PV*SOL Review – Features, Pros & Cons (2025)

PV*SOL, developed by Berlin-based Valentin Software, has long been regarded as one of the most technically robust solar simulation tools on the market. Known for its deep configurability and highly detailed modeling engine, PV*SOL is built primarily for engineers, EPCs, and solar designers who need to simulate not just basic layouts, but also comprehensive energy yields, shading losses, component behavior, and financial metrics like LCOE or payback.

This 2025 review offers a complete breakdown of PV*SOL’s current capabilities—covering its strengths and limitations, real-world use cases, and how it stacks up against more modern cloud-based solutions like SurgePV, Aurora Solar, or OpenSolar.

We'll walk through the software’s most valuable features, outline who it’s really built for, and highlight what’s new this year—such as expanded PV component libraries, refined LCOE calculations, and updates to its shading horizon visualizations and 3D modeling tools.

If you're evaluating PV*SOL as part of your solar design tech stack—or looking to upgrade from spreadsheet-heavy workflows—this review gives you the insight you need to decide whether it’s still the right fit for your team in 2025.

PV*SOL vs. Alternatives

Why SurgePV Leads

SurgePV is purpose-built for modern solar workflows—especially in regulated European markets like Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. Unlike PV*SOL or PVsyst, which require steep learning and manual file handling, SurgePV delivers:

• Real-time AI-based roof layout + LIDAR shading
• Built-in 8760h + P50/P90 + EEG tariff + KfW loan logic
• Dual-language, branded PDF/web proposals
• One-click exports, CRM sync, eSignature, and payments

If you need fast, accurate, and bankable design-to-proposal capability on a modern interface—SurgePV is the best pick in 2025.

👉 Book a Demo to see your own project simulated, priced, and contract-ready—in one session.

What Is PV*SOL?

Developer & Background:
PVSOL is a professional photovoltaic simulation software developed by Valentin Software GmbH, a Berlin-based company established in 1988. With over three decades of experience, Valentin has become a trusted name in PV system design, known for its emphasis on engineering-grade accuracy and technical depth. PVSOL is widely used across Europe and internationally by engineers, EPCs, system designers, and researchers.

PV*SOL is offered in multiple editions to suit varying technical needs and budgets:

• PV*SOL Premium: The most advanced version. Includes full 3D visualization, detailed shading simulation, terrain modeling, and complete electrical configuration. Ideal for complex residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
  
• PV*SOL Standard: Offers the core simulation engine but excludes 3D design tools. More suitable for early-stage system evaluations or simpler sites.
  
• PV*SOL Online: A free, browser-based tool for basic performance and yield checks. Useful for preliminary estimates but not meant for proposal-grade accuracy.
  

The software is tailored for technical professionals—including solar engineers, consultants, academic researchers, and EPCs—who need detailed performance simulations, bankable energy yield forecasts, and loss factor transparency.

Originally launched in 1998, PV*SOL has evolved through more than eight major versions. The 2025 editions feature:

• Updated meteorological datasets
  
• Expanded inverter and module libraries
  
• Enhanced 3D terrain tools
  
• Improved LCOE and payback modeling
  
• UI performance and visualization refinements
  

Its legacy and precision make PV*SOL a go-to tool for those prioritizing accuracy and depth over simplicity or design speed.

Key Features of PV*SOL (2025 Edition)

3D Shading & Terrain Modeling

PV*SOL Premium offers a highly detailed 3D design environment that supports advanced shading analysis. Users can model buildings, trees, terrain contours, and other obstructions with precision. Import options include LIDAR, CAD files (OBJ, DAE), and digital terrain models. The animated sun-path visualization enables hour-by-hour irradiance assessments across the year, critical for shading-sensitive installations.

Electrical Configuration

The software includes robust auto-stringing tools with flexible options for poly-string layouts. Users can configure string lengths, inverter MPPT channels, and system voltages, while simultaneously analyzing electrical losses due to current mismatches, DC cabling, and inverter efficiency. Outputs include full DC/AC schematics and yield curves per configuration.

Weather Data Integration

PV*SOL comes preloaded with global irradiance data from Meteonorm, PVGIS, and NASA-SSE, while also allowing the import of site-specific meteorological files (e.g., TMY, CSV). This ensures climate-specific accuracy for any project location.

Performance Simulation & Loss Diagrams

Simulates PV system performance with 8,760-hour resolution. Outputs include:

• System yield (kWh/kWp)
• Monthly breakdowns
• Loss factor waterfall diagrams
• IEC 61724-compliant Performance Ratio (PR) metrics

These simulations are considered bankable and are widely accepted in technical and financial documentation.

Financial Modeling

Advanced financial simulation tools are embedded, including:

• Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• System payback time
• Tariff modeling (fixed, stepped, time-of-use)
• Feed-in premiums, grants, and inflation tracking

This enables users to build incentive-compliant scenarios for both residential and commercial systems.

Battery & Load Modeling

PV*SOL allows in-depth simulation of self-consumption, energy storage, and time-of-use strategies. Users can define load profiles, storage sizing, cycle limits, battery aging, and charge/discharge logic—essential for hybrid and backup system scenarios.

CAD Integration

Full compatibility with DXF, 3DS, DAE, and PVC files makes it easy to import architectural or terrain data. The PhotoPlan tool lets users create basic rooftop geometry by tracing from aerial photographs or scanned images.

Output Reports

Generates comprehensive documentation:

• Custom-branded Word and PDF files
• Configurable multi-language templates
• Graphical layouts and loss diagrams
• CSV or Excel data exports for engineering or compliance teams

These reports are ideal for both client presentation and permitting.

User Experience & Interface – PV*SOL (2025)

Deployment

PV*SOL is a Windows-only desktop application, requiring local installation. It does not support macOS or Linux systems natively, meaning Mac users must rely on virtualization tools like Parallels or Boot Camp. There is no browser-based or mobile version, which makes it less flexible for remote teams or field use.

User Interface

The interface is function-focused but visually dated. The UI prioritizes control and technical flexibility over aesthetics, which may appear overwhelming for first-time users. Menus are dense, icons are not always intuitive, and settings are buried within submenus. However, once mastered, the software offers granular control over every simulation parameter—from electrical topology to meteorological imports.

Speed & System Requirements

While PV*SOL is highly accurate, it is also resource-intensive. Large-scale simulations (e.g., >7,000 modules or multi-inverter systems) can lead to notable performance slowdowns, especially during 3D rendering or hourly yield simulation. The software benefits from high-RAM setups (16 GB+), dedicated graphics cards, and multi-core CPUs. Without this, design workflows and export times can lag.

Learning Curve

PV*SOL has a steep learning curve, particularly for users unfamiliar with solar modeling terminology or engineering workflows. Detailed configuration settings, multi-tab interfaces, and nested menus make it more complex than cloud-based alternatives. However, Valentin Software provides robust learning support, including:

• Step-by-step PDF and video tutorials
• Webinars (in German and English)
• A searchable knowledge base
• User forums for peer support

New users should expect to invest 5–10 hours of self-guided training before becoming proficient with basic simulations.

Workflow Suitability

Despite its complexity, PV*SOL excels in structured engineering environments, especially for:

• Large rooftop systems
• Utility-scale ground mounts
• Battery-integrated residential/commercial sites
• Feed-in tariff planning under EEG regulations

It handles grid-tied, self-consumption, and hybrid systems equally well, making it a top choice for EPCs needing high-accuracy simulations over aesthetic presentation.

Pros & Cons of PV*SOL (2025)

Pros of PV*SOL (2025)

Simulation Accuracy

• Recognized industry-wide for its high-fidelity, 8,760-hour simulation engine
• Delivers precise irradiance, loss, and yield forecasts
• Frequently used in performance-guarantee modeling and financing applications

Depth of Analysis

• Supports complex configurations: bifacial panels, battery storage with time-of-use shifting, east-west & tracking systems, multi-inverter arrays, hybrid installations
• Simulates voltage drops, inverter clipping, degradation, and more

Professional Outputs

• Generates stakeholder-ready documentation: loss diagrams, hourly output graphs, LCOE, payback periods, performance ratios
• Compliant with utility and investor documentation standards

Component Database

• Library of 21,000+ solar modules, thousands of inverters, hundreds of battery systems
• Monthly updates via Valentin Software database sync
• Ability to create custom components or import specs directly

Bankability

• Widely accepted by banks, engineering firms, and utility partners for PPA modeling, feasibility studies, and due-diligence reports
• Go-to platform for formal financial modeling

Cons of PV*SOL (2025)

No macOS/Linux Support

• Windows-only application; macOS and Linux users must use virtualization or dual-boot

High Complexity

• Interface and configuration depth can overwhelm non-engineers, small EPCs, or new users
• Lacks the visual intuitiveness of modern web-based tools

Performance on Large Projects

• Large-scale simulations (>7,000 panels or multiple battery inverters) may experience lag, long load times, or crashes on mid-range hardware

Licensing Cost

• Premium edition requires significant upfront investment compared to freemium or SaaS competitors
• Annual licensing fees and per-seat costs may be prohibitive for smaller firms

Paid Features

• Key capabilities (3D terrain modeling, CAD/DXF import/export, detailed shading analysis) reserved for PV*SOL Premium
• Standard or Online versions lack full versatility for design professionals

PV*SOL Pricing (2025)

Pricing Models

PV*SOL offers tiered pricing based on product functionality and user type. All licenses are seat-based and require renewal on an annual or quarterly basis.

PV*SOL Premium – €845/year (approx. $900)

• Full 3D shading & terrain modeling
• Advanced inverter & battery configuration
• CAD import/export support
• Flagship version for professional EPCs, engineers, and consultants

PV*SOL Standard – €585/year (approx. $625)

• Core simulation functionality
• No 3D features or terrain modeling
• Ideal for accurate energy forecasts without complex layouts

Academic Licenses

• Teacher License – €420/year
  Full access for educational institutions and instructors.
• Student License – €25/year
  Discounted access for enrolled students in solar or energy-related programs.

Trial & Access

• 30-day free trial of PV*SOL Premium
• No functionality restrictions during trial

Licensing Type

• Seat-based subscriptions (one license per user/machine)
• Billing options: annual or quarterly

Maintenance & Updates

Included in the annual fee:

• Climate dataset revisions (e.g., Meteonorm, PVGIS)
• Hardware library expansions (modules, inverters, batteries)
• UI and simulation engine improvements

Real User Reviews of PV*SOL

G2 Reviews Highlights

“Very intuitive regarding the choice of the orientation of the PV modules… makes you faster in processing.”  ‍

“Friendly user-interface which is easy to navigate… simplifies the process.”

“Its user friendly interface and accurate calculations make my job more manageable… saves time and effort.”  ‍

Noted Drawbacks

“User friendliness could be improved to reduce the steep learning curve.”  

“Lacks advanced tracking or complex shading scenarios.”

Final Verdict: Is PV*SOL Worth It in 2025?

Summary

PV*SOL remains a top-tier simulation engine in 2025—engineered for users who demand technical precision. With detailed 8,760-hour energy modeling, bankable P50/P90 outputs, and extensive inverter/battery libraries, it is one of the most trusted tools for feasibility studies, financial modeling, and project certification. However, that power comes at a cost: a steep learning curve, a desktop-only workflow, and time-intensive setup.

Best For

• Engineering Consultants creating grid-tied, utility-scale feasibility models
• German or EU-based EPCs needing detailed electrical stringing, inverter matching, and tariff accuracy
• Academic Users and Analysts requiring fine-grained modeling for research and validation studies

Not Ideal For

• Sales Teams or Installers who need fast, cloud-based quoting with visuals, contracts, and client interactivity
• Mac/Linux Users, as PV*SOL runs only on Windows with no browser support
• Small Businesses looking for intuitive interfaces and integrated shading, proposal, and payment workflows

Thinking About PV*SOL? You Should Compare It to SurgePV.

SurgePV delivers the same energy accuracy—plus LIDAR-based shading, EEG-ready tariffs, and instant, German-language proposals in a fraction of the time.

📅 Book a Free SurgePV Demo Built for German Workflows
Join a 30-minute live session to see how SurgePV models your roof, simulates tariff earnings, and generates a complete proposal—faster than PV*SOL, with no spreadsheets.