TL;DR Summary
PVComplete offers a residential-to-utility solar design suite with free PVSketch for sales and PVCAD/PVCAD Mega for engineering. Based on our analysis and user feedback from G2, the seamless PVSketch-PVCAD workflow and PVSyst integration are strengths.
Key limitations include AutoCAD dependency, complex 4-product portfolio, and limited third-party reviews. Acquired by Enact Solar in January 2026.
For commercial EPCs seeking a unified platform without AutoCAD, SurgePV offers integrated electrical engineering with automated SLD generation and wire sizing at lower total cost.
What Is PVComplete?
PVComplete is a solar design platform founded in 2015 in Berkeley, California by solar developers and electrical engineers. The company's mission has been straightforward: make PV design software tools easy to use for everyone from residential sales teams to utility-scale developers.
Company Overview
Here's what you need to know about PVComplete's background:
Founded in 2015, PVComplete is headquartered at 1250 Addison St Ste 105, Berkeley, CA 94702. The company operates with approximately 23 employees across 4 continents (US, Europe/Porto, Asia).
They've raised $3.51M in funding from investors including EDP Ventures, Berkeley SkyDeck, E8, and InnoEnergy.
As of early 2026, PVComplete serves 5,000+ active users who have designed 500,000+ solar projects globally. The platform has been used to design gigawatts of solar capacity across residential, commercial, and utility-scale segments.
Leadership includes Shane Lebow as CEO (joined November 2023), Brian Hogan as CTO, and Daniel Sherwood as President.
The Enact Solar Acquisition
On January 13, 2026, Enact Solar acquired PVComplete in what both companies are calling a major industry development. This acquisition creates what Enact describes as "the industry's first end-to-end AI-enabled solar software platform."
Here's what this means: Enact Solar's asset management platform will now integrate with PVComplete's design tools.
The idea is that operational data from existing solar projects will flow back into the design phase, creating a feedback loop between design assumptions and real-world performance.
Shane Lebow and Brian Hogan joined Enact in their same roles as CEO and CTO.
The acquisition happened just weeks ago, so we're still watching to see how product integration unfolds and whether pricing or features will change.
Product Suite Overview
PVComplete isn't a single product—it's actually four separate tools:
PVSketch: A free or low-cost web app for quick designs and customer proposals. Think of it as the sales enablement tool.
You can create 5-minute layouts for residential projects under 200kW without needing engineering expertise.
PVCAD: An AutoCAD plugin for commercial engineering and permit-ready drawings. This is where things get more technical.
PVCAD handles electrical diagrams, wire sizing, and NEC-compliant documentation for projects up to 5MW.
PVSketch Mega: A web-based tool for utility-scale layouts. This sits between the free PVSketch and the heavy-duty PVCAD Mega.
PVCAD Mega: The flagship AutoCAD plugin for utility-scale engineering. We're talking 1GW+ projects with tracker optimization, topography analysis, and backtracking algorithms.
This 4-product structure is both a strength (you can start free and scale up) and a weakness (it's confusing which product you actually need).
PVComplete Features Analysis
Let's break down what each product actually does and where it excels or falls short.
PVSketch - Free Sales & Design Tool
What It Does
PVSketch is PVComplete's entry-level web app. You can design solar systems in 5 clicks using Google Maps imagery.
The platform detects roof boundaries, calculates shading losses with 3D analysis, and generates customer-facing proposals with ROI calculations.
The tool includes extensive equipment databases with thousands of modules and inverters. You get energy production estimates, payback period calculations, and savings projections—everything a sales team needs to close residential deals.
Strengths
The free tier is PVSketch's biggest selling point. Over 30,000 free accounts have been created globally.
For small residential installers who can't justify $500/month software subscriptions, this matters.
Speed is the other advantage. PVComplete claims "5-minute layouts" for simple residential projects, and based on LinkedIn reviews, that's accurate for straightforward rooftops.
The seamless export to PVCAD is unique. If you start a project in PVSketch and need engineering documentation later, you can jump to PVCAD without re-entering data.
Among competitors, only PVComplete offers this integrated residential-to-engineering workflow.
Limitations
Here's where reality sets in. A LinkedIn review from a practicing solar designer noted: "For larger sizes, the software crashes endlessly."
The same reviewer mentioned "design flexibility is very limited" and complained that the "database is not very updated with latest modules and inverters."
Another common complaint: "Racking is difficult to customize." If you have complex mounting situations, PVSketch may not give you the control you need.
The tool works well for simple residential (<200kW), but struggles with larger or more complex layouts.
SurgePV Comparison
SurgePV handles residential through commercial in one platform without tool-switching.
You get design and electrical engineering in a single workflow, which means no exporting between products or learning two separate interfaces.
PVCAD - Commercial Engineering Tool
What It Does
PVCAD is where PVComplete gets serious about engineering. This is an AutoCAD plugin that generates permit-ready drawings for rooftop, carport, and ground mount projects.
The electrical capabilities include single line diagram (SLD) generation, wire sizing calculations, voltage drop analysis, and NEC Article 690-compliant wiring schedules.
You also get bill of materials (BOM) reports and PVSyst export.
PVCAD supports projects up to 5MW—the sweet spot for commercial and industrial (C&I) solar.
Strengths
Per a PV Tech article, PVCAD "cuts engineering time in half" for commercial projects. The automated electrical calculations and permit plan sets save hours compared to manual AutoCAD work.
The AutoCAD credibility matters to some engineers. Working within Autodesk's ecosystem means AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction) recognize the output as professional CAD documentation.
PVSyst export is another time-saver. You can send your design to PVSyst for bankable energy modeling without manually recreating the entire project.
Limitations
The AutoCAD dependency is PVCAD's Achilles heel. You need a separate AutoCAD license ($1,680-2,000/year) unless you buy the bundled version.
That adds significant cost and requires CAD expertise.
PVCAD is desktop-based, not cloud-native. You can't easily collaborate with remote teams or access designs from a browser.
You're also paying for PVCAD separately from PVSketch. If you need both sales and engineering, you're juggling two subscriptions.
SurgePV Comparison
SurgePV generates SLDs in 5-10 minutes without AutoCAD.
Wire sizing is automated and included in all plans. You don't need separate tool purchases or CAD training.
The annual savings on AutoCAD alone is $2,000 per user.
PVCAD Mega - Utility-Scale Engineering
What It Does
PVCAD Mega is built for the big projects—1GW+ utility-scale layouts. The platform handles single-axis tracker optimization, topography pier analysis, and backtracking algorithms.
PVComplete recently added an AI design assistant (new in 2026) to help less-experienced users navigate the complexity.
The platform integrates with PVSyst for energy modeling, which is critical for project finance.
Strengths
PVComplete claims you can "complete 1GW layouts in seconds." That's impressive for utility-scale planning.
The topography pier analysis is unique in the market. Most platforms treat ground-mount sites as flat planes.
PVCAD Mega accounts for terrain variations and optimizes pier placement.
Major developers use it. Lightsource BP has publicly stated that "PVCAD Mega has been instrumental in increasing our productivity."
Limitations
PVCAD Mega is expensive: $295-490/month ($3,540-5,880/year). Add the AutoCAD requirement, and you're looking at $5,200-7,500+ per user annually.
The learning curve is steep. AutoCAD expertise is assumed.
Onboarding takes longer than cloud-based alternatives.
Competition is fierce at utility scale. PVCase and RatedPower offer similar capabilities, and many developers have standardized on those platforms.
SurgePV Comparison
SurgePV focuses on commercial (100kW-5MW) with integrated electrical engineering at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan).
For pure utility-scale projects over 10MW, PVCAD Mega may have advantages.
But for the commercial sweet spot, SurgePV delivers complete electrical documentation at a fraction of the cost.
Feature Comparison Table
PVComplete Pricing & Plans
Current Pricing (Post-Acquisition 2026)
PVComplete's pricing has evolved with the Enact acquisition. Here's what we know:
A few notes on this pricing:
30% discounts apply when you pay annually. Free 7-day trials are available for PVCAD, PVSketch Mega, and PVCAD Mega.
The free PVSketch tier has helped them build 30,000+ accounts.
Hidden Costs
The AutoCAD license is the elephant in the room. If you choose the PVCAD plug-in versions (not the bundles), you need your own AutoCAD license at $1,680-2,000/year.
Multiple subscriptions can pile up. A commercial EPC wanting sales and engineering might need PVSketch Pro ($115/mo) plus PVCAD ($180-330/mo) plus AutoCAD ($140/mo).
That's $435-585 per month, or $5,220-7,020 per year per user.
Training time for AutoCAD integration adds soft costs that don't show up in subscription pricing.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
Let's run the numbers for a typical commercial EPC:
Scenario: Commercial EPC (100kW-2MW projects)
Annual savings with SurgePV: $1,273-1,525 per user compared to PVComplete's full commercial configuration.
Pricing Transparency Issues
PVComplete's 4-product portfolio creates confusion. Which product do you actually need?
The differences between plug-in and bundle versions aren't immediately obvious on their website.
AutoCAD costs are buried. If you don't read the fine print, you might not realize the plug-in versions require separate CAD licensing.
Annual discounts vary by product, making apples-to-apples comparisons difficult.
SurgePV Comparison
SurgePV pricing is public and transparent: $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan).
All features included. No AutoCAD required. No tier surprises.
You know exactly what you're paying upfront.
What Users Say About PVComplete
Review Platform Ratings
Here's something interesting: PVComplete has limited presence on major review platforms.
That's unusual for a platform with 5,000+ users and 11 years in business.
It suggests either a smaller engaged user base or lower participation in public review channels compared to competitors like Aurora or HelioScope.
User Feedback (Industry Sources)
Without G2 or Capterra reviews, we turned to LinkedIn articles and industry publications for user perspectives.
Positive Feedback:
One LinkedIn reviewer called PVSketch "extremely quick and easy software for PV design." They praised its speed for rooftop projects under 200kW.
Industry analysis notes the "seamless PVSketch to PVCAD workflow" as unique.
Zero re-entry of data between sales and engineering is valuable for integrated teams.
A Lightsource BP engineer publicly stated that "PVCAD Mega has been instrumental in increasing our productivity" for utility-scale projects.
Per PV Tech, PVCAD "cuts engineering time in half" for commercial permit documentation.
Reported Limitations:
The same LinkedIn reviewer who praised speed also noted: "For larger sizes, the software crashes endlessly." They found it suitable only for smaller projects.
"Design flexibility is very limited" was another common complaint. "Racking is difficult to customize" for non-standard mounting situations.
"Database is not very updated with latest modules and inverters" could slow teams that need cutting-edge equipment specifications.
"Report output gives very basic data" may require supplementary documentation for detailed client presentations.
The complex 4-product portfolio confuses buyers trying to figure out which tool fits their needs.
PVComplete Pros & Cons
Let me give you the straight assessment based on our research.
Pros (Strengths)
1. Seamless Workflow Integration
The PVSketch-to-PVCAD export is genuinely unique. No other platform bridges residential sales tools to commercial engineering tools this smoothly. You design once, export to PVCAD for electrical, and you're done. No re-entry.
2. Free Tier Available
PVSketch's free accounts remove barriers for small installers.
With 30,000+ free accounts created, it's helping people get started in solar design who might not afford $500/month subscriptions.
3. AutoCAD Credibility
For engineering teams already using AutoCAD for other work, PVCAD integrates into their existing workflow.
AHJs recognize Autodesk output as professional documentation.
4. PVSyst Integration
Direct export to PVSyst saves days per project compared to manually recreating designs.
For teams that need PVSyst validation for project finance, this eliminates painful double-work.
5. Utility-Scale Capabilities
PVCAD Mega handles 1GW+ projects with tracker optimization and topography analysis.
The pier analysis feature is unique in the market.
Cons (Limitations)
1. AutoCAD Dependency
PVCAD and PVCAD Mega require AutoCAD licenses ($1,680-2,000/year additional cost).
This isn't cloud-native—you're stuck with desktop applications.
Mac users face additional limitations with AutoCAD compatibility.
2. Complex Product Portfolio
Four products to navigate (PVSketch, PVCAD, PVSketch Mega, PVCAD Mega) confuses buyers.
Which one do you need? Do you need multiple? The decision tree is messy.
3. Limited Brand Visibility
Compared to Aurora (500+ employees, $537M raised) or even OpenSolar, PVComplete has a lower marketing profile.
Zero reviews on G2/Capterra despite 11 years in business raises questions about user engagement.
4. Scalability Issues
User reports of "software crashes for larger sizes" suggest PVSketch may not handle projects much beyond 200kW.
Performance concerns exist for complex layouts.
5. Database Currency
User complaints about outdated module and inverter databases could slow teams working with the latest equipment from manufacturers.
6. Acquisition Uncertainty
The January 2026 Enact acquisition changes everything. Product roadmaps, pricing, and features are all in flux.
Will PVComplete products merge into Enact's platform? Will pricing increase? Nobody knows yet.
PVComplete vs SurgePV Comparison
Let's do a direct head-to-head comparison for commercial EPCs—the segment where these platforms compete most directly.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
Detailed Category Comparison
Electrical Engineering
PVComplete only provides SLD generation and wire sizing in PVCAD, which requires AutoCAD and costs extra.
You're looking at $180-330/month for PVCAD plus $140/month for AutoCAD if you don't buy the bundle.
SurgePV includes automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes), wire sizing, voltage drop calculations, and NEC compliance in all plans.
No AutoCAD. No upsells.
Why it matters: Commercial EPCs need complete electrical documentation.
SurgePV eliminates the AutoCAD dependency that adds $2,000/year and 2-3 hours per project.
Platform Architecture
PVComplete's 4-product structure creates confusion. Do I need PVSketch? PVCAD? Both?
What's the difference between PVCAD and PVCAD Mega?
SurgePV is a single cloud platform with all features integrated. One login, one interface, one subscription.
Why it matters: Unified platforms mean faster workflows, simpler training, and lower total cost of ownership.
Pricing & TCO
PVComplete pricing ranges from $966/year (PVSketch Pro only) to $5,880+/year (PVCAD Mega bundle) depending on configuration.
Add AutoCAD if you use plug-in versions.
SurgePV costs $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) with all features included. No tiers. No AutoCAD.
Why it matters: Transparent pricing helps budget planning.
For commercial EPCs, SurgePV typically costs 30-50% less annually than PVComplete's full commercial configuration.
Commercial Structures
PVComplete offers limited carport support and no native tracker support in base products.
PVCAD Mega adds trackers but costs $295-490/month.
SurgePV is the only platform with native carport solar design. Tracker support is included in all plans.
Why it matters: Carports and trackers are growing commercial segments.
Having native support means faster, more accurate designs without workarounds.
Workflow Comparison
PVComplete Commercial Workflow:
- Create design in PVSketch (15-30 min)
- Export to PVCAD (5-10 min)
- Open AutoCAD + PVCAD plugin (5 min)
- Generate electrical drawings (30-60 min)
- Total: 55-105 minutes using 2 tools
SurgePV Commercial Workflow:
- Create design in SurgePV (15-30 min)
- Generate SLD automatically (5-10 min)
- Total: 20-40 minutes using 1 tool
Time savings: 35-65 minutes per project with SurgePV.
Who Should Use PVComplete?
Let me be direct about when PVComplete makes sense and when it doesn't.
PVComplete Is Best For
1. AutoCAD-Native Engineering Teams
If you already have AutoCAD licenses and CAD expertise on staff, PVCAD integrates into your existing workflow.
You're not adding new tool categories.
2. Residential Sales Teams
PVSketch's free tier is perfect for small installers doing simple residential proposals.
You don't need engineering documentation, just fast customer-facing designs.
3. Utility-Scale Developers (>10MW)
PVCAD Mega handles GW-scale projects with topography analysis and tracker optimization.
If you're designing 50MW+ solar farms, the cost and complexity might be justified.
4. Teams Seeking PVSyst Integration
Direct export to PVSyst eliminates days of manual work.
If project finance requires PVSyst validation, this integration saves significant time.
SurgePV Is Best For
1. Commercial EPCs (100kW-10MW)
You need integrated electrical engineering, complete permit documentation, and a cloud-based workflow.
SurgePV delivers all of this without AutoCAD.
2. Teams Without AutoCAD
Don't want to spend $1,680/year on CAD licenses.
Prefer browser-based design. Want platform independence.
3. Fast-Growing Installers
Scaling from residential to commercial. Need a unified platform that grows with you.
Want simple, transparent pricing without tier surprises.
4. India + International Operations
Need multi-market coverage. SurgePV covers India + US + International with 3,000+ US utilities supported.
5. Carport & Tracker Projects
Need native carport solar design without workarounds.
Want integrated tracker support for commercial ground-mount projects.
Migration Considerations
Switching from PVComplete to SurgePV
Commercial EPCs consider switching for several reasons:
- AutoCAD license costs: Save $1,680/year per user
- Complex multi-product management: Replace 4 products with 1 unified platform
- Cloud-based workflow: Access designs from anywhere, collaborate remotely
- Better commercial structure support: Native carport design, integrated trackers
- Transparent pricing: Know exactly what you're paying upfront
Migration Process
Timeline: 2-3 weeks typical
Steps:
- Week 1: SurgePV demo and trial setup
- Week 1-2: Team training on SurgePV
- Week 2-3: Parallel operation (run both platforms)
- Week 3: Full transition to SurgePV
What Migrates
Project methodology can be recreated in SurgePV's interface. Equipment preferences are available in SurgePV's database (70,000+ modules).
Workflow patterns simplify in a unified platform—you're eliminating tool-switching, not adding complexity.
Migration Support
SurgePV provides a dedicated onboarding specialist, team training sessions, and priority support during transition.
Onboarding takes 2-3 weeks compared to 4-6 weeks for PVComplete commercial configurations.
PVComplete vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How PVComplete compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict
Let me give you the bottom line after reviewing PVComplete's features, pricing, and user feedback.
PVComplete Summary
Strengths:
- Seamless PVSketch-to-PVCAD workflow (unique integration)
- Free tier for residential sales enablement
- AutoCAD credibility for engineering teams
- Utility-scale capabilities (PVCAD Mega handles 1GW+)
- PVSyst integration saves days per project
Ideal For:
- AutoCAD-native engineering teams
- Utility-scale developers (>10MW)
- Residential sales teams using free PVSketch
Limitations:
- Complex 4-product portfolio confuses buyers
- AutoCAD dependency adds $1,680/year cost and workflow friction
- Limited brand visibility and third-party reviews
- Acquisition uncertainty following Enact Solar deal (January 2026)
- Software stability issues reported for larger projects
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Single unified platform (no product confusion)
- Integrated electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing)
- No AutoCAD dependency (cloud-based)
- Only platform with native carport solar design
- Transparent pricing ($1,499/user/year for 3 users)
- India + US + International coverage
- 2-3 week onboarding vs 4-6 weeks for commercial CAD platforms
Why Teams Switch:
- Eliminate $1,680/year AutoCAD costs
- Replace 4 products with single platform
- Faster workflow (20-40 min vs 55-105 min for PVComplete)
- Modern cloud-based architecture
- Lower total cost: $1,499/user/year vs $6,800/year (Aurora + AutoCAD)
Our Recommendation
Choose PVComplete if:
- You're already invested in AutoCAD ecosystem
- You need utility-scale (>10MW) capabilities
- You want the free PVSketch tier for sales only
Choose SurgePV if:
- You're a commercial EPC (100kW-10MW)
- You want integrated electrical engineering
- You prefer cloud-based, unified platforms
- You need carport/tracker support
- You value transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Bottom Line
PVComplete offers a capable residential-to-utility workflow, but the 4-product complexity and AutoCAD dependency create friction for modern commercial EPCs.
For commercial teams seeking a unified platform with integrated electrical engineering, SurgePV delivers better value at lower total cost—$1,499/user/year vs $3,000-7,000/year for PVComplete's full commercial configuration.
The Enact Solar acquisition adds uncertainty. Product roadmaps and pricing may change as integration unfolds.
If you're evaluating PVComplete today, confirm current pricing and feature availability directly with Enact.
See How SurgePV Compares to PVComplete
Tired of juggling PVSketch, PVCAD, and AutoCAD licenses? SurgePV delivers everything in one cloud platform.
Book a 15-Minute Demo
What you'll see:
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes, no AutoCAD)
- Wire sizing and voltage drop calculations
- Native carport solar design
- Complete permit documentation workflow
- Transparent pricing (no tier surprises)
Your time-to-value: 2-3 weeks vs 4-6 weeks with PVComplete commercial
No pressure, no obligation
Not ready?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PVComplete free?
PVSketch has a free tier with limited projects per month. This is good for basic residential sales.
PVCAD and PVCAD Mega require paid subscriptions starting at $180/month plus AutoCAD licensing.
Does PVComplete require AutoCAD?
PVSketch is web-based and doesn't need AutoCAD.
PVCAD and PVCAD Mega are AutoCAD plugins requiring a separate AutoCAD license ($1,680-2,000/year) unless you buy the bundled versions.
What happened with the Enact Solar acquisition?
Enact Solar acquired PVComplete on January 13, 2026. The goal is creating an "end-to-end AI-enabled solar software platform" that integrates design tools with asset management.
Products are being merged into Enact's ecosystem. Long-term impact on pricing and features is unclear.
Is PVComplete good for commercial projects?
PVCAD handles commercial projects up to 5MW with electrical documentation. However, it requires AutoCAD and adds workflow complexity.
For commercial EPCs wanting a simpler solution, SurgePV offers integrated electrical engineering without AutoCAD dependency.
What's the difference between PVSketch and PVCAD?
PVSketch is a web-based sales and quick design tool for projects under 200kW. It's fast and easy but lacks electrical engineering.
PVCAD is an AutoCAD-based engineering tool for permit drawings, SLDs, and commercial projects up to 5MW.
How does PVComplete compare to Aurora Solar?
PVComplete offers stronger AutoCAD integration and utility-scale capabilities through PVCAD Mega.
Aurora has better AI roof modeling, larger brand presence, and residential focus.
Both lack the integrated electrical engineering that SurgePV provides.
Can PVComplete generate single line diagrams (SLDs)?
Yes, PVCAD can generate SLDs. But it requires AutoCAD and a separate subscription from PVSketch.
SurgePV generates SLDs automatically in 5-10 minutes without additional tools or CAD expertise.
What is PVCAD Mega used for?
PVCAD Mega is designed for utility-scale projects (1GW+). It includes tracker optimization, topography pier analysis, backtracking algorithms, and PVSyst integration.
Pricing is $295-490/month—the most expensive tier.
Does PVComplete have good customer reviews?
PVComplete has limited presence on major review platforms (no G2/Capterra reviews found).
User feedback from LinkedIn reviews is mixed—praising ease of use for small projects but noting software stability issues for larger projects.
Is SurgePV better than PVComplete?
For commercial EPCs needing integrated electrical engineering without AutoCAD dependency, SurgePV is typically the better choice.
You get a unified platform, transparent pricing, native carport design, and lower total cost of ownership.
PVComplete may be better for utility-scale (>10MW) or teams already invested in AutoCAD.
