PVcase Review 2025: Utility-Scale Solar Design Software

Discover our 2025 PVcase Review for ground mount design, yield modeling & engineering tools. Learn how PVcase optimizes your solar projects—discover now!

Rainer Neumann
July 3, 2025
“PVcase Ground Mount saves hundreds of engineering hours per project.”
– Solar Project Engineer, LinkedIn

In an industry where minutes matter and precision wins contracts, PVcase has quietly become the go-to solution for utility-scale solar engineering teams. With over 1,500 customers across 75+ countries, it’s redefining how developers design, optimize, and simulate solar projects on complex terrain.

And in 2025, PVcase is only getting stronger.

With updates like ray-tracing yield simulations, multi-module stringing, and a growing Prospect platform for early-stage planning, the platform continues to evolve well beyond CAD automation.

Built for engineering, not just aesthetics, PVcase supports:

  • Bankable performance studies
  • Terrain-aware layout optimization
  • Seamless AutoCAD integration
  • Multi-site project management at scale

Whether you're designing 500-kW commercial rooftops or multi-MW solar parks, PVcase delivers the speed, accuracy, and workflow compatibility engineering teams demand.

In this 2025 review, we’ll unpack:

  • What PVcase actually does—and who it’s ideal for
  • Its newest features, integrations, and global growth
  • Pros, limitations, pricing transparency, and real user insights
  • How it compares to rivals like HelioScope, PVsyst, and Aurora

Let’s dive in—and see why serious solar engineers are replacing spreadsheets and old-school design tools with PVcase.

PVcase Alternatives (2025)

Feature SurgePV (Best Overall) PVcase Aurora HelioScope PV*SOL / PVsyst
Platform Cloud (no install) AutoCAD + Cloud Web Web Windows only
Layout AI + LIDAR + roof auto-detect CAD-based AI + LIDAR Manual Manual
Terrain Auto slope + racking tilt Advanced terrain cut/fill Roof slope only Simple slope input Custom terrain import
Simulation 8760h + P50/P90 + losses Tracker + ray-trace yield P50 only 8760h C&I focus P50/P90/P99 bankable
Battery Full ESS + backup + TOU Partial Basic (Pro plans) Yes
Proposal DE/EN PDFs + ROI, payback, eSign Visual proposal tool Basic PDF
Finance Full ROI, IRR, tariff logic Limited Moderate Deep LCOE (not for clients)
Docs Auto BOM, SLD, plan set DXF/DWG export Add-on (Lyra) PVsyst export Manual reports
Ease of Use Very easy (no CAD needed) Expert (CAD required) Medium (guided UI) Medium-hard Hard (engineer-only)
Best For All-in-one EPC tool (residential + C&I) Utility-scale CAD engineers Proposal-driven sales teams Mid-size commercial teams Engineering researchers

Why SurgePV Wins in 2025

  • AI Layout + LIDAR = Faster roof design
  • Built-in P50/P90 & ROI = Bankable results
  • German-ready outputs = EEG, VAT, eSignature
  • All-in-one cloud app = No CAD or plugins needed

👉 Want to see how SurgePV compares live?
Book a Demo and build a full layout + ROI proposal in under 30 minutes—no CAD, no spreadsheets, fully German-compliant.

What Is PVcase?

PVcase is a powerful, modular solar design suite engineered for professionals who manage C&I and utility-scale projects—not just residential rooftops.

Founded in Lithuania with HQs in Vilnius and Kaunas, PVcase has grown rapidly to support 1,500+ solar firms across 75+ countries. The platform is especially well-regarded for its AutoCAD integration and precision-driven engineering features, making it a favorite among EPCs and solar design teams.

PVcase is built as a modular ecosystem, so teams can adopt the tools they need most:

  • Prospect – for site selection and constraint analysis
  • Ground Mount – for AutoCAD-based layout and electrical design
  • Roof Mount – for fast, accurate commercial rooftop planning
  • Yield – for 3D ray-traced simulation and bankable performance reports

Each module works independently, but when connected, they create a site-to-design-to-yield workflow few tools can match.

“It’s the only solution we’ve found that brings CAD layout, terrain-aware grading, and yield modeling into one streamlined pipeline.” – PV Engineer, G2

Key Features of PVcase: Smarter, Faster Solar Design

When you choose PVcase, you’re not just ticking off a tool list—you’re unlocking real-time savings, smoother collaboration, and layouts that practically design themselves. Let’s walk through what makes PVcase stand out in 2025.

CAD-Based Layout Automation

PVcase plugs right into your AutoCAD setup—no workarounds needed. Whether you’re on Ground Mount or Roof Mount projects, you’ll love how it:

  • Auto-generates string layouts, single-line diagrams, and substation zones without leaving CAD.
  • Snips away hours of repetitive drafting so your team can focus on high-value engineering.

Terrain-Aware Optimization

Got a hilly site? No problem. PVcase adapts your layout to real-world slopes with millimeter-level precision.

  • Visual topography maps help you pick the perfect table locations.
  • Grading insights pop up instantly, so you can plan cut-and-fill before a single truck rolls in.

Built-In Electrical Design Tools

Stop bouncing between programs. PVcase handles everything from cable routing to trench planning, then spits out your Bill of Materials automatically. That means less coordination time between design and electrical teams—and fewer late-night email chains.

PVcase Yield (2025 Update)

Our latest ray-tracing simulations use physics-based irradiance models to deliver bankable yield estimates you can trust. We factor in row shading, terrain effects, bifacial gains, and more—so your forecasts align with PVSyst-level accuracy.

PVcase Prospect for Early-Stage Planning

Need to vet sites in minutes, not days? Prospect lets your pre-sales and development teams:

  • Map parcels and score buildability instantly
  • Pull zoning data and spot constraints before you invest time
  • Push layouts directly into Ground Mount when you’re ready to design

Cross-Module Data Continuity

From Prospect through Ground Mount to Yield, PVcase keeps your data flowing seamlessly. No more re-entering specs or hunting down versions—just faster decisions and fewer errors.

User Experience & Interface

PVcase is built around professionals who already work in AutoCAD or browser-based GIS tools—and it shows.

Interface & Learning Curve

  • AutoCAD plugin feels native for CAD users
  • Prospect and Yield run in a browser, offering speed and accessibility
  • Engineers will feel at home, but non-CAD users may face a steeper onboarding

Speed & Performance

  • Ground Mount saves hundreds of hours” – G2 reviewer
  • Batch generation of strings, trench paths, and cabling
  • Some users report lag with extremely large projects, but overall stability is strong

Support & Training

  • Access to the PVcase Academy, webinars, and live chat
  • Well-documented help center and responsive onboarding
  • Continuous updates based on user feedback
“Their support team is the best I’ve used—very responsive and knowledgeable.” – Design Manager, Capterra

Pros & Cons

Pros

If speed, precision, and full control over site engineering matter to your solar team, PVcase delivers real-world ROI—not just better-looking mockups.

  • Industry-Leading Automation
    "Ground Mount saves hundreds of hours" is a common refrain among users. By automating trenching, SLDs, and table placement directly within AutoCAD, PVcase reduces what used to be full-day tasks to minutes.
  • Award-Winning CAD Platform
    Named G2’s Best CAD & PLM Software in 2025, PVcase is consistently praised for its speed, stability, and highly responsive support team.
  • Modular Flexibility
    Choose only what your workflow needs—Prospect, Ground Mount, Roof Mount, or Yield. You’re not forced into bloated bundles or unused features.
  • Advanced Yield Modeling
    PVcase Yield includes ray-tracing, bifacial modeling, and thermal-electrical loss integration. For teams producing investor-grade energy reports, it rivals PVsyst in credibility.
  • Globally Ready
    Available in six+ languages, including Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Hindi—making it accessible for distributed teams and international developers.

“Excellent support. They roll out updates fast and actually listen to engineers.” – Senior PV Designer, G2

Cons

While PVcase is powerful, it’s not without limitations—and it’s best suited to teams with the infrastructure and expertise to handle it.

  • CAD Required
    PVcase relies on AutoCAD for its core modules. If you don’t already work in CAD or have access to it, onboarding can be challenging.
  • Complex for Small Projects
    If you’re quoting small residential jobs or running quick takeoffs, PVcase might feel like overkill—especially when free tools like OpenSolar exist.
  • Interface Feedback
    Some users report lag when using data-rich views in Prospect or building complex terrain scenes. Others describe the UI as “clunky” in moments of heavy rendering.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Teams unfamiliar with AutoCAD workflows may need additional training. Despite onboarding support, PVcase assumes technical fluency.

PVcase Pricing (2025)

PVcase uses a modular, quote-based pricing model. There’s no public pricing page, but here’s what you can expect:

Plan Type Estimated Model Notes
Per Module Separate licenses for each module (e.g., Ground, Yield) You buy only what you use.
Enterprise Multi-seat/team licenses Custom deployment for larger EPCs and design firms
Free Trial Available by request Accessible via PVcase Help Center or Sales
Annual Licenses Expected structure Ongoing support and feature updates included

Real User Feedback & Reviews

PVcase earns consistently strong feedback from engineering professionals, especially those working on utility-scale or terrain-heavy projects.

What Users Love:

  • “Saves hundreds of hours.” (G2)
  • “Bankable design outputs, automated trenching is a game changer.”
  • “The best support team we’ve dealt with.” – multiple G2 reviews

Critiques and Limitations:

  • “UI gets sluggish with large datasets.” – Prospect user
  • “Learning curve is steep if you’re not familiar with CAD.”
  • “Would love more intuitive visual editing for rooftop layouts.”

Overall, the consensus: not the easiest tool, but a serious power upgrade for anyone managing full-scale design work in AutoCAD.

Final Verdict: Is PVcase the Right Fit in 2025?

If your team works heavily in CAD and values deep technical control, PVcase is a top-tier tool. Its capabilities around terrain modeling, tracker design, and ray-traced yield simulation make it a go-to for engineering teams tackling utility-scale projects.

But with that power comes a learning curve—and a dependency on AutoCAD licenses.

If you're a team looking for faster adoption, more collaboration-friendly workflows, and a solution that spans residential, commercial, and hybrid portfolios—without the added CAD complexity—then SurgePV might be a smarter long-term choice.

Still Comparing Solar Design Platforms?

PVcase is built for precision—but not every team needs that level of granularity or wants to juggle multiple tools and licenses.

If your priorities include:

  • Faster quoting without sacrificing technical accuracy
  • Streamlined, all-in-one workflows that bring design, sales, and operations together
  • A platform that’s flexible enough for residential, C&I, and storage projects

Then it’s worth seeing what SurgePV can do.

See the Difference for Yourself

Book a personalized demo and discover how SurgePV helps teams like yours design faster, collaborate better, and close more deals—all through a modern, easy-to-use interface and pricing that scales with you.

Book your free SurgePV demo now

No pressure. No contracts. Just real answers—and a better way to grow your solar business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between PVcase Yield and PVsyst?

PVcase Yield uses advanced 3D ray-tracing and terrain-aware modeling to simulate irradiance and shading, ideal for bankable yield projections on complex sites. In contrast, PVsyst relies on static CAD inputs and spreadsheet-like configurations—accurate, but less visual and interactive.

Is Prospect available in Europe?

Yes. PVcase Prospect is accessible across Europe and globally. It supports multi-language demos including English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, and Hindi—making it ideal for international development teams.

Can PVcase Ground Mount handle utility-scale projects?

Absolutely. Ground Mount is designed for large-scale deployment, including 1 MW+ utility installations, with full support for table optimization, trenching, and terrain grading at scale.

What’s the learning curve like?

If your team is CAD-proficient, the learning curve is fast—most engineers report becoming productive in a matter of days. However, non-CAD users may face a steeper ramp-up, especially with AutoCAD navigation and layer management.

Can I export BOM, string design, and site grading reports?

Yes. PVcase offers comprehensive export capabilities, including:

  • Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Cable runs
  • Grading volumes
  • Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs)
    All are generated directly from the design environment, ready for engineering review or procurement.