HelioScope Review 2026: Features, Pricing & Honest Comparison

TL;DR: HelioScope is a cloud-based commercial solar design platform known for NREL-validated shading accuracy (±7%) and fast C&I workflows. Based on 47 G2 reviews and hands-on testing, users praise speed and ease of use (8.9/10) but report limitations in electrical engineering, battery modeling, and the 15MW size cap. For commercial EPCs needing complete electrical documentation, SurgePV offers automated SLD generation, wire sizing, and transparent pricing at lower total cost.

What Is HelioScope?

HelioScope is a cloud-based commercial and industrial solar design platform developed by Folsom Labs and acquired by Aurora Solar in August 2021. Purpose-built for commercial EPCs, project developers, and engineers working on projects from 20kW to 15MW, HelioScope combines 3D design tools, NREL-validated shading analysis, energy yield simulation, financial modeling, and proposal generation in a single web-based workflow.

Company Background

Folsom Labs created HelioScope to provide bankable, web-native solar design software specifically for commercial and industrial projects. In August 2021, Aurora Solar—valued at $2 billion at the time—acquired Folsom Labs to strengthen its commercial and utility-scale capabilities. The acquisition brought together Aurora's residential leadership with HelioScope's commercial/utility expertise.

Today, HelioScope is positioned as Aurora's premier utility-scale solar design software and C&I tool, serving thousands of customers across 100+ countries with 1,200 GW of solar projects designed worldwide.

Core Value Proposition

HelioScope delivers engineering-grade accuracy with operational speed. It enables C&I solar professionals to design accurate, bankable solar systems faster than traditional CAD + PVsyst workflows, without requiring deep engineering expertise. The platform targets the 100kW-5MW commercial sweet spot where speed, accuracy, and bankability matter most.

Strategic Recognition

In October 2025, HelioScope achieved a substantial milestone: recognition by Sunstone Credit as the first bankable, web-native platform for commercial solar design. This positions HelioScope alongside traditional desktop tools like PVsyst for financier acceptance.

Key Differentiators:

• NREL-validated shading accuracy (±7% of measured data)
• Within 1% of PVsyst results when assumptions align (DNV GL verification)
• Cloud-based accessibility (no installation required)
• 8.9/10 ease of use rating (G2 reviews)
• Commercial/utility focus (20kW-15MW range)
• Carport solar support (unique vs Aurora)

HelioScope Features: What's Included

Design Tools

HelioScope's 3D design engine provides a drag-and-drop interface with instant performance feedback, enabling fast commercial solar layouts without CAD expertise.

Core Capabilities:

• AI-based obstruction detection (Pro feature, introduced 2024)
• High-resolution LiDAR integration for large commercial rooftops (select regions, beta)
• Automatic module layout with manual adjustment options
• Field segment organization for complex multi-array projects
• Keepout zones for obstructions (HVAC, skylights, parapets)
• Orientation optimization

Component Library:

• 45,000+ modules, inverters, and racking components
• Global coverage with regular database updates
• "Meteo data and equipment database most up to date" (user feedback)

Strengths:

• Fast layout time: EPCs report cutting time in half vs traditional CAD tools
• Ease of use: 8.9/10 on G2 (vs PVsyst 7.1/10)
• No CAD expertise required

Limitations:

• Performance issues above 10,000 modules (lag, freezing)
• 15MW hard cap (cannot simulate above this)
• 5MW recommended maximum for optimal performance

Shading Analysis Key Strength

HelioScope's shading analysis is independently validated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and represents one of the platform's strongest capabilities.

Methodology:

• 8760-hour annual shading analysis (industry standard)
• Three shading types:

- Row-to-row: Shadow location on module, accounting for sun angle, module geometry, cell structure, bypass diodes

- Obstruction: Maps shadow path to determine impacted modules hourly throughout year

- Horizon: Uses azimuth/elevation points to define horizon around array

Validation & Accuracy:

NREL independently verified HelioScope's 3D modeling capabilities at locations in Los Angeles, Denver, and Camden. The error range spans -7.0% to +4.3%, within industry-standard variance. NREL found HelioScope "as accurate as LIDAR sources" for shading analysis.

When assumptions align with PVsyst (weather data, loss factors, equipment specifications), HelioScope results fall within 1% of PVsyst calculations at each step (DNV GL third-party verification via Aurora).

Performance:

• Simulation speed: 30-60 seconds typical
• Real-time updates as design changes
• Fast enough for iterative design optimization

SurgePV Comparison:

• HelioScope: ±7% shading accuracy (NREL validation)
• SurgePV: ±3% vs PVsyst (tighter precision)
• Both use industry-standard 8760-hour methodology

Electrical Engineering Limitations

HelioScope generates basic electrical documentation, but commercial EPCs typically need AutoCAD for complete electrical drawings.

Single Line Diagram (SLD) Generation:

• Automatically creates SLDs showing panels, inverters, combiners, recombiner boxes, wiring
• Displays voltage drop percentages at STC based on wire distances/conductor resistance
• Exportable to DXF format (AutoCAD compatible)
• "Ready to submit to local permitting agency in minutes" (HelioScope documentation)

Electrical Design Components:

• String configurations and MPPT assignments
• Combiner boxes and placement
• Inverter placement optimization
• Wire sizing considerations (shows voltage drop, but doesn't automate sizing)
• Bill of materials generation

Critical Limitations:

• No automated wire sizing calculations (manual verification needed)
• No conduit fill calculations
• No complete NEC Article 690 compliance automation
• SLD requires DXF export to AutoCAD for customization and finalization

What This Means:

For permit-ready electrical documentation, commercial EPCs typically need:

1. HelioScope Pro: $3,108/year
2. AutoCAD license: $2,000/year
3. Manual AutoCAD work: 2-3 hours per project
4. Total: $5,108/year + 2-3 hours per project

SurgePV Electrical Capabilities:

• Automated, code-compliant SLD generation (5-10 minutes, no CAD needed)
• Automated wire sizing (DC + AC, voltage drop analysis, NEC 690.8)
• Conduit calculations
• Complete NEC Article 690 compliance (690.7, 690.8, 690.12, 690.41)
• No AutoCAD required ($0 additional cost)

Time Savings: 2-3 hours per project

Cost Savings: $2,000/year AutoCAD license

Energy Production Simulation

HelioScope provides hour-by-hour energy yield calculations using the same equations as PVsyst, validated by DNV GL to be within 1% at each calculation step when assumptions align.

Simulation Capabilities:

• 8760-hour annual energy yield (hour-by-hour)
• Loss modeling: soiling, snow, mismatch, wiring, inverter efficiency, temperature
• P50 (median) and P90 (conservative) production estimates
• Bankable reports (recognized by financiers for appropriate project sizes)
• Real-time updates as design changes

Accuracy:

NREL validation found error range of -7.0% to +4.3%, generally within industry-standard variance. Note: One independent test found HelioScope "tended to overestimate solar generation for 11 out of 12 months," though this conflicts with NREL validation and may reflect user error or edge case.

Limitations:

• No P75 estimates (only P50 and P90)
• Bankability varies by financier and project size (many still require PVsyst for C&I/utility)

SurgePV Advantage:

• P50, P75, P90 estimates (more complete bankability metrics)
• ±3% accuracy vs PVsyst (tighter tolerance)

Financial Modeling & Proposals

HelioScope Pro and Enterprise plans include financial modeling and proposal generation, though user feedback suggests these are weaker features compared to competitors.

Financial Analysis (Pro/Enterprise):

• Detailed financial calculator
• Utility rate analysis
• ROI calculations
• Cash, loan, PPA modeling

Proposal Generation (Pro feature):

• Drag-and-drop proposal editor
• Automatically pulls project details, design details, utility analysis, financial metrics
• Custom report generation
• One-click sharing

User Feedback:

• Financial analysis score: 5.2/10 on G2 (vs PV*SOL 6.9/10)
• "Proposal designs look like they were created by someone more concerned with content placement rather than appearance" (user quote)
• "Basic proposal designs" (common complaint per G2 reviews)

HelioScope's proposals are functional but not as visually polished as Aurora Solar or focused sales tools. For early-stage commercial projects, they're adequate. For residential sales or high-end commercial proposals, alternatives like Aurora or GetPylon may be better.

Project Types Supported

Commercial Rooftop Primary Use Case:

• Office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities
• Flat and tilted roofs
• Complex layouts with multiple roof planes
• Obstruction modeling (HVAC, skylights, parapets)

Ground Mount:

• Fixed-tilt systems (no tracker support)
• Frame/table configuration
• Row spacing optimization
• Typical ground mount design principles

Carport Solar Unique Feature:

• Single carport structures
• Multiple evenly-spaced carport arrays
• Canopy configuration (open vs closed back)
• Annual generation and shadow analysis for carports
• Detailed PV array design for carport-mounted systems

HelioScope is one of the few mainstream platforms offering dedicated carport design tools, making it suitable for the fast-growing parking lot canopy segment (retail, offices, universities).

Limitations:

• No tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis)
• Limited to 5MW recommended, 15MW hard cap
• Not ideal for ultra-dense layouts (10,000+ modules cause lag)

SurgePV Comparison:

• Carport support (native platform capability)
• Tracker support (single-axis, dual-axis with backtracking)
• East-West racking (20-40% higher density)
• No documented size cap (scales beyond 15MW)

Integrations & Compatibility

CAD Export:

• DXF format (AutoCAD compatible)
• SLD export for customization
• Design layout export

API Access (Enterprise Plan Only):

• Automatically pull Project, Design, and Simulation data
• Integrate with other software in tech stack
• Contact sales@helioscope.com for API access

PVsyst Compatibility:

• Results align within 1% when assumptions match
• Common workflow: HelioScope (early-stage design) PVsyst (validation for financing)
• Can export data for PVsyst validation

Limitations:

• Limited native CRM/project management integrations (not extensively documented)
• Aurora platform integration ongoing (post-acquisition)
• No strong Salesforce/HubSpot integration like Aurora Solar

HelioScope Pricing: What Does It Cost?

HelioScope offers transparent public pricing for Basic and Pro tiers, with custom Enterprise pricing for larger organizations.

Pricing Tiers

Source: HelioScope Pricing Page, verified January 2026

Free Trial: Yes, available (duration not specified on website)

Hidden Costs Analysis

AutoCAD License:

For complete electrical documentation, commercial EPCs typically need AutoCAD ($2,000/year) to customize SLDs and create permit-ready electrical schematics.

Project Limitations:

The 10 projects/month cap on Basic/Pro plans may bottleneck high-volume EPCs processing 20+ projects monthly.

Single-User License:

Collaboration requires multiple licenses ($259/month per user), limiting teamwork without Enterprise plan.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

HelioScope Pro Only: $3,108/year ($259 × 12)

• Purpose: Design, simulation, proposals
• Limitation: Basic SLD (DXF export only)

HelioScope Pro + AutoCAD: $5,108/year

• HelioScope Pro: $3,108/year
• AutoCAD: $2,000/year
• Purpose: Complete electrical documentation capability

SurgePV All-Inclusive: Starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan) or $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan)

• Purpose: Design, electrical engineering, simulation, proposals
• Included: Automated SLD (5-10 min), wire sizing, conduit, no CAD needed

Annual Savings: $3,609/year per user (SurgePV For 3 Users plan vs HelioScope + AutoCAD: $5,108 - $1,499)

User Feedback on Pricing

From G2 reviews:

• "Biggest downside: limit to annual projects for larger systems and overall cost per system with newest pricing structure"
• "One user per license, limiting collaborative capabilities"

The 10 projects/month cap and single-user restriction are the most common pricing complaints, particularly for high-volume commercial EPCs.

What Real Users Say About HelioScope

Review Platform Summary

G2 Reviews (47 total):

• Overall Ease of Use: 8.9/10
• Design & Engineering: 7.4/10 (vs Aurora Solar 9.1/10)
• Topography Analysis: 3.3/10 Major Weakness (vs Aurora 9.1/10)
• Construction Planning: 4.8/10 (vs PVsyst 8.0/10)
• Financial Analysis: 5.2/10 (vs PV*SOL 6.9/10)

Slashdot/SourceForge:

• Solar category score: 73/100
• User satisfaction: 92/100

Side-by-Side vs Aurora:

• HelioScope: 73%
• Aurora Solar: 92%

Sources: G2 HelioScope Reviews, Slashdot Reviews

Top Praised Features (Pros)

1. Speed & Efficiency

"EPCs report cutting layout time in half compared to traditional CAD tools." Commercial designers praise HelioScope's workflow speed, particularly for rooftop layouts.

User quotes:

• "Incredibly fast and versatile, fastest simulation software"
• "Auto-stringing saving hours"

2. Ease of Use

G2 Ease of Use: 8.9/10 (vs PVsyst 7.1/10)

User quotes:

• "Very easy to use, no CAD background required"
• "Built-in tooltips and step-by-step guidance"
• "Despite engineering power, HelioScope stays surprisingly approachable"

3. Shading Analysis Accuracy

NREL-validated (±7%), "as accurate as LIDAR sources" per NREL validation.

User quote:

• "The meteo data and equipment database is the most up to date compared to other software"

4. Customer Support

User quote:

• "Availability, competence, responsiveness, helpfulness and courtesy of Customer Support"

Support hours: Monday-Friday, 12 AM - 6 PM PST

Channels: Live chat, email

5. Cloud-Based Accessibility

User quote:

• "Can be accessed online, even during site visits to create proposals in minutes"

Top Criticisms (Cons)

1. Not Ideal for Residential

User quote:

• "If you deal with mainly residential solar installations up to 15kW, there are better software options"

Better alternatives for residential: Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, Solargraf

2. Electrical Engineering Gaps

• Basic SLD requiring CAD export for customization
• No automated wire sizing
• No conduit calculations
• Requires AutoCAD for complete electrical documentation

This is the most substantial limitation for commercial EPCs needing permit-ready electrical documentation without external CAD tools.

3. Battery/Energy Storage Limitations

User quotes:

• "Common complaints include limited battery modeling support"
• "Doesn't handle advanced storage dispatch or battery degradation"

Better alternatives for storage: Aurora Solar, Energy Toolbase

4. Size Limitations

5MW recommended maximum, 15MW hard cap

User quote:

• "Limited to 5MW and up to 15MW combined, problematic for developers building projects of 150MW+"

Better alternatives above 15MW: RatedPower, PVcase, SAM

5. Feature Gaps vs Competitors

• Topography analysis: 3.3/10 (vs Aurora 9.1/10)
• No tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis)
• Basic proposal designs
• Financial analysis: 5.2/10

6. Pricing & Project Limits

• 10 projects/month cap on Basic/Pro plans
• Single-user license limits collaboration
• Need Enterprise for unlimited projects (custom pricing)

HelioScope Pros & Cons: Quick Summary

Pros (What HelioScope Does Well)

1. Commercial/Industrial Focus - Purpose-built for 100kW-5MW projects
2. NREL-Validated Accuracy - Shading analysis within ±7% of measured data (source: NREL study)
3. Speed & Efficiency - Cuts layout time in half vs CAD tools (source: G2 reviews)
4. Ease of Use - 8.9/10 ease of use rating (source: G2)
5. PVsyst Alignment - Within 1% accuracy when assumptions align (source: DNV GL via Aurora)
6. Carport Solar Support - One of few platforms supporting carport design
7. Cloud-Based - Accessible anywhere, no installation required
8. Customer Support - Responsive, helpful support team (source: G2 reviews)
9. Established Track Record - 1,200 GW designed worldwide, Sunstone Credit recognition (Oct 2025)

Cons (What HelioScope Struggles With)

1. Electrical Engineering Limitations - Basic SLD (requires AutoCAD for customization), no automated wire sizing, no conduit calculations
2. Total Cost - $5,108/year when including AutoCAD for complete electrical capability
3. Size Limitations - 5MW recommended, 15MW hard cap (not ideal for utility-scale above 15MW)
4. Battery/Storage Gaps - No advanced storage dispatch or battery degradation modeling
5. Project Limits - 10 projects/month cap (Basic/Pro plans)
6. Collaboration Restrictions - Single-user license (teamwork requires multiple licenses)
7. Feature Gaps - No tracker support, weak topography analysis (3.3/10), basic financial analysis (5.2/10)
8. Not for Residential - Overkill for under 15kW projects

SurgePV vs HelioScope: Head-to-Head Comparison

Comparison Table

Electrical Engineering Comparison Primary Differentiator

HelioScope:

• Basic SLD generation with DXF export
• Requires AutoCAD ($2,000/year) for SLD customization
• No automated wire sizing
• No conduit calculations
• No complete NEC Article 690 compliance automation
• Time: 2-3 hours per project (manual AutoCAD work)

SurgePV Electrical Engineering Features:

• Automated, code-compliant SLD generation (5-10 minutes)
• No AutoCAD required ($0 additional cost)
• Automated wire sizing (DC + AC, voltage drop analysis, NEC 690.8)
• Conduit calculations
• NEC Article 690 compliance (690.7, 690.8, 690.12, 690.41)
• Time Savings: 1.5-2.5 hours per project

Why This Matters: For commercial EPCs, electrical documentation is non-negotiable for permitting. HelioScope forces you to purchase AutoCAD ($2,000/year) and spend 2-3 hours per project creating SLDs manually. SurgePV automates this entirely at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) or $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan).

Total Cost of Ownership Comparison

HelioScope Pro + AutoCAD (for complete electrical capability):

• HelioScope Pro: $3,108/year ($259/month × 12)
• AutoCAD: $2,000/year
• Total: $5,108/year per user

SurgePV All-Inclusive Pricing:

• All-inclusive: Starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan) or $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan)
• Included: Automated SLD (5-10 minutes), wire sizing, conduit, no CAD needed
• Savings: $3,609/year per user vs HelioScope + AutoCAD (For 3 Users plan: $5,108 - $1,499)

Commercial Structures Comparison

HelioScope:

• Carport solar (supported)
• No tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis)
• Limited East-West racking support

SurgePV:

• Carport support (native platform capability)
• Tracker support (single-axis, dual-axis with backtracking)
• East-West racking support (20-40% higher density)

Workflow Comparison (Real-World Scenario)

Scenario: 500kW commercial rooftop project requiring complete electrical documentation

HelioScope Workflow:

1. Design layout: 30 minutes
2. Shading analysis: 1 minute
3. Export to AutoCAD: 5 minutes
4. Create SLD in AutoCAD: 2-3 hours (manual work)
5. Wire sizing calculations: 30-60 minutes (manual spreadsheet)
6. Generate proposal: 20 minutes

Total: 4-5 hours

SurgePV Workflow:

1. Design layout: 30 minutes
2. Shading analysis: 1 minute
3. Automated SLD generation: 5-10 minutes (in-platform)
4. Automated wire sizing: Instant (calculated automatically)
5. Generate proposal: 20 minutes

Total: 55-60 minutes

Time Saved: 3-4 hours per project (75-80% reduction)

When to Choose Each Platform

HelioScope Is Best For:

• Commercial projects 100kW-5MW (sweet spot)
• Early-stage project development (pre-sales)
• Teams already using AutoCAD for other work
• Projects requiring PVsyst validation (HelioScope PVsyst workflow established)
• Users prioritizing established track record (1,200 GW designed worldwide)

SurgePV Is Best For:

• Commercial EPCs needing complete electrical documentation without AutoCAD
• High-volume operations (unlimited projects vs 10/month cap)
• Teams wanting integrated electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing, conduit)
• Projects above 5MW (no size limitations)
• Commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West racking)
• Cost-conscious teams ($3,100/year vs $5,108/year)
• Teams prioritizing workflow efficiency (3-4 hours saved per project)

Best Use Cases for HelioScope

Ideal Use Cases

1. Commercial Rooftop Projects (100kW-5MW)

• Office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities
• Complex roof geometries with obstructions
• Need: Fast, accurate designs with bankable reports
• Workflow: HelioScope design Proposal PVsyst validation (if needed)

2. Carport Solar Systems

• Parking lot canopy structures
• Multiple carport arrays
• Need: Carport-specific modeling (unique feature among mainstream tools)

3. Early-Stage Project Development

• Pre-sales assessments
• Preliminary designs for proposals
• ROI/feasibility studies
• Workflow: HelioScope (speed) PVsyst (validation) if project proceeds

4. Ground-Mount Commercial (up to 5MW)

• Fixed-tilt ground arrays
• Commercial/industrial sites
• Limitation: Not ideal above 5MW (use RatedPower, PVcase instead)

Use Cases Where HelioScope Struggles

1. Projects Requiring Complete Electrical Engineering

• Commercial EPCs needing integrated electrical documentation
• Teams without AutoCAD licenses or CAD expertise
• High-volume operations where 2-3 hours per project matters
• Better Alternative: SurgePV automated electrical features

2. Utility-Scale Mega-Projects (above 15MW)

• Hard cap at 15MW
• Missing features: Batch processing, infrastructure modeling (roads, fencing, transformers)
• Better Alternatives: RatedPower, PVcase, SAM

3. Battery/Storage-Heavy Projects

• Limited battery modeling
• No advanced storage dispatch or degradation modeling
• Better Alternatives: Aurora Solar, Energy Toolbase

4. High-Volume, Low-Margin Operations

• 10 projects/month cap (Basic/Pro plans)
• Need Enterprise plan for unlimited projects (custom pricing)
• Better Alternative: SurgePV (unlimited projects at starting at $1,899/year for 3 users)

5. Residential Installers Needing Beautiful Proposals

• "Basic proposal designs" (user feedback)
• Better Alternatives: Aurora Solar, GetPylon

Migration Considerations

Switching from HelioScope to SurgePV?

Common Reasons Users Switch:

1. Electrical Engineering Gaps (45% mention) - Need automated SLD and wire sizing without AutoCAD
2. Cost Concerns (30% mention) - $2,000/year AutoCAD savings
3. Project Volume Limits (15% mention) - 10/month cap restrictive
4. Size Limitations (10% mention) - 15MW cap blocking larger projects

Migration Process:

• Timeline: 2-3 weeks
• Steps: Data export SurgePV setup Parallel testing Full transition
• Support: Dedicated specialist, data import assistance, team training, 1:1 onboarding, priority support

HelioScope vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison

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

Final Verdict: HelioScope vs SurgePV

HelioScope Summary

Strengths:

• NREL-validated accuracy (±7% shading, within 1% of PVsyst)
• Fast commercial workflows (cut layout time in half vs CAD)
• Ease of use (8.9/10 on G2)
• Carport solar support (unique vs Aurora)
• Established track record (1,200 GW designed, Sunstone Credit recognition)
• Part of Aurora platform (AI obstruction detection, widely-recognized company)

Ideal For:

• Commercial EPCs focused on 100kW-5MW projects
• Early-stage project development and pre-sales
• Teams already using AutoCAD for other work
• Users prioritizing established validation (NREL, Sunstone Credit)
• Projects requiring PVsyst validation workflow

Limitations:

• Basic electrical engineering (requires AutoCAD for complete SLD, no wire sizing)
• Higher total cost ($5,108/year with AutoCAD vs SurgePV $1,499/user/year)
• 15MW size cap (5MW recommended)
• 10 projects/month limitation (Basic/Pro)
• No tracker support, limited battery modeling

SurgePV Summary

Strengths:

• Complete electrical engineering (automated SLD 5-10 min, wire sizing, conduit, no CAD needed)
• Lower total cost (starting at $1,899/year for 3 users or $1,499/user/year on For 3 Users plan vs $5,108/year for HelioScope + AutoCAD)
• No project limitations (unlimited vs 10/month cap)
• Superior commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West)
• Better shading accuracy (±3% vs PVsyst vs HelioScope ±7%)
• More bankability metrics (P50, P75, P90 vs HelioScope P50, P90)
• Transparent all-inclusive pricing

Ideal For:

• Commercial EPCs needing integrated electrical documentation without AutoCAD
• High-volume operations (unlimited projects)
• Cost-conscious teams ($3,609/year per user savings)
• Projects above 5MW (no size limitations)
• Teams prioritizing workflow efficiency (3-4 hours saved per project)
• Commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West racking)

Common Evaluation Factors Teams Consider:

When evaluating alternatives to HelioScope, commercial EPCs commonly cite:

1. Electrical Engineering Gaps - Need for integrated SLD generation, wire sizing, and conduit calculations without external CAD tools
2. Total Cost of Ownership - Combined software and tool licensing costs ($5,108/year for HelioScope + AutoCAD vs starting at $1,899/year for 3 users or $1,499/user/year on For 3 Users plan for all-inclusive alternatives)
3. Project Volume Limitations - 10 projects/month cap on Basic/Pro plans vs unlimited project needs
4. Scale Requirements - 15MW hard cap limiting utility-scale project growth

Decision Framework

HelioScope makes sense for teams that:

• Have established AutoCAD workflows and expertise
• Focus on projects under 5MW
• Value Aurora platform integration
• Prioritize established validation track record (1,200 GW, NREL validation, Sunstone Credit)
• Process fewer than 10 projects monthly

Alternatives like SurgePV may be stronger for teams that:

• Need integrated electrical documentation without CAD dependencies
• Process high project volumes (10+ monthly)
• Want transparent, predictable all-inclusive pricing
• Design projects above 5MW
• Prioritize workflow consolidation and time efficiency

Analysis: Both platforms serve commercial solar design well, but optimize for different workflows. HelioScope + AutoCAD suits teams with established CAD processes. Integrated platforms eliminate tool-switching but require workflow adaptation.

Ready to See SurgePV's Electrical Engineering Advantage?

HelioScope requires AutoCAD and 2-3 hours per project for electrical documentation. SurgePV automates this entirely—SLD generation, wire sizing, and conduit calculations in 5-10 minutes.

See SurgePV in Action

Book a 15-Minute Demo

What you'll see:

• Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours in AutoCAD)
• Integrated wire sizing and conduit calculations (no external tools)
• Commercial structures (carports, trackers, East-West racking)
• Your workflow: Tailored demo for your commercial project types

No pressure, no obligation

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• Compare Detailed Features: Best Solar Design Software
• See Complete Pricing Breakdown
• Explore All Solar Design Software Reviews
• Compare Aurora Solar vs HelioScope

External Sources

Official HelioScope Sources:

• HelioScope Official Website
• HelioScope Pricing
• HelioScope Help Center

Review Platforms:

• G2 HelioScope Reviews
• G2 HelioScope Pros & Cons
• G2 Aurora vs HelioScope Comparison

Validation & Industry Sources:

• NREL HelioScope Validation Study (PDF)
• Aurora Solar Acquires Folsom Labs