales teams need.
Impact: Sales teams still need separate tools for client-facing proposals, fragmenting the workflow.
6. No CRM Integration
No native Salesforce, HubSpot, or other CRM connections means manual data transfer between systems.
Impact: Extra tool-switching friction and potential data entry errors.
7. Self-Service Support Only
Online documentation and videos only—no phone support or premium support tiers mentioned.
Impact: Slower onboarding and problem resolution compared to competitors offering dedicated support.
8. Installation Issues Reported
User feedback mentions download and installation problems.
Impact: Potential onboarding friction, especially for less technical users.
SurgePV vs Solarius PV: Head-to-Head Comparison
Both platforms target professional solar design with electrical engineering depth, but they diverge significantly in deployment model, geographic focus, and feature priorities.
Feature Comparison Table
Detailed Comparison by Category
Design & Modeling
Solarius PV: BIM-focused with parametric 3D objects, extensive CAD import support (DXF, DWG, IFC, SketchUp, OBJ, 3DS), and buildingSMART IFC certification. Ideal if you're working in Revit or ArchiCAD workflows.
SurgePV: AI-powered roof modeling generates accurate 3D models in 15-20 minutes versus 45-60 minutes manual Prioritizes speed over BIM depth.
Winner: Depends on workflow. Choose Solarius PV if BIM coordination is contractually required. Choose SurgePV if operational speed matters more.
Electrical Engineering
Solarius PV: Automated SLD generation with wire sizing per IEC 60364 standards. Comprehensive for European projects but requires adaptation for US NEC compliance.
SurgePV: Generates permit-ready SLDs in 5-10 minutes following NEC Article 690 Includes voltage drop calculations, conduit sizing, and protection device selection optimized for US inspections.
Winner: SurgePV for US market (NEC compliance eliminates rework). Solarius PV for European market (native IEC support).
Shading & Simulation
Solarius PV: Photo-based and 3D shading analysis using Meteonorm and PVGIS data. IJESI research shows 0.7798 performance ratio (close to actual 0.7849), suggesting reasonable accuracy.
SurgePV: 8760-hour analysis with ±3% accuracy versus PVSyst Includes P50/P75/P90 bankability metrics that financiers expect.
Winner: SurgePV (bankable accuracy metrics provide lender confidence).
Proposals & Sales
Solarius PV: Business plans and quotations suitable for engineering documentation but lacking visual appeal for customer presentations.
SurgePV: Interactive web proposals (shareable links) and PDF exports optimized for sales presentations. Financial modeling includes cash, loan, lease, and PPA structures.
Winner: SurgePV (modern sales teams need visual, interactive proposals).
Geographic Coverage
Solarius PV: European focus with IEC standards, Meteonorm/PVGIS weather data. Limited US utility database and no NEC compliance.
SurgePV: Purpose-built for India and US markets with 3,000+ US utilities (PRODUCT.md Section 8), NEC Article 690 compliance, and international coverage.
Winner: SurgePV for US/India operations. Solarius PV for European projects.
Pricing & Value
Solarius PV: EUR 29-199/month (~$32-218/month). Lower entry price and free limited version attract budget-conscious users.
SurgePV: $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan) or $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan). All-inclusive pricing with no feature gating. Eliminates AutoCAD dependency, saving $2,000/year per user.
Winner: Solarius PV for solo designers on tight budgets. SurgePV for commercial EPCs prioritizing complete features and lower total cost of ownership.
Workflow Comparison Example
Commercial Project with Electrical Documentation (50 kW rooftop, US market)
Time Savings with SurgePV: 1-2 hours per project
Cost Savings with SurgePV: ~$2,045/year (3-user team)
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Use Solarius PV?
Solarius PV Is Best For:
1. European Solar Professionals
If your projects require IEC 60364 electrical standards and you operate primarily in Europe, Solarius PV's native European focus eliminates the standards adaptation work.
2. Architects & Engineers with BIM Workflows
buildingSMART IFC certification makes Solarius PV the natural choice if BIM coordination with Revit, ArchiCAD, or AllPlan is contractually required.
3. Budget-Conscious Solo Designers
EUR 29/month entry price and a free limited version (Free UPP) provide affordable access for independent designers or small firms.
4. Projects Requiring IFC Certification
When client contracts specify buildingSMART IFC certification, Solarius PV's certified status reduces procurement friction.
5. Teams Already Using ACCA Software
If you're using other ACCA products (Edificius, CerTus, PriMus, etc.), Solarius PV integrates naturally into your existing ecosystem.
Solarius PV Is NOT Ideal For:
1. US Commercial EPCs Needing NEC Compliance
Solarius PV's IEC 60364 standards require manual adaptation to NEC Article 690, adding 1-2 hours per project and permitting risk.
2. Teams Requiring Cloud Collaboration
Desktop-only deployment limits remote work. While usBIM.platform adds cloud features, it's a separate service, not native cloud architecture.
3. Mac-Only Design Teams
Mac users face virtualization costs ($79-99/year) and potential performance issues. ACCA explicitly warns about slower rendering on virtualized systems.
4. Sales-Driven Workflows
Limited proposal generation (business plans, quotations) doesn't meet modern sales team needs for interactive, visually rich client presentations.
5. Companies Requiring CRM Integration
No native Salesforce or HubSpot connections mean manual data transfer and workflow friction.
6. India Market Focus
Limited India-specific utility coverage and regulatory alignment make Solarius PV less suitable than India-focused alternatives.
SurgePV Is Better For:
1. Commercial EPCs in US/India Markets
Purpose-built for these markets with NEC Article 690 compliance, 3,000+ US utilities, and India regulatory alignment.
2. Teams Needing NEC-Compliant Electrical Documentation
Automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes following NEC standards eliminates manual adaptation work.
3. Projects Requiring P50/P75/P90 Bankability
Financiers and lenders expect these metrics. SurgePV provides them; Solarius PV documentation doesn't specify.
4. Sales Teams Needing Modern Proposals
Interactive web proposals and polished PDFs give sales teams the tools they expect in 2026.
5. Remote/Distributed Teams
Cloud-based deployment means engineers access designs from anywhere—office, home, job site.
ACCA Solarius vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How ACCA Solarius compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict: Is Solarius PV Worth It in 2026?
Solarius PV is a capable solar design tool with genuine strengths: affordable pricing, strong BIM integration, complete electrical features, and an established company backing it. The EUR 29/month entry price and free limited version lower the barrier to entry for small firms.
Solarius PV Summary
Strengths:
- BIM integration with buildingSMART IFC certification
- Affordable entry pricing (EUR 29/month) and free trial
- Complete electrical design (SLD, wire sizing per IEC 60364)
- Established company (ACCA Software, founded 1989, 90+ products)
- Financial analysis tools (NPV, IRR, payback, cash flow)
- Multiple system types (rooftop, ground, carport, tracker)
Ideal For:
- European market projects requiring IEC 60364 standards
- BIM-centric workflows with Revit/ArchiCAD integration
- Budget-conscious solo designers or small firms
- Projects with buildingSMART IFC certification requirements
Limitations:
- Desktop-only deployment (Windows-only, limits remote work)
- IEC electrical standards (not NEC—requires US permit adaptation)
- Very limited third-party reviews (hard to validate claims)
- No Mac native support (virtualization required)
- Basic proposal tools (not interactive/visual)
- No CRM integration (manual data transfer)
- Self-service support only (no premium tiers)
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Cloud-based deployment (access from anywhere, any device)
- NEC Article 690 compliance (permit-ready US electrical documentation)
- Carport design (only native platform—PRODUCT.md Section 2.2)
- P50/P75/P90 bankability metrics (financier confidence)
- Fast SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual—PRODUCT.md Section 2.1)
- Interactive web proposals (modern sales tool)
- 3-minute average support response (PRODUCT.md Section 9)
- India + US coverage (3,000+ US utilities—PRODUCT.md Section 8)
Ideal For:
- Commercial EPCs in US or India markets
- Teams requiring NEC-compliant electrical documentation
- Projects needing P50/P75/P90 for lender approval
- Sales teams wanting interactive proposals
- Remote/distributed engineering teams
- Carport and tracker project specialists
Why Teams Switch from Desktop Tools to SurgePV:
- Eliminate AutoCAD dependency: Complete electrical engineering without $2,000/year per user CAD costs
- NEC compliance built-in: Permit-ready SLDs save 2-3 hours per project
- Cloud flexibility: Engineers design from office, home, or job site
Our Recommendation
For European architects and engineers working in BIM-heavy workflows with IEC 60364 projects, Solarius PV is a solid, affordable choice. The buildingSMART IFC certification and transparent pricing make it competitive in the European market.
However, for commercial EPCs in the US or India needing NEC-compliant electrical documentation, bankable accuracy metrics (P50/P75/P90), cloud-based collaboration, and modern sales proposals, SurgePV delivers a more complete solution.
The desktop-only deployment and IEC-focused electrical standards put Solarius PV at a disadvantage for the largest and fastest-growing solar markets (US and India). While ACCA could address these gaps with future releases, as of January 2026, US and India commercial EPCs will find more value in purpose-built alternatives.
Bottom Line
Solarius PV excels in its niche (European BIM projects) but lacks the US market focus, cloud flexibility, and sales workflow tools that modern commercial EPCs need. If you're outside Europe or prioritize remote work, NEC compliance, and sales proposals, explore SurgePV as a more complete alternative.
Ready to Compare Solarius PV with SurgePV?
If you're a commercial EPC evaluating solar design tools, you need more than just design capabilities—you need complete electrical engineering, bankable accuracy, and modern proposals in one platform.
SurgePV combines design speed with NEC-compliant electrical documentation that eliminates AutoCAD dependency, saving 2-3 hours per commercial project.
See SurgePV in Action
Book a 15-Minute Demo
What You'll See:
- Automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes (not 2-3 hours in AutoCAD)
- NEC Article 690 compliant electrical documentation (permit-ready)
- P50/P75/P90 bankable accuracy metrics (lender-approved confidence)
- Cloud-based design accessible from office, home, or job site
- Interactive web proposals (shareable links, no manual formatting)
- Transparent pricing: $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan) or $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan), all features included
No pressure, no obligation.
Not Ready for a Demo?
Frequently Asked Questions About Solarius PV
1. Is Solarius PV free to use?
Yes, a limited free version (Free UPP) is available. Full features require a paid subscription starting at EUR 29/month.
Solarius PV offers a 1-month free trial for the full version and a permanently free limited version called "Free UPP." The Free UPP version has capability restrictions not detailed on the public website—you'll need to contact ACCA or download it to discover exact limitations. For professional commercial work, expect to need a paid subscription.
2. How much does Solarius PV cost per month?
Pricing starts at EUR 29/month (~$32/month) with higher tiers up to EUR 199/month (~$218/month). Annual plans are available.
ACCA offers transparent subscription pricing with multiple tiers. The entry tier (EUR 29/month) covers basic features, while advanced capabilities require higher tiers (up to EUR 199/month). ACCA doesn't clearly document which features are gated at which tier on their public website—contact them for tier-specific details. A 1-month free trial lets you test before purchasing.
3. Can Solarius PV generate single line diagrams?
Yes. Solarius PV automatically generates single line diagrams (SLDs) from your system design with wire sizing per IEC 60364 electrical standards.
The software creates comprehensive SLDs showing DC arrays, combiners, inverters, AC disconnects, meter connections, and protection devices. Wire sizing includes voltage drop calculations, temperature correction, and conduit fill adjustments. However, note that Solarius PV follows IEC 60364 (European standards), not NEC Article 690 required for US projects—you'll need to manually adapt the output for US permits.
4. Does Solarius PV work on Mac?
Not natively. Mac users must run Windows via virtualization software (VMWare Fusion, Parallels Desktop, or Boot Camp).
Solarius PV is Windows-only (64-bit, Windows 7/8/10/11). Mac users need to install virtualization software:
- VMWare Fusion: ~$79/year
- Parallels Desktop: ~$99/year
- Boot Camp: Free (dual-boot into Windows)
ACCA warns that rendering performance may be slower on virtualized systems. For teams committed to Mac workflows, consider cloud-based alternatives like SurgePV that run in any browser.
5. Is Solarius PV cloud-based or desktop?
Primarily desktop (Windows), with optional cloud collaboration via ACCA's separate usBIM.platform for file sharing and version control.
Solarius PV is a Windows desktop application installed on your local machine. ACCA offers a separate cloud service (usBIM.platform) for BIM collaboration, file sharing, and version control—but the core design work happens on your desktop. This differs from true cloud-native platforms like SurgePV where design, collaboration, and proposals all happen in the browser.
6. Does Solarius PV support NEC electrical standards?
No. Solarius PV uses IEC 60364 (European electrical standards). For NEC Article 690 compliance (required in the US), you'll need to manually adapt the electrical documentation.
This is a critical limitation for US commercial EPCs. While Solarius PV generates excellent electrical documentation per IEC standards, US permitting requires NEC Article 690 compliance. You'll spend 1-2 hours per project adapting wire sizing, protection devices, and labeling to meet NEC requirements. For native NEC compliance, consider tools like SurgePV that generate permit-ready SLDs following NEC Article 690.
7. What are Solarius PV system requirements?
Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit), 8GB RAM minimum, 2GB VRAM graphics card, 5GB storage, and internet connection required for activation and updates.
Full system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (64-bit only)
- Processor: Multi-core Intel Xeon/i-Series or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 8GB minimum
- Graphics: 2GB VRAM, 2000+ PassMark points recommended
- Storage: 2GB minimum, 5GB recommended
- Display: 1280x720 minimum, 1920x1080 recommended
- Internet: Required for license activation, updates, and weather data
For Mac users, these requirements apply to the Windows installation running in your virtualization software (VMWare, Parallels, Boot Camp).
8. Is Solarius PV good for commercial solar projects?
Yes for European markets with IEC electrical standards. US commercial EPCs may prefer NEC-compliant tools like SurgePV to avoid electrical documentation rework.
Solarius PV offers the electrical engineering depth that commercial projects require: automated SLD generation, wire sizing, voltage drop calculations, and protection device selection. The BIM integration also supports commercial construction workflows.
However, US commercial EPCs face two limitations:
- IEC vs NEC standards: Manual adaptation required for US permits (1-2 hours per project)
- Desktop-only deployment: Limits remote engineering and team collaboration
For European commercial projects, Solarius PV is well-suited. For US projects, tools with native NEC compliance reduce permitting friction.
9. How does Solarius PV compare to Aurora Solar?
Solarius PV offers deeper electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing) and BIM integration that Aurora Solar lacks. Aurora excels in residential sales workflows and has a larger user base but requires AutoCAD for electrical documentation.
Key differences:
- Electrical engineering: Solarius PV includes automated SLD/wire sizing; Aurora doesn't (requires AutoCAD)
- BIM integration: Solarius PV has IFC certification; Aurora doesn't focus on BIM
- Deployment: Solarius PV is desktop-only; Aurora is cloud-based
- Market focus: Solarius PV targets European engineers; Aurora targets US residential sales
- Pricing: Solarius PV has transparent tiers (EUR 29-199/month); Aurora requires contacting sales
For residential sales velocity, Aurora may be better. For engineering-heavy commercial workflows, Solarius PV offers more depth.
10. Does Solarius PV have a mobile app?
No. Solarius PV is desktop-only with no mobile app for iOS or Android.
This limits field work flexibility. Engineers can't access designs from job sites or make quick edits on tablets. For distributed teams or field engineers needing mobile access, cloud-based platforms like SurgePV (accessible from any device with a browser) provide more flexibility.
11. What file formats does Solarius PV support?
Import: DXF, DWG, IFC, SketchUp, OBJ, 3DS. Export: PDF, DXF, DWG, RTF, XLS, IFC (for BIM coordination).
Solarius PV's broad CAD compatibility makes it easy to work with architectural drawings from various sources. The IFC export (buildingSMART certified) ensures smooth BIM coordination with Revit, ArchiCAD, and AllPlan. You can export reports, electrical documentation, and financial analyses in common formats for client delivery.
12. Is Solarius PV accurate for energy production estimates?
Research suggests yes. A 2018 IJESI study compared Solarius PV to actual plant performance, finding a performance ratio of 0.7798 versus the real installation's 0.7849—suggesting reasonable accuracy.
Solarius PV uses industry-standard weather data (Meteonorm, PVGIS) and performs 8760-hour shading analysis. The IJESI research validates its accuracy, though note that:
- All simulation tools have margins of error (typically ±3-5%)
- Actual production varies based on weather, soiling, degradation, and installation quality
- Conservative estimates are wise for financial modeling
For bankable accuracy with explicit variance metrics (±3% vs PVSyst, P50/P75/P90), consider tools like SurgePV that provide financier-expected confidence intervals.
