Arka360 Review 2026: Features, Pricing & Honest Comparison

TL;DR:

Arka360 is a cloud-based solar design and proposal platform known for its built-in CRM, India market leadership, and pricing starting at $199/month. Based on 129 G2 reviews, users praise the integrated CRM and ease of use but report missing features (16 mentions), software performance issues (8 mentions), and system instability (6 mentions). For India-only operations needing built-in CRM, Arka360 delivers strong value. For multi-market EPCs (India + US) requiring complete electrical engineering and commercial structures, SurgePV offers superior capabilities with automated SLD generation, carport design, and international coverage.

What Is Arka360?

Arka360 is a cloud-based, made-for-solar software platform combining CRM, design, proposals, shading analysis, and permit packages in one solution. Unlike Aurora or SurgePV (which lack native CRM), Arka360 integrates lead management and sales pipeline tracking directly into the platform.

Company Background

Founded: 2017 by Siddharth Gangal

Headquarters: Allen, TX (US headquarters) with operations in Bengaluru, India

Team Size: 32-51 employees

Funding: $134K across 3 rounds (Seed: $45.2K from iCreate, Zeroth Ai, IIT Mandi Catalyst)

Revenue: $767.2K (2024, per GetLatka)

Users: 5,000+ solar professionals across 27 countries (per company website)

Market Recognition: Featured as "Solar Power World's #1 Choice: Best Solar Design Software" (per G2 profile)

Key Features & Capabilities

We analyzed Arka360's features across 8 categories based on official documentation, 129 G2 reviews, and competitive testing to determine where Arka360 excels and where it falls short compared to platforms like SurgePV.

Design Capabilities

AI-Powered 3D Design Studio

Arka360's 3D design engine provides:

• AI-assisted roof detection automatically detecting roof geometry
• Optimized panel placement using intelligent algorithms
• Energy simulations completed within minutes
• Full 3D modeling accurate to the inch
• Advanced 3D LIDAR analysis for precise shading
• Smart autodetection of obstructions and trees

Residential & Commercial Support

The platform handles both project types with:

• Accurate 3D modeling for residential and commercial installations
• Support for roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems
• Various mounting type configurations

User Feedback on Design

What users praise:

• 3D viewing (10 G2 mentions) - Strong visualization capabilities
• 3D modeling (9 mentions) - Quality design representation
• Ease of design (8 mentions) - Intuitive design workflow

What users criticize:

• Design issues (6 mentions) - Some design-related problems
• Layout issues (6 mentions) - Interface friction points

SurgePV Comparison

Both platforms offer strong 3D design capabilities. The key difference: SurgePV adds commercial structures Arka360 lacks—carports, trackers, and East-West racking.

For standard rooftop residential/commercial: Both platforms perform well.

For commercial structures (carports, trackers): Only SurgePV provides native support.

Electrical Engineering Features LIMITED

This is where Arka360 shows substantial limitations compared to complete electrical platforms.

Single Line Diagram (SLD) Generation

Available: Yes (but limited)

Capabilities:

• Automated SLD generation capability
• Export to AutoCAD via DXF file format
• Tables automatically update based on modules and inverters
• Download in PDF or export to Excel

Limitation: Arka360's SLD capabilities are described as "limited" compared to complete electrical solutions. Users may need AutoCAD for complex commercial electrical documentation.

Wire Size Calculator

Available: Yes

Capabilities:

• Integrated wire sizing based on US electrical calculations
• Tables represent input/output between electrical components
• Helps with SLD, 3LD, and permit drawing approvals
• Can be exported to Excel or PDF

Limitation: Basic wire sizing functionality without advanced features like voltage drop analysis or conduit fill calculations.

SurgePV Electrical Engineering Comparison

This is the most substantial competitive differentiator.

Arka360 Electrical:

• Limited SLD (basic generation, manual configuration required)
• Basic wire sizing calculator
• May need AutoCAD for complex electrical
• External tool dependency for commercial projects

SurgePV Electrical:

• Automated complete SLD in 5-10 minutes
• Advanced wire sizing + voltage drop + conduit fill calculations
• NEC Article 690 compliant, permit-ready
• NO AutoCAD required (eliminates $2,000/year cost)
• Saves 1.5-2.5 hours per commercial project

Real-World Impact

100kW commercial rooftop project:

Arka360 workflow:

1. Design in Arka360 (30 min)
2. Export to AutoCAD for detailed SLD (2 hours manual work)
3. Return to Arka360 for proposal (20 min)

• Total: 2.5-3 hours + AutoCAD license ($2,000/year)

SurgePV workflow:

1. Design + automated SLD in one platform (45 min total)
2. Generate proposal from same data (included)

• Total: 45 minutes, no external tools needed

Time saved: 1.5-2 hours per project

Cost saved: $2,000/year (no AutoCAD license)

For commercial EPCs designing 50+ projects monthly, this efficiency gap compounds:

• Monthly time saved: 75-100 hours
• Annual productivity gain: 900-1,200 hours
• Labor value saved (at $75/hour): $67,500-$90,000/year

Shading Analysis

Technology

Method: LIDAR-based shading analysis

• LIDAR mapping for accurate calculations
• Advanced 3D LIDAR processing
• Smart autodetection of obstructions and trees
• 8760-hour analysis (industry standard)

Accuracy Claims

Disclosed accuracy: Not quantified

Arka360 claims "accurate shading analysis" but does not publish:

• ±% variance vs PVSyst (industry validation standard)
• Published validation methodology
• Independent accuracy verification

SurgePV Shading Comparison

Arka360: Accuracy claims not quantified, no validation data

SurgePV: ±3% accuracy vs PVSyst (documented and proven)

Why this matters: For bankable projects requiring financier approval, documented accuracy provides confidence. When presenting to lenders or investors, saying "±3% vs PVSyst" is more credible than "accurate analysis."

Both platforms use 8760-hour shading methodology (industry standard). The difference is validation transparency.

CRM & Lead Management MAJOR DIFFERENTIATOR

This is Arka360's strongest competitive advantage.

Built-in CRM: Yes (Unlike Aurora, OpenSolar, SurgePV)

Capabilities:

• Made-for-solar CRM integrated directly into platform
• Multiple business dashboard configurations
• Track lead status and progression
• Create custom dashboards with sorting, filtering, pipeline management
• Configurable dashboards for sales and admin accounts
• Various widgets to display KPIs and graphs
• Robust lead management for efficient tracking

Competitive Gap Analysis

Who Benefits from Built-in CRM

Arka360 CRM is valuable for:

• Small to mid-size installers without existing CRM
• Sales-heavy teams needing integrated lead tracking
• Companies wanting single platform for sales + design
• Startups avoiding separate CRM subscription costs

When built-in CRM doesn't matter:

• EPCs with existing Salesforce or HubSpot implementations
• Engineering-focused teams (design priority over sales pipeline)
• Teams preferring best-in-class separate CRM tools
• Large enterprises with complex CRM customizations

SurgePV CRM Positioning

SurgePV doesn't include native CRM—we integrate with the CRM systems teams already use (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.).

Our philosophy: If you don't have a CRM and need one, Arka360's built-in solution adds genuine value. If you already have Salesforce or HubSpot, you're paying for a feature you won't use. Choose the right tool for your situation.

Energy Storage & NEM 3.0 Support AVAILABLE NOW

This is another area where Arka360 currently has an advantage.

Battery Storage Modeling: Available

Capabilities:

• Advanced energy storage simulations
• Model and analyze different storage scenarios
• Evaluate performance metrics
• Optimize energy storage configurations
• Energy and storage simulations for technical users

NEM 3.0 Support: Available

California NEM 3.0 capabilities:

• Ensures solar investments are future-proof
• Navigate California's NEM 3.0 policy changes
• Maximize financial benefits of grid export
• Storage integration modeling essential for project viability

AI-Powered Storage Quotes

• Create AI-powered quotes with energy storage and financial analysis
• Claim: "Boost closures by 30% with premium 3D proposals"

Competitive Comparison

Arka360: Integrated storage solutions available now

SurgePV: Storage integration planned (not yet available)

Aurora: Energy storage capabilities (established)

Current advantage: Arka360 and Aurora

User impact: For California (NEM 3.0) and storage-focused projects, Arka360 provides immediate support. SurgePV users will need to wait for storage feature release or use workarounds.

Proposal Generation

Sales Mode: Unique Feature

Capabilities:

• Create instant designs while interacting with clients
• Real-time proposal generation
• Saves time and enhances professionalism

This real-time client interaction capability differentiates Arka360 from traditional design-then-propose workflows.

Proposal Builder

Speed: Generate accurate solar proposals under 5 minutes

Features:

• AI-powered proposal automation
• Automatically syncs data from design layout (100% accuracy claim)
• Customized proposals with brand logos, pricing, incentives, financing
• Interactive web-based proposals

Output formats:

• PDF export
• Shareable web links
• Direct email delivery

Financial Modeling

Available financial models:

• Cash purchase
• Loans
• RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company)
• CAPEX models
• Leases
• PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements)
• Real-time financial insights

SurgePV Proposal Comparison

Both platforms offer strong proposal capabilities. Key differences:

Arka360 advantage: "Sales Mode" for real-time client interaction

SurgePV advantage: Proposals backed by more strong electrical documentation

For sales-focused teams: Arka360's real-time Sales Mode is valuable.

For engineering-focused teams: SurgePV's technical depth supports proposals.

Permit Packages & Export Formats

Permit Support

Services available:

• Complete permit package generation
• AHJ-compliant solar permit services
• PE stamp services available (separate pricing, not disclosed)
• Professionally engineered stamps
• Pre-made permit bundles
• Streamlined compliance procedures

Export Formats

Available exports:

• PDF: Proposals and documentation
• DXF: CAD layout exports (importable to any CAD software)
• Sketchup: 3D model exports (zip file)
• .3ds: PVSyst integration (Ground and Subarrays files)
• Excel: Wire size calculator export

SurgePV Export Comparison

Both offer complete export capabilities.

Key difference: SurgePV generates permit-ready electrical documentation without requiring external CAD tools. Arka360 may need CAD exports for complex electrical permitting.

Integrations & API

CRM Integrations: Available

Supported CRMs:

• Salesforce
• HubSpot CRM
• HubSpot Customer Platform
• Zoho CRM

Note: While Arka360 has built-in CRM, it also allows integration with external CRMs for enterprise workflows.

Other Integrations

Available integrations:

• GoHighLevel
• Nearmap
• PVsyst (3D scene import/export)
• SketchUp

API Availability: Conflicting Information

Conflicting sources:

• SourceForge: Lists API as available
• SoftwareFinder: States "does not offer API"

Recommendation: Verify directly with Arka360 before relying on API for custom integrations.

User impact: API uncertainty creates risk for teams needing custom integrations or automated workflows. SurgePV offers clear API documentation.

Pricing & Plans

Understanding Arka360's pricing structure is critical for total cost of ownership calculations.

Pricing Model

Structure: Per user, per month subscription

Pricing Tiers

Billing options:

• Monthly billing available
• Annual billing (15-17% discount on annual plans)

Free trial: Yes, available (request demo)

Note: Arka360 offers different pricing for India market. Visit the official website for India-specific plans (₹7,500-₹16,500/month + GST).

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis

Arka360 vs Competitors Annual Cost

Arka360:

• Basic: $1,699/year (annual billing) or $2,388/year (monthly billing)
• Premium: $1,999/year (annual billing) or $4,296/year (monthly billing)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact sales)

SurgePV:

• Individual: $1,899/year (For 3 Users) - Perfect for Individual designers and new solar EPCs
• For 3 Users: $1,499/user/year = $4,497/year total - Perfect for small team of solar designers & mid size business
• For 5 Users: $1,299/user/year = $6,495/year total - Ideal for Solar business that are scaling up there operations
• Enterprise: Custom Plan - Perfect for large EPCs & enterprises with multiple seats
• All-inclusive, no feature gating
• Complete electrical engineering included
• No external tools needed

Aurora + AutoCAD:

• Aurora: ~$4,800/year (estimate, contact sales for actual)
• AutoCAD: $2,000/year
• Total: ~$6,800/year

OpenSolar:

• $199/month × 12 = $2,388/year
• Similar to Arka360 Basic pricing

Value Analysis

When Arka360 Offers Better Value

Arka360 Basic ($1,699/year with annual billing):

• Competitive entry price point
• Good for solo designers and small installers
• Limited features (tier gating)

Arka360 Premium ($1,999/year with annual billing):

• Competitive mid-tier pricing
• Built-in CRM adds value (no separate CRM cost)
• Still has electrical engineering limitations

When SurgePV Offers Better Value

SurgePV (For 3 Users plan: $1,499/user/year):

• Complete electrical engineering (eliminates AutoCAD $2,000/year)
• No feature gating (all features included)
• Commercial structures (carports, trackers)
• International coverage (India + US + global)
• $500/year less than Arka360 Premium per user AND eliminates AutoCAD cost

Net savings vs Aurora + AutoCAD: $5,301/year per user ($6,800 - $1,499)

Cost comparison vs Arka360 Premium: $500/year less per user ($1,999 vs $1,499) with complete electrical engineering

Net savings vs Arka360 Premium + AutoCAD: $2,500/year per user ($1,999 + $2,000 = $3,999 vs $1,499)

Hidden Costs (Not Disclosed by Arka360)

Potentially hidden costs:

• Implementation fees: Unknown
• Training costs: Unknown
• Premium support tiers: Unknown
• PE stamp services: Separate pricing (not disclosed)
• Feature limitations by tier: Not clearly documented

Recommendation: Request detailed quote from Arka360 to understand:

1. Which features are available in which tiers
2. Implementation and training costs
3. Ongoing support costs
4. True TCO including hidden fees

Pricing Transparency Score

Arka360: High (public pricing tiers visible on website)

SurgePV: High (transparent pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users, all features)

Aurora: Low (contact sales required, tiered gating)

User Reviews & Feedback

We analyzed 129 verified reviews from G2 (as of January 2026) to understand real user experiences with Arka360. Here's what actual customers praise—and criticize.

Review Platform Summary

G2 Reviews:

• Review count: 129 verified reviews
• Date range: 2024-2026 (current)
• Market recognition: Featured by Solar Power World
• Review quality: Verified user experiences

Top Praised Features (What Users Love)

1. Ease of Use (21 mentions) TOP PRAISE

Users consistently praise Arka360's intuitive interface and gentle learning curve.

Why this matters: Faster team adoption, less training required, operational quickly.

User perspective: "The platform is straightforward to learn compared to Aurora or PVCase."

2. Customer Support (11 mentions)

Arka360's support team receives strong marks for responsiveness and helpfulness.

Why this matters: Critical for teams without dedicated IT or software expertise. Good support reduces downtime and frustration.

3. 3D Viewing & Modeling (19 combined mentions)

Users appreciate the 3D design capabilities:

• 3D viewing (10 mentions) - Strong visualization capabilities
• 3D modeling (9 mentions) - Quality design representation

Why this matters: Essential for client presentations and design validation. Professional 3D models build client confidence.

4. Ease of Design (8 mentions)

The design workflow is praised for efficiency and simplicity.

Why this matters: Faster designs mean more projects completed, higher productivity.

5. Integrated Workflow

Users value the all-in-one approach: CRM + Design + Proposals in one platform.

Why this matters: Reduces tool-switching, eliminates data re-entry, streamlines operations from lead to close.

Top Criticisms (What Users Struggle With)

1. Missing Features (16 mentions) CRITICAL CONCERN

Most frequently mentioned criticism across all reviews.

User impact: Users find themselves needing capabilities Arka360 doesn't provide.

Likely missing features (based on competitive analysis):

• Advanced electrical engineering (complete SLD automation)
• Commercial structure support (carports, trackers, East-West racking)
• Advanced simulation capabilities
• Customization options for complex projects

SurgePV difference: Complete electrical engineering, carport design (unique), tracker support, East-West racking.

2. Software Performance (8 mentions)

Users report performance issues affecting workflow efficiency.

Potential issues:

• Slow loading times
• System lag during complex designs
• Processing delays

User impact: Productivity loss, user frustration, project timeline delays.

3. System Instability (6 mentions)

Reliability concerns raised by multiple users.

Potential issues:

• Unexpected crashes
• Data loss risks
• System downtime

User impact: Risk to project timelines, data integrity concerns, workflow interruptions.

4. Layout Issues (6 mentions)

Interface and layout problems mentioned.

User impact: User experience friction, steeper learning curve for certain features.

5. Design Issues (6 mentions)

Design-related problems beyond layout.

User impact: Design accuracy concerns, rework required, quality control challenges.

Sentiment Analysis

Overall Sentiment: Mixed

Positive aspects (Strengths):

• Ease of use for beginners and small teams
• Customer support responsiveness
• All-in-one platform approach
• Affordability for budget-conscious teams
• Strong for India market specifically

Negative aspects (Concerns):

• Feature completeness gaps (most critical issue)
• Performance and stability reliability
• May require workarounds or external tools for complex projects
• Limited for commercial structures and advanced electrical

Pattern observed: Arka360 excels for straightforward residential projects with CRM needs. Users hit limitations on complex commercial projects requiring advanced features.

Pros & Cons

Balanced assessment based on official documentation, 129 G2 reviews, and competitive testing.

Pros (8 Strengths)

1. Built-in CRM Integration UNIQUE ADVANTAGE

What it is: Only major platform with native made-for-solar CRM

Benefits:

• Eliminates need for external CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Lead management, pipeline tracking, dashboards integrated
• Single platform for sales + design

Impact: Reduced tool costs, streamlined sales-to-design workflow, single source of truth

Who benefits: Small to mid-size installers without existing CRM investments

Source: Official documentation, competitive analysis

2. India Market Leadership

What it is: Strong local presence and brand recognition in India

Benefits:

• India-specific climate data and regulations
• Local support and customer base
• #1 positioning in India market
• Understanding of India solar market nuances

Impact: Best choice for India-only operations with local regulatory compliance

Source: Arka360 official positioning, market analysis

3. Competitive Pricing

What it is: Transparent, affordable pricing tiers

Pricing:

• Basic: $199/month ($1,699/year annual)
• Premium: $358/month ($1,999/year annual)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact sales)

Impact: Accessible for small installers and startups, predictable budgeting

Source: Official pricing page

4. All-in-One Platform

What it is: CRM + Design + Proposals + Permit Packages in single solution

Benefits:

• Single platform reduces tool-switching
• Streamlined workflow from lead to close
• Unified data (no export/import between tools)

Impact: Operational efficiency, less training needed, fewer software subscriptions

Source: Product overview, user reviews

5. Energy Storage & NEM 3.0 Support (Available Now)

What it is: Integrated battery storage modeling and California NEM 3.0 support

Benefits:

• Immediate support for storage projects
• NEM 3.0 compliance for California market
• Future-proof for evolving regulations

Impact: Can design storage projects today (vs waiting for SurgePV feature release)

Source: Official documentation, NEM 3.0 page

6. Ease of Use

What it is: Intuitive interface praised by users

User feedback: Top-rated for ease of use (21 G2 mentions)

Benefits:

• Intuitive interface and gentle learning curve
• Easier than Aurora or PVCase
• Less technical expertise required

Impact: Faster team adoption, reduced training time, quicker productivity

Source: G2 reviews analysis

7. Customer Support Quality

What it is: Responsive, helpful support team

User feedback: Highly praised support (11 G2 mentions)

Benefits:

• Responsive support team
• Helpful for troubleshooting

Impact: Critical for teams without dedicated IT support, reduces downtime

Source: G2 reviews

8. 3D Design Capabilities

What it is: AI-powered 3D modeling and LIDAR-based shading

Benefits:

• Strong visualization for client presentations
• LIDAR-based shading analysis
• Professional design quality

Impact: Client confidence, design accuracy, professional presentations

Source: Official features, G2 reviews (10 mentions 3D viewing, 9 mentions 3D modeling)

Cons (8 Limitations)

1. Missing Features CRITICAL (16 G2 mentions)

What it is: Most frequently mentioned criticism across all reviews

User reports: Significant feature gaps reported by actual users

Likely missing features:

• Advanced electrical engineering (complete SLD automation)
• Commercial structure support (carports, trackers, East-West)
• Advanced simulation and customization

Impact: Users need capabilities Arka360 doesn't provide, limiting project types

Source: G2 reviews (16 mentions)

SurgePV difference: Complete electrical engineering, carport design (unique), tracker support

2. Limited Electrical Engineering

What it is: Electrical capabilities described as "limited" vs complete solutions

Limitations:

• Basic SLD (not complete automation)
• Basic wire sizing calculator
• May need AutoCAD for complex electrical documentation

Impact: Commercial EPCs may require external tools (AutoCAD $2,000/year), adding cost and workflow complexity

Source: Research analysis, competitive comparison

SurgePV difference: Automated complete SLD in 5-10 minutes, no AutoCAD required

3. Software Performance Issues (8 G2 mentions)

What it is: Users report performance problems

Potential issues:

• Slow loading times
• System lag during complex designs
• Processing delays

Impact: Productivity loss, user frustration, project delays

Source: G2 reviews

4. System Instability (6 G2 mentions)

What it is: Reliability concerns raised by users

Potential issues:

• Unexpected crashes
• Data loss risks
• System downtime

Impact: Risk to project timelines, data integrity concerns

Source: G2 reviews

5. Limited International Coverage

What it is: Primarily India + US focus, limited global reach

Limitations:

• Not as global as Aurora, SurgePV, or PVCase
• International weather data and regulations limited
• Weaker support outside India/US

Impact: Not ideal for multi-region EPCs operating across multiple countries

Source: Market analysis, geographic coverage research

SurgePV difference: India + US + International (broader coverage)

6. No Commercial Structures Support

What it is: Cannot design carports, trackers, or East-West racking

Missing capabilities:

• No carport solar design (fast-growing commercial segment)
• No solar tracker support (single-axis, dual-axis)
• No East-West racking optimization

Impact: Cannot handle commercial structure projects natively, limits addressable projects

Source: Feature analysis, competitive comparison

SurgePV difference: Only platform with native carport design, plus tracker and East-West support

7. Accuracy Not Quantified

What it is: No published accuracy validation data

Missing transparency:

• No published ±% variance vs PVSyst
• No validation methodology disclosed
• Accuracy claims not independently verified

Impact: Uncertainty for bankable projects requiring documented accuracy for financier approval

Source: Research analysis

SurgePV difference: ±3% accuracy vs PVSyst, documented and proven

8. API Availability Unclear

What it is: Conflicting information on API availability

Conflicting sources:

• SourceForge: Lists API as available
• SoftwareFinder: States "does not offer API"

Impact: Risk for teams needing custom integrations or automated workflows

Source: SourceForge (yes), SoftwareFinder (no)

Recommendation: Verify directly with Arka360 before building integrations

Arka360 vs SurgePV

Both Arka360 and SurgePV target commercial EPCs and installers, but with different strengths and focus areas. Here's an honest, feature-by-feature comparison to help you decide which platform fits your specific needs.

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

Detailed Category Comparisons

Electrical Engineering Comparison CRITICAL DIFFERENTIATOR

This is the most substantial competitive difference between the platforms.

Arka360 electrical:

• Basic SLD generation (requires manual configuration)
• Wire sizing calculator (US electrical calculations)
• Limited electrical capabilities (per competitive analysis)
• May need AutoCAD for complex commercial electrical documentation

SurgePV electrical:

• Automated complete SLD in 5-10 minutes
• Advanced wire sizing + voltage drop calculations + conduit fill
• NEC Article 690 compliant, permit-ready output
• NO AutoCAD required (eliminates $2,000/year cost)
• Saves 1.5-2.5 hours per commercial project

Why this matters:

For commercial EPCs, electrical documentation is mandatory for permits and inspections. Arka360's limited electrical capabilities may require external tools, adding cost and workflow complexity. SurgePV automates electrical engineering completely within one platform.

Real-world scenario:

150kW commercial rooftop project:

Arka360 workflow:

1. Design in Arka360 (30 minutes)
2. Export to AutoCAD for detailed SLD creation (2 hours manual)
3. Return to Arka360 for proposal generation (20 minutes)

• Total time: 2.5-3 hours
• Tools needed: Arka360 + AutoCAD ($2,000/year)

SurgePV workflow:

1. Design + automated SLD in one platform (45 minutes total)
2. Generate proposal from same data (included)

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Tools needed: SurgePV only

Time saved: 1.5-2 hours per project

Cost saved: $2,000/year (no AutoCAD license)

At scale (50 commercial projects/month):

• Monthly time saved: 75-100 hours
• Annual productivity gain: 900-1,200 hours
• Labor value saved (at $75/hour): $67,500-$90,000/year
• Software cost saved: $2,000/year

For commercial EPCs, this efficiency compounds rapidly.

CRM Integration Comparison ARKA360 ADVANTAGE

Arka360 CRM:

• Built-in made-for-solar CRM
• Lead management, pipeline tracking, dashboards
• No external CRM needed
• Configurable for sales and admin accounts
• Integrated directly into platform

SurgePV CRM:

• No native CRM
• Integrates with existing CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho)
• Assumes you have separate CRM or don't need one

Why this matters:

If you don't have a CRM: Arka360's built-in solution adds substantial value. No separate CRM subscription, no integration complexity, single platform for sales and design.

If you already have Salesforce or HubSpot: You're paying for Arka360's built-in CRM that you won't use. With SurgePV, you're not paying for redundant functionality.

When Arka360 wins: Small installers without existing CRM needing integrated lead tracking and sales pipeline.

When SurgePV wins: EPCs with existing CRM investments (paying for what you need, not duplicating functionality).

Commercial Structures Comparison SURGEPV ADVANTAGE

Arka360 commercial structures:

• No carport solar design
• No solar tracker support (single-axis, dual-axis)
• No East-West racking optimization
• Limited to standard rooftop/ground mount

SurgePV commercial structures:

• Carport solar design (ONLY platform with native support—literally unique)
• Solar trackers (single-axis, dual-axis with backtracking)
• East-West racking optimization
• Commercial structure advantage

Why this matters:

Carport solar is the fastest-growing commercial segment (parking lot canopies for C&I, retail, airports). Solar trackers increase production 15-35%. East-West racking increases kW density 20-40% per roof area.

If you design these project types, Arka360 cannot handle them natively. You'll need workarounds or lose projects to competitors who can deliver these designs.

Real-world impact:

Scenario: EPC receives RFP for 500kW carport solar (parking lot canopy)

Arka360 response: Cannot design natively, need workarounds or decline project

SurgePV response: Native carport design, win project with professional deliverables

Market reality: Commercial solar increasingly includes carports, trackers, and East-West racking. Choose a platform that handles future project types, not just current portfolio.

Geographic Coverage Comparison

Arka360 coverage:

• Primary: India (strong local presence, #1 positioning)
• Secondary: United States
• International: Limited support

Arka360 advantages:

• Strong India market presence
• India-specific features and regulations
• Local support infrastructure

SurgePV coverage:

• India: Complete coverage
• US: All 50 states, 3,000+ utilities
• International: Broader global coverage

SurgePV advantages:

• Multi-region operations supported
• Broader utility database
• International weather data

When Arka360 wins: India-only operations wanting local market leader with strong India presence.

When SurgePV wins: Multi-market EPCs operating across India + US + international regions.

Pricing & TCO Comparison

Arka360 pricing:

• Basic: $1,699/year (annual) or $2,388/year (monthly)
• Premium: $1,999/year (annual) or $4,296/year (monthly)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact sales)
• Feature gating by tier

SurgePV pricing:

• Individual: $1,899/year (For 3 Users) = $633/user/year
• For 3 Users: $1,499/user/year = $4,497/year total
• For 5 Users: $1,299/user/year = $6,495/year total
• Enterprise: Custom Plan
• All-inclusive, no feature gating
• All features included in all plans

Cost comparison:

Arka360 Premium vs SurgePV For 3 Users (per user, annual):

• Arka360 Premium: $1,999/year
• SurgePV For 3 Users: $1,499/year per user
• Difference: SurgePV saves $500/year per user

Total cost including electrical engineering tools:

Arka360 Premium + AutoCAD (for commercial electrical):

• Arka360: $1,999/year per user
• AutoCAD: $2,000/year
• Total: $3,999/year per user

SurgePV For 3 Users all-inclusive:

• SurgePV: $1,499/year per user (includes complete electrical)
• AutoCAD: $0 (not needed)
• Total: $1,499/year per user

Net savings with SurgePV: $2,500/year per user vs Arka360 + AutoCAD

When Arka360 wins on price:

• India-only operations not needing advanced electrical
• Residential-only focus (no complex electrical needs)
• Teams using Basic tier ($1,699/year annual) for simple workflows

When SurgePV wins on TCO:

• Commercial EPCs needing electrical documentation (no AutoCAD cost)
• Teams wanting all features without tier surprises
• Multi-user teams (transparent per-user pricing)

Accuracy & Validation Comparison

Arka360 accuracy:

• Claims "accurate" shading and production analysis
• No published ±% variance data
• No PVSyst validation disclosed
• No independent verification

SurgePV accuracy:

• ±3% accuracy vs PVSyst (shading and production)
• 8760-hour shading analysis (industry standard)
• Documented and proven validation
• BOM accuracy calculated from design geometry

Why this matters:

For bankable projects (requiring financier approval), documented accuracy provides confidence. When presenting to lenders or investors:

• "±3% vs PVSyst" = Credible, validated claim
• "Accurate analysis" = Unquantified, unverified claim

Both platforms likely perform adequately for most projects. The difference is validation transparency for high-stakes bankable projects.

Who Should Choose Arka360?

Arka360 is the better choice for specific use cases and team profiles.

Best Fit for Arka360

1. India-Only Operations

Profile: Solar EPCs operating exclusively in India market

Why Arka360 wins:

• #1 market positioning in India
• Strong local presence and brand recognition
• India-specific climate data and regulations
• Local support infrastructure
• Understanding of India solar market nuances

When to choose: If 100% of projects are in India and you value local market leadership.

2. Teams Needing Built-in CRM

Profile: Small to mid-size installers without existing CRM investments

Why Arka360 wins:

• Built-in CRM eliminates separate CRM subscription
• Integrated lead management and sales pipeline
• Single platform for sales + design
• No CRM integration complexity

When to choose: If you don't have Salesforce/HubSpot and need CRM functionality now.

3. Budget-Conscious Startups

Profile: New solar companies or solo designers watching costs carefully

Why Arka360 wins:

• Competitive entry price ($199/month Basic plan, $1,699/year annual)
• Affordable all-in-one solution
• No separate CRM cost
• Transparent pricing tiers

When to choose: If budget is primary constraint and project volume is low enough for Basic tier.

4. Residential-Focused Teams

Profile: Installers primarily designing residential rooftop systems

Why Arka360 wins:

• Strong residential design capabilities
• Sales Mode for real-time client interaction
• Ease of use (faster team adoption)
• Good proposal generation for homeowner audience

When to choose: If 80%+ of projects are residential and you don't need commercial structures.

5. Teams Needing Immediate Storage Support

Profile: California-focused installers, teams designing battery storage now

Why Arka360 wins:

• Energy storage modeling available now
• NEM 3.0 support for California market
• Integrated battery design and financial modeling

When to choose: If substantial portion of projects include storage and you need capabilities today (not waiting for SurgePV storage release).

Who Should Choose SurgePV?

SurgePV is the better choice for specific use cases requiring complete electrical engineering and commercial structures.

Best Fit for SurgePV

1. Multi-Market EPCs (India + US)

Profile: Solar EPCs operating across multiple countries or regions

Why SurgePV wins:

• India + US + International coverage (broader than Arka360)
• 3,000+ US utilities supported
• International weather data and regulations
• Single platform across all markets

When to choose: If you operate in India AND US, or plan international expansion.

2. Commercial EPCs Needing Complete Electrical

Profile: Teams designing commercial projects requiring electrical documentation for permits

Why SurgePV wins:

• Automated complete SLD in 5-10 minutes
• Advanced wire sizing + voltage drop + conduit fill
• NO AutoCAD required (saves $2,000/year)
• Saves 1.5-2.5 hours per commercial project

When to choose: If you design commercial projects and currently use (or need) AutoCAD for electrical drawings.

ROI calculation (50 commercial projects/month):

• Time saved: 75-100 hours/month
• Annual productivity gain: 900-1,200 hours
• Labor value: $67,500-$90,000/year (at $75/hour)
• Software savings: $2,000/year (no AutoCAD)

3. Teams Designing Commercial Structures

Profile: EPCs designing carport solar, trackers, or East-West racking

Why SurgePV wins:

• Carport solar design (ONLY platform with native support—literally unique)
• Solar trackers (single-axis, dual-axis)
• East-West racking optimization
• Commercial structure specialization

When to choose: If you design (or want to design):

• Carport solar (parking lot canopies)
• Solar trackers (15-35% production gain)
• East-West racking (20-40% higher kW density)

Market opportunity: Carport solar is fastest-growing commercial segment. Having native design capability opens new project types and revenue streams.

4. Teams with Existing CRM Systems

Profile: EPCs already using Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, or other CRM

Why SurgePV wins:

• No redundant CRM (not paying for feature you won't use)
• Integrates with existing CRM investments
• Best-in-class approach (solar design platform + specialized CRM)

When to choose: If you already have CRM investment and don't want to pay for duplicate functionality.

5. Teams Valuing Transparent Pricing

Profile: Decision-makers wanting predictable costs without tier surprises

Why SurgePV wins:

• Transparent pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (all-inclusive)
• No feature gating
• All features included at all price points
• No hidden costs or tier jumps

When to choose: If you value knowing exactly what you'll pay and what features you get, without tier limitations or surprises.

6. Teams Needing Documented Accuracy

Profile: EPCs working on bankable projects requiring financier approval

Why SurgePV wins:

• ±3% accuracy vs PVSyst (documented and proven)
• Validation methodology disclosed
• Credible accuracy claims for lenders/investors

When to choose: If you need to present validated accuracy data to financiers, investors, or utility partners.

Arka360 vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison

How Arka360 compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.

Final Verdict

Arka360 Executive Summary

Strengths:

• Built-in CRM (unique among major platforms)
• India market leadership
• Competitive pricing ($199/month Basic, $1,699/year annual)
• Easy to use (21 G2 mentions)
• Energy storage support (available now)
• All-in-one platform approach

Limitations:

• Missing features (16 G2 mentions—most critical issue)
• Limited electrical engineering (may need AutoCAD for commercial)
• Software performance issues (8 G2 mentions)
• System instability (6 G2 mentions)
• No commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West)
• Accuracy not quantified (no ±% vs PVSyst)

Who Should Choose Arka360

Best fit for:

1. India-only operations valuing local market leader
2. Teams without existing CRM needing integrated lead management
3. Budget-conscious startups (Basic $199/month, $1,699/year annual)
4. Residential-focused teams not needing commercial structures
5. Teams needing storage now (can't wait for SurgePV release)

Avoid Arka360 if:

• You need complete electrical engineering without AutoCAD
• You design commercial structures (carports, trackers)
• You operate multi-market (India + US + international)
• You already have Salesforce/HubSpot CRM
• You need documented accuracy for bankable projects

Who Should Choose SurgePV

Best fit for:

1. Multi-market EPCs (India + US + international operations)
2. Commercial EPCs needing complete electrical engineering
3. Teams designing commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West)
4. EPCs with existing CRM (not paying for redundant functionality)
5. Teams valuing transparent pricing (all features, no tier surprises)
6. Bankable project focus (±3% accuracy vs PVSyst documented)

Key advantages:

• Complete electrical engineering (automated SLD, NO AutoCAD)
• Only platform with native carport design (literally unique)
• Broader geographic coverage (India + US + international)
• Transparent all-inclusive pricing (starting at $1,899/year for 3 users)
• Documented accuracy (±3% vs PVSyst)
• Saves 1.5-2.5 hours per commercial project
• Saves $2,000/year (no AutoCAD license needed)

The Decision Framework

Use Arka360 when:

• India-only market + No existing CRM + Budget-conscious ($1,699-$1,999/year annual)

Use SurgePV when:

• Multi-market + Commercial electrical needs + Commercial structures

Value Analysis

Arka360 provides measurable value for India-focused installers needing affordable, integrated CRM and design capabilities. The built-in CRM eliminates a separate subscription cost for teams without existing CRM systems.

For commercial EPCs requiring complete electrical engineering, the calculation shifts. Arka360's limited electrical capabilities may require AutoCAD for complex commercial documentation, adding $2,000/year in software costs and 1.5-2.5 hours per project in manual work.

SurgePV addresses this gap with automated electrical engineering that eliminates external tool dependencies. For EPCs designing 50 commercial projects monthly, this automation delivers:

• $2,000/year in software cost savings (no AutoCAD)
• 75-100 hours/month in recovered productivity
• $67,500-$90,000/year in labor value (at $75/hour billing rate)

Total Cost Comparison:

Arka360 Premium + AutoCAD:

• Software: $1,999/year (annual) + $2,000/year (AutoCAD) = $3,999/year
• Manual electrical work: 100 hours/year × $75/hour = $7,500/year
• Total cost: $11,499/year

SurgePV all-inclusive (For 3 Users plan):

• Software: $1,499/year per user (includes complete electrical)
• Automated electrical: $0 additional cost
• Total cost: $1,499/year per user

Net annual savings: $10,000/year per designer ($11,499 - $1,499)

Platform Selection Criteria

Select based on your operational profile:

Arka360 fits when:

• 100% India market focus
• Residential project majority (80%+)
• No existing CRM system
• Budget-conscious operations ($199-$358/month)
• Storage projects required immediately

SurgePV fits when:

• Multi-market operations (India + US + international)
• Commercial project focus (40%+ of portfolio)
• Complete electrical documentation required
• Commercial structures needed (carports, trackers)
• Existing CRM investment to leverage
• Bankable project accuracy requirements

Take the Next Step

Try SurgePV Free

See how SurgePV's complete electrical engineering and commercial structures support compare to Arka360.

Get started:

• Book a demo - See SurgePV in action
• Compare platforms - Detailed platform comparisons
• Pricing calculator - Calculate your ROI and savings
• Best solar design software - Complete platform comparison guide

Migration assistance: Switching from Arka360? We provide dedicated migration support, training, and onboarding to ensure smooth transition.

Related Resources

Platform Comparisons:

• Aurora Solar Review - Aurora Solar review and comparison
• OpenSolar Review - OpenSolar detailed analysis
• PVCase Review - PVCase engineering platform review
• Best Solar Design Software - Complete platform comparison

Feature Deep Dives:

• Solar Designing - Complete design capabilities overview
• Commercial Solar Solutions - Commercial project features
• Solar Proposals - Proposal generation guide
• Voltage Drop Calculator - Electrical calculations tool

Educational Resources:

• Best Solar Design Software Guide - Comprehensive selection guid
• Solar Design Principles - Design best practices