TL;DR Summary
BlueSol is a Windows desktop PV design software developed by Italian company CadWare S.r.L., offering complete design-to-documentation workflow with integrated Single Line Diagram (SLD) generation. Known for a one-time 590 EUR lifetime license and strong 3D modeling capabilities, BlueSol serves 70+ countries with a European focus.
However, BlueSol's desktop-only architecture (Windows exclusively), lack of cloud access, minimal public user reviews, and limited US market features make it less competitive in 2026 against modern cloud platforms. For commercial EPCs needing cloud collaboration, US/India coverage, and advanced structures like carports, SurgePV offers a more complete solution with superior electrical engineering automation.
Quick Comparison:
- Best for: European designers wanting one-time licensing and offline capability
- Not ideal for: US commercial EPCs, cloud collaboration, Mac users, carport projects
- Price: 590 EUR one-time (lifetime) vs SurgePV $1,499/user/year with continuous updates
- Architecture: Desktop-only (Windows) vs SurgePV cloud-based (any browser)
What Is BlueSol?
BlueSol is a desktop photovoltaic design software developed by CadWare S.r.L., a company headquartered in Padova, Italy, established in 1989. While CadWare has deep roots in CAD technology (they were an IBM Business Partner in 1995-96), BlueSol itself launched more recently—the Italian version first released in January 2010, with English and other language versions following.
Company Background
Developer: CadWare S.r.L.
Headquarters: Via Nazareth 2, Padova 35128, Italy
Founded: 1989 (CadWare company); BlueSol first released 2010
Geographic Coverage: 70+ countries (European focus)
Current Version: BlueSol 4.0.8
Platform: Windows desktop only
According to company registration data from GlobalDatabase, CadWare operates as a small software development firm specializing in photovoltaic design tools. The company's technology background stems from decades in CAD and engineering software development.
Product Positioning
BlueSol markets itself as a complete end-to-end PV design solution—covering preliminary assessment through technical documentation and financial analysis. The platform targets design engineers, EPCs, installers, and consultants who need technical accuracy for permitting and project delivery.
Unlike newer cloud-based competitors like Aurora Solar or SurgePV, BlueSol maintains a traditional desktop software model with a one-time licensing structure. This approach appeals to users who prefer ownership over subscription models and don't require cloud collaboration features.
BlueSol Features Overview
BlueSol offers a complete feature set spanning design, simulation, electrical documentation, and financial analysis. Here's what the platform includes:
Design Tools
Pre-Dimensioning Wizard
BlueSol starts with a quick setup wizard that guides users through initial project parameters—location, roof characteristics, energy requirements, and budget constraints. This helps establish baseline system sizing before detailed design.
Interactive Design Interface
The design canvas allows module layout over internet-sourced maps (Google Maps integration) with drag-and-drop panel placement. BlueSol automatically suggests string configurations based on inverter specifications and design parameters.
Automated String Optimization
The platform optimizes string configurations to maximize MPPT efficiency and minimize electrical losses. Users can manually override suggestions or let BlueSol handle stringing logic automatically.
Microsoft-Style Interface
BlueSol deliberately mimics Microsoft Office's user interface patterns—familiar ribbon menus, toolbars, and navigation. This reduces the learning curve for users already comfortable with Windows desktop applications.
3D Visualization & Shading Analysis
3D System Modeling
BlueSol generates 3D visualizations of the complete solar installation, showing panel layout, tilt, orientation, and surrounding obstacles. This visualization helps stakeholders understand the design without technical drawings.
Hourly Shading Simulation
The platform performs shading analysis by simulating sun position and shadow casting at any time of day throughout the year. Users can visualize how nearby trees, buildings, or other obstructions impact specific sections of the array during different seasons.
Similar to SurgePV's 8760-hour shading analysis, BlueSol provides detailed shading calculations, though the desktop architecture limits real-time collaboration on shading optimizations.
Radiation Mapping
BlueSol maps solar radiation across roof surfaces, identifying optimal placement zones and quantifying energy losses from shading or suboptimal orientation.
DWG Import/Export
The software supports AutoCAD DWG file import and export, allowing integration with existing CAD workflows. Users can bring in site plans or export designs for further refinement in CAD tools.
Electrical Documentation
Integrated CAD for SLD Generation
One of BlueSol's key differentiators is integrated Single Line Diagram generation. The built-in CAD module automatically creates electrical schematics showing DC arrays, combiners, inverters, disconnects, and grid connection—without requiring external AutoCAD licenses.
This feature saves commercial EPCs the 2-3 hours typically spent creating SLDs manually in AutoCAD. However, the depth of electrical engineering capabilities (wire sizing, voltage drop calculations, conduit fill) is not as complete as specialized tools focused exclusively on electrical design like SurgePV's automated electrical engineering.
Component Placement
BlueSol shows physical placement of electrical components—inverters, disconnect switches, meters, distribution panels—on site plans and schematics.
Cable Routing
The platform includes basic cable routing visualization, though complete wire sizing calculations with NEC compliance verification are not explicitly documented in official materials.
Simulation & Financial Analysis
Energy Yield Calculations
BlueSol performs performance simulations based on weather data (NASA-SSE worldwide, PVGIS import capability), module specifications from its database, and shading analysis results. The software predicts monthly and annual energy production.
Financial Modeling
The platform calculates ROI, payback periods, and financial returns based on system cost inputs, energy production estimates, and utility rates. Users can model different financing scenarios—cash purchase, loans, leases, or PPAs.
Technical & Financial Optimization
BlueSol can compare multiple design scenarios side-by-side, helping users balance technical performance with financial outcomes. This supports decision-making when trade-offs exist between system size, cost, and returns.
Comprehensive Documentation Output
The software generates professional reports including technical specifications, production estimates, financial analysis, and electrical diagrams—all formatted for customer proposals or permitting submissions.
Database & Data Sources
Module Database: 20,000+ modules (sourced from Photon data)
Inverter Database: 1,600+ inverters
Weather Data: NASA-SSE global coverage, PVGIS import support
Multi-Language: 7 interface languages, 24 report languages
What BlueSol Does NOT Include
Based on official documentation review, BlueSol does NOT appear to offer:
- Cloud access or mobile apps (desktop Windows only)
- Mac or Linux support (Windows exclusive)
- Native carport solar design (standard rooftop and ground-mount only)
- Confirmed tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis not mentioned)
- Comprehensive NEC-compliant wire sizing (basic cable routing mentioned, not full compliance features)
- API or third-party integrations (not documented)
- Real-time collaboration features (single-user desktop architecture)
For teams needing these advanced capabilities, modern cloud platforms like SurgePV offer native carport design and complete electrical engineering automation.
BlueSol Pricing
Verified Pricing Information
BlueSol Design 4: 590 EUR + Taxes
License Model: Lifetime License (one-time purchase)
Delivery: Digital download with activation key via email
Trial: 15-day full-featured trial (no credit card required)
Source: CadWare Shop Official Pricing (verified January 22, 2026)
What This Pricing Includes
The 590 EUR license includes all BlueSol Design features:
- Complete design and simulation tools
- 3D visualization and shading analysis
- Integrated SLD generation
- Financial modeling
- Database access (20,000+ modules, 1,600+ inverters)
- Multi-language support (7 interface, 24 report languages)
- Documentation output tools
Important Note: Pricing transparency is medium—the price is available on CadWare's separate shop website (cadwareshop.com), not prominently displayed on the main BlueSol product site (bluesolpv.com).
Pricing Context: BlueSol vs Market
BlueSol: 590 EUR one-time (~$640 USD) - lifetime license
PVsyst: ~$600-900 one-time - similar licensing model
*PVSOL Premium**: 845 EUR/year (~$920 USD/year) - annual subscription
SurgePV: Starting at $1,899/year for 3 users - includes cloud, all features, continuous updates, support
For transparent pricing details, see SurgePV's pricing page.
Value Analysis
Pricing Transparency: Medium (available but requires visiting separate shop site)
Cost Predictability: High (one-time fee, no recurring charges)
Feature Completeness: All features included in base license
Long-Term Cost: Favorable for multi-year usage (no annual renewals)
However, one-time licensing models raise questions about ongoing development, updates, and support. Subscription models like SurgePV's $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) include continuous feature updates, cloud infrastructure maintenance, and priority support—benefits not typically covered by one-time purchases.
For teams of three or more users, total cost of ownership comparisons shift:
- BlueSol: 590 EUR × 3 = 1,770 EUR (~$1,920 USD) upfront
- SurgePV (For 3 Users): $1,499/user/year = $4,497/year total, includes cloud, updates, support
The right choice depends on your preference: lower upfront cost (BlueSol) vs ongoing updates and cloud access (SurgePV).
What Real Users Say
The Review Visibility Challenge
Here's a significant finding: BlueSol has extremely limited public user reviews across major software evaluation platforms.
G2: Not listed
Capterra: Not listed
TrustRadius: Not listed
SourceForge: Listed but "No User Reviews"
Slashdot: Listed but "No User Reviews"
SoftwareSuggest: Listed but "No reviews yet"
Verification Date: January 22, 2026
Sources: Direct platform searches on G2.com, Capterra.com, TrustRadius.com, SourceForge.net, Slashdot.org, SoftwareSuggest.com
What This Means for Prospective Buyers
The absence of public reviews makes it difficult to:
- Validate real-world performance claims
- Understand common user frustrations
- Gauge software reliability and support quality
- Compare experiences across different user segments (residential, commercial, utility-scale)
- Access community-based troubleshooting resources
For comparison, major competitors have substantial review presence:
- Aurora Solar: 150+ G2 reviews with verified ratings
- PVsyst: Widely discussed in industry forums as bankability standard
- SurgePV: Growing user base with responsive 3-minute average support
Professional Assessment
The most substantive professional opinion found during research comes from Greentech Renewables' 2020 solar design software overview:
> "Get this if you want accurate and precise PV system designs and don't mind a steeper learning curve. BlueSol Design allows you to create a detailed simulation and economic study of your PV system and all its components."
This suggests BlueSol delivers technical accuracy but requires significant learning investment—a trade-off some users accept for complete capabilities.
Limitations Noted by SoftwareSuggest (research notes, not verified user reviews):
> "Lacks modern and advanced designing features like heat and solar access."
> "Lacks proper animation to demonstrate the shading feature and losses."
Without verified user reviews to substantiate or contradict these assessments, prospective buyers should plan for extended evaluation during the 15-day trial period.
BlueSol Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Comprehensive Workflow Coverage
BlueSol handles the entire design-to-documentation process: preliminary sizing, detailed design, 3D modeling, shading analysis, electrical schematics, financial analysis, and professional reporting. This eliminates the need to stitch together multiple tools for different workflow stages.
Source: Official feature documentation at bluesolpv.com
2. One-Time Lifetime License (590 EUR)
Unlike subscription models that cost thousands annually, BlueSol's 590 EUR lifetime license offers predictable budgeting and lower long-term cost for individual users. No recurring fees means no surprise price increases or forced upgrades.
Source: CadWare Shop official pricing
3. Integrated SLD Generation
The built-in CAD module automatically generates Single Line Diagrams showing complete electrical systems—DC arrays, combiners, inverters, AC disconnects, and grid connection. This saves commercial EPCs the 2-3 hours typically spent creating SLDs manually in AutoCAD and eliminates the need for separate $2,000/year AutoCAD licenses.
Source: Official features page at bluesolpv.com
4. Familiar Microsoft-Style Interface
BlueSol deliberately mimics Microsoft Office's ribbon menus and toolbar patterns. For users already comfortable with Windows desktop applications, this reduces learning curve and feels immediately familiar—no need to adapt to radically different UI paradigms.
Source: Official website, professional reviews
5. Multi-Language Support
With 7 interface languages (English, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and others) and 24 report languages, BlueSol accommodates international teams and multi-market operations better than English-only platforms.
Source: bluesolpv.com
6. Offline Capability
As desktop software with local data storage, BlueSol works without internet connectivity. This benefits users in areas with unreliable internet or those preferring local data control over cloud storage.
Source: Desktop architecture
7. Free 15-Day Full-Featured Trial
BlueSol offers a complete 15-day trial with all features unlocked and no credit card required. This allows thorough evaluation before purchase commitment.
Source: bluesolpv.com/download/
Cons
1. Desktop-Only (Windows Exclusive)
BlueSol requires Windows desktop installation—no cloud access, no Mac support, no Linux version, no mobile apps. Modern solar teams working from multiple locations or using diverse operating systems face significant friction. Mac users must run Windows via Parallels or Boot Camp.
Impact: Limits flexibility for distributed teams, mobile workflows, and non-Windows users.
Source: Official website, system requirements
2. Limited Market Presence & User Reviews
No reviews on G2, Capterra, or TrustRadius; zero user reviews on SourceForge and Slashdot. This minimal public validation makes it difficult to gauge real-world performance, reliability, and support quality. Prospective buyers lack community insights that help validate software decisions.
Impact: Higher purchase risk due to limited social proof; no community-based troubleshooting resources.
Source: Review platform research (verified January 22, 2026)
3. European Focus with Limited US Market Features
BlueSol originates from Italy and serves 70+ countries with European emphasis. Official documentation doesn't confirm complete US utility database coverage or explicit NEC Article 690 compliance features. US EPCs may find gaps in local utility rate data, permitting templates, or code compliance verification.
Impact: May not meet US-focused EPC requirements without workarounds.
Source: Research analysis, geographic focus from official materials
4. Development Activity & Roadmap Unclear
The latest version (4.0.8) shows updates through 2019-2022 based on available information, but no public roadmap communicates future feature development. Without subscription revenue driving continuous updates, long-term software evolution is uncertain.
Impact: Uncertainty about future support, feature additions, and compatibility with emerging technologies.
Source: Version history research, competitive analysis
5. No Cloud Collaboration Features
BlueSol's single-user desktop architecture prevents real-time team collaboration. Multiple designers can't work on the same project simultaneously, and version control requires manual file management. Growing teams face scaling challenges as they expand beyond individual contributors.
Impact: Workflow friction for teams; no cloud-based project management.
Source: Desktop architecture analysis
6. Missing Modern Commercial Structures
BlueSol doesn't appear to support native carport solar design (fastest-growing commercial segment) or explicitly document tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis). Advanced features like heat analysis and enhanced solar access modeling are also absent.
Impact: Commercial EPCs working on carport projects, tracker systems, or advanced structures may require supplemental tools.
Source: Feature research, SoftwareSuggest notes
For commercial EPCs needing carport design capabilities, modern cloud platforms offer native support without workarounds.
7. Limited Integration Ecosystem
No documented API, limited third-party software integrations, and no mentions of CRM connections (Salesforce, HubSpot) or project management tool links. Teams using integrated software stacks face manual data transfers.
Impact: Workflow friction when connecting BlueSol to other business systems.
Source: Research analysis, official documentation review
BlueSol vs SurgePV Comparison
How does BlueSol compare to SurgePV for commercial solar design and engineering? Here's a detailed breakdown.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
Platform & Accessibility
BlueSol requires Windows desktop installation and runs locally. No cloud access means no working from tablets, mobile devices, or non-Windows computers. For individual designers working primarily from a single Windows workstation, this poses no problem. For distributed teams or users who need flexibility to work from job sites, home offices, or client locations using different devices, BlueSol's desktop-only model creates friction.
SurgePV is cloud-based and accessible from any modern browser—Windows, Mac, Linux, or even tablets. Commercial EPCs report that cloud access enables field teams to pull up designs on-site, sales teams to present proposals from customer offices, and remote designers to collaborate in real time.
Why This Matters: Modern solar businesses operate across multiple locations. Cloud platforms eliminate the "I need to get back to my office computer" bottleneck that desktop tools create.
Electrical Engineering Capabilities
BlueSol includes integrated SLD generation via its built-in CAD module, automatically creating electrical schematics from the system design. This saves time compared to manually drafting SLDs in AutoCAD. However, the depth of wire sizing calculations and NEC compliance verification is not completely documented.
SurgePV delivers automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes (vs 2-3 hours manual AutoCAD work) plus complete wire sizing calculations with NEC 690 compliance verification—automatically calculating DC and AC wire sizes, voltage drop, conduit fill, and temperature corrections.
Why This Matters: Electrical documentation is critical for permitting and inspections. The deeper the automation, the faster commercial EPCs move from design to construction—and the fewer engineering hours spent on repetitive calculations.
Commercial Structure Support
BlueSol handles standard rooftop and ground-mount installations well. However, native carport solar design is not documented, and tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis) is not explicitly confirmed in official materials.
SurgePV offers native carport design (the ONLY platform with this capability according to verified competitive research) plus support for single-axis and dual-axis trackers. Carport solar is the fastest-growing commercial segment (parking lot canopies generating solar power and providing shade), and SurgePV's unique support gives commercial EPCs a significant competitive advantage.
Why This Matters: Commercial EPCs pursuing carport projects must have software that natively handles the structural, electrical, and permitting complexity of these installations. Without native support, designers resort to workarounds or supplemental tools.
Database & Geographic Coverage
BlueSol includes 20,000+ modules and 1,600+ inverters with European market focus. Weather data comes from NASA-SSE (global coverage) and PVGIS imports. However, complete US utility database coverage is not confirmed.
SurgePV includes 70,000+ modules (3.5× larger than BlueSol's database), 3,000+ US utilities, and complete India + US market coverage. This reduces manual data entry when specifying equipment or modeling utility rates.
Why This Matters: Comprehensive databases eliminate time-consuming manual equipment specification and utility rate research. Every module not in the database requires manual datasheet entry—time that adds up across dozens of projects monthly.
Support & Updates
BlueSol offers online support and video tutorials. The one-time licensing model means updates may require new license purchases or additional fees (not explicitly documented). Response times and support quality cannot be verified due to the absence of user reviews.
SurgePV includes 3-minute average support response, 2-3 week onboarding programs, and continuous platform updates as part of the $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) subscription. No additional charges for new features or priority support.
Why This Matters: When software issues block project delivery, support response time directly impacts revenue. Three-minute average response vs waiting hours or days can make the difference between meeting bid deadlines or missing opportunities.
Workflow Time Comparison
Commercial Rooftop Project with Electrical Documentation (typical workflow):
Time Savings: SurgePV saves approximately 25-40 minutes per commercial project by automating electrical engineering steps more completely.
Who Should Use BlueSol?
BlueSol Is Best For
- European-based design firms working primarily in Italian, German, Spanish, or Polish markets where BlueSol has stronger utility and regulatory coverage
- Budget-conscious individual designers who prefer one-time licensing over annual subscriptions and can absorb the upfront cost
- Teams needing offline capability working in areas with unreliable internet or preferring local data storage
- Windows desktop software users comfortable with traditional installed applications and not requiring cloud access
- Standard rooftop and ground-mount projects without advanced commercial structures like carports or trackers
BlueSol Is NOT Best For
- US-focused commercial EPCs needing verified NEC compliance, complete US utility databases, and confirmed local permitting support
- Teams requiring cloud collaboration with multiple designers working simultaneously or accessing projects from different locations
- Mac or Linux users who would need to run Windows virtualization to use BlueSol
- Commercial solar companies designing carports or trackers requiring native support for these structures
- Growing teams needing scalability beyond single-user desktop architecture
- Organizations prioritizing third-party integrations with CRM, project management, or accounting systems
- Users valuing extensive community validation through public reviews and user feedback
SurgePV Is Best For
- Commercial EPCs needing complete electrical engineering with automated SLD generation, wire sizing, and NEC 690 compliance
- US and India market operations with 3,000+ US utilities, India DISCOM coverage, and local regulatory support
- Teams requiring cloud collaboration enabling multiple users, mobile access, and distributed workflows
- Projects involving carports, trackers, or advanced structures where native platform support eliminates workarounds
- Organizations prioritizing responsive support with 3-minute average response times and structured onboarding
- EPCs wanting to eliminate AutoCAD dependency through integrated electrical engineering features
BlueSOL vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How BlueSOL compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict
BlueSol Summary
Strengths:
- Comprehensive design-to-documentation workflow in one package
- One-time lifetime license (590 EUR) with no recurring fees
- Integrated SLD generation without requiring AutoCAD
- Strong multi-language support (7 interface, 24 report languages)
- Offline capability for users without reliable internet
- 15-day full-featured trial for thorough evaluation
Ideal For:
- European-based individual designers and small firms
- Budget-conscious users preferring one-time licensing over subscriptions
- Windows desktop software users comfortable with traditional installed applications
- Teams working on standard rooftop and ground-mount projects
- Engineers needing offline work capability
Limitations:
- Desktop-only Windows platform (no cloud, Mac, or mobile access)
- Extremely limited public user reviews and community validation
- European focus may create gaps for US market (utility data, NEC compliance unclear)
- No native carport design or confirmed tracker support
- Single-user architecture prevents team collaboration
- Development roadmap and update frequency unclear
- No API or third-party integrations documented
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Cloud-based platform accessible from any browser (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Comprehensive electrical engineering with automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes and NEC 690-compliant wire sizing
- Only platform with native carport solar design capability
- 70,000+ module database (3.5× larger than BlueSol) with 3,000+ US utilities
- Purpose-built for US and India markets with local regulatory support
- 3-minute average support response time
- Real-time team collaboration features
- Continuous platform updates included in subscription
Ideal For:
- Commercial EPCs needing complete electrical documentation without AutoCAD
- US and India market operations requiring local utility and regulatory coverage
- Growing teams needing cloud collaboration and multi-user workflows
- Projects involving carports, trackers, or advanced commercial structures
- Organizations prioritizing responsive support and structured onboarding
- Teams using mixed operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Our Recommendation
Choose BlueSol if: You're a European-based individual designer who prefers one-time licensing, works primarily offline from a Windows desktop, handles standard PV installations without advanced commercial structures, and doesn't require cloud collaboration or US market coverage. The 590 EUR lifetime license offers long-term cost advantage for individual users.
Choose SurgePV if: You're a commercial EPC needing complete electrical engineering (automated SLD + wire sizing + NEC compliance), cloud-based team collaboration, support for modern commercial structures like carports and trackers, or operations in the US/India markets. SurgePV's $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) delivers superior electrical automation, cloud flexibility, and responsive support that modern solar businesses require.
Bottom Line: BlueSol represents capable traditional desktop PV software with solid European heritage and attractive one-time licensing. However, its Windows-only desktop architecture, limited market presence, absence of cloud collaboration, and missing modern features like carport design make it less competitive in 2026 against cloud-native platforms.
For commercial EPCs prioritizing efficiency, complete electrical engineering, team collaboration, and complete US/India market coverage, SurgePV delivers a more complete, cloud-ready solution with superior automation and support. The subscription model ensures continuous updates, priority support, and platform evolution that one-time licensing cannot guarantee.
Ready to Compare BlueSol with SurgePV?
If BlueSol's desktop-only architecture and limited US market features don't align with your commercial EPC needs, see how SurgePV delivers cloud-based electrical engineering automation built for modern solar teams.
See SurgePV in Action
Book a 15-Minute Demo to compare:
What you'll see:
- Automated SLD Generation: 5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual AutoCAD work, with NEC 690-compliant wire sizing included
- Native Carport Design: The ONLY platform with native carport solar design—handle the fastest-growing commercial segment without workarounds
- Cloud-Based Collaboration: Access projects from any device, work simultaneously with team members, automatic version control
- 70,000+ Module Database: 3.5× larger than BlueSol's database with 3,000+ US utilities for complete coverage
No pressure, no obligation—see how SurgePV eliminates tool-switching for commercial electrical engineering.
Not ready for a demo?
- Compare SurgePV vs BlueSol Features
- See SurgePV Pricing
- Read More Software Reviews
- View Best Solar Design Software Guide
Additional Resources
Related Software Reviews
- Aurora Solar Review - Compare another leading solar design platform
- PVsyst Review - Understand the simulation industry standard
- OpenSolar Review - Evaluate affordable cloud alternatives
- PVCase Review - CAD-based engineering platform comparison
Best Software Guides
- Best Solar Design Software - Complete software comparisons
- Best Solar Design Software for Commercial EPCs - Commercial-focused platforms
- Best 3D Modeling Software - Visualization tools comparison
- Best Shading Analysis Software - Compare shading analysis tools
SurgePV Features & Solutions
- SurgePV Solar Design Platform - Complete platform overview
- Commercial Solar Solutions - Commercial EPC features
- Shading Analysis - 8760-hour shading analysis
- Solar Proposals - Proposal generation features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BlueSol good for commercial solar projects?
Yes for standard European commercial rooftop and ground-mount projects; limited for US market or advanced commercial structures like carports.
How much does BlueSol cost?
BlueSol Design 4 is available for a one-time purchase of 590 EUR plus applicable taxes from the CadWare Shop website (cadwareshop.com). This lifetime license includes all features—design tools, 3D visualization, shading analysis, SLD generation, financial modeling, and database access. There are no monthly or annual subscription fees. Digital download delivery provides the software and activation key via email after purchase.
A 15-day full-featured trial is available without credit card requirement from bluesolpv.com/download/, allowing complete evaluation before purchase.
Does BlueSol work on Mac?
BlueSol is exclusively a Windows desktop application with no native Mac or Linux support. Mac users who need to run BlueSol must use Windows virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp to create a Windows environment. This adds complexity and cost (Windows license required) compared to cloud-based platforms accessible from any operating system through a web browser.
If your team uses Mac computers or mixed operating systems, cloud platforms like SurgePV eliminate the virtualization requirement and work natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
What languages does BlueSol support?
BlueSol offers a multilingual interface supporting 7 languages, making it accessible to European solar professionals working in different countries. More impressively, the platform can generate technical and financial reports in 24 different languages—significantly more than most competitors. This makes BlueSol particularly valuable for international EPCs serving diverse geographic markets or multinational clients who require documentation in local languages.
Does BlueSol have a free trial?
BlueSol provides a complete 15-day trial with all functionality unlocked and no credit card required for activation. Download the trial from bluesolpv.com/download/ and receive full access to design tools, shading analysis, SLD generation, financial modeling, and database features. This evaluation period allows thorough testing with your real project data before committing to the 590 EUR purchase.
The full-featured trial is more generous than many competitors who offer limited demos or require sales contact before testing.
Can BlueSol generate single line diagrams?
BlueSol features a built-in CAD module that automatically generates Single Line Diagrams (electrical schematics) based on your system design. The SLD shows DC arrays, string combiners, inverters, AC disconnects, meters, and grid connection points. This eliminates the need for separate AutoCAD licenses (typically $2,000/year) and saves the 2-3 hours commercial EPCs typically spend manually creating electrical diagrams.
However, the depth of wire sizing calculations and NEC compliance verification is not as completely documented as platforms focused exclusively on electrical engineering automation like SurgePV.
Is BlueSol better than PVsyst?
PVsyst and BlueSol serve different primary functions. PVsyst is the industry standard for bankable energy yield simulations that financiers and investors trust—it provides deep simulation detail but no design tools, proposal generation, or electrical schematics. BlueSol offers an integrated workflow from design through documentation, including features PVsyst lacks (design canvas, SLD generation, proposals).
Most commercial EPCs use PVsyst for final energy validation when lender approval requires it, but rely on design platforms (BlueSol, SurgePV, Aurora) for daily operational workflows. SurgePV bridges this gap by offering near-PVsyst accuracy (+/-3% shading simulation variance,) within an operational design platform—and can export to PVsyst when third-party validation is contractually required.
Does BlueSol support battery storage?
BlueSol supports energy storage system design for both AC-coupled configurations (batteries connected after inverter on AC side) and DC-coupled configurations (batteries connected before inverter on DC side). The platform models battery charging, discharging, and system operation for grid-connected solar-plus-storage installations. This allows commercial EPCs to design and simulate systems that provide backup power, demand charge reduction, or energy arbitrage capabilities.
Is BlueSol good for US projects?
BlueSol originates from Italy and primarily serves European markets. While the platform supports 70+ countries globally, official documentation doesn't confirm complete US utility database coverage, explicit NEC Article 690 compliance features, or US-specific permitting templates. Commercial EPCs focused primarily on the US market may find gaps in local utility rate data, electrical code verification, and AHJ-specific requirements.
US-based commercial EPCs should evaluate whether BlueSol's database includes their local utilities, verify that electrical calculations meet NEC requirements for their jurisdiction, and confirm that generated documentation aligns with local permitting expectations. Platforms purpose-built for the US market (like SurgePV with 3,000+ US utilities and NEC 690 compliance,) may offer more complete US-specific coverage.
What are BlueSol's main alternatives?
Main BlueSol alternatives include:
- SurgePV - Cloud-based platform with complete electrical engineering (automated SLD + wire sizing), native carport design, and US/India market focus. Best for commercial EPCs needing integrated electrical documentation without AutoCAD. Learn more about SurgePV features
- PVsyst - Industry-standard simulation for bankable energy validation. Not a design platform but universally accepted by financiers. Read PVsyst review
- *PVSOL Premium** - Valentin Software's European design tool with strong simulation capabilities. Annual subscription model (845 EUR/year).
- Aurora Solar - US market leader for residential solar with strong AI roof modeling but limited electrical engineering (no SLD generation). Read Aurora Solar review
- PVCase - CAD-based commercial design requiring AutoCAD. Deepest engineering customization but steeper learning curve. Read PVCase review
The right alternative depends on your priorities: cloud vs desktop, one-time vs subscription, electrical depth, geographic coverage, and specific features like carport design.
For a comprehensive comparison, see our best solar design software guide.
Does BlueSol require an internet connection?
BlueSol is desktop software that operates without continuous internet connectivity. After downloading and installing the software with license activation, all design, simulation, and documentation features function offline. Component databases, weather data, and calculation engines are stored locally on your Windows computer.
This offline capability benefits users in areas with unreliable internet or those preferring local data control. However, it means BlueSol lacks the real-time collaboration, automatic cloud backup, and multi-device access that cloud platforms provide. Teams must manually manage file sharing, version control, and data backups—tasks that cloud platforms automate.
How long does it take to learn BlueSol?
BlueSol's complete feature set and desktop architecture require significant learning investment. The Greentech Renewables professional assessment noted "a steeper learning curve" compared to simpler tools. Users familiar with Windows desktop software and CAD concepts will adapt faster than those accustomed to modern cloud interfaces.
Factors affecting learning time:
- Previous CAD experience: Speeds up SLD and design interface mastery
- Electrical engineering background: Helps understand wire sizing and electrical features
- Language: English interface available but originated in Italian
- Training resources: Video tutorials available; no verified user community for peer support
For comparison, SurgePV targets 2-3 week onboarding with structured training programs. BlueSol's learning curve may be longer, particularly for users without CAD or desktop software experience.
