TL;DR Summary
SketchUp for solar design with the Skelion plugin combines 3D modeling excellence with solar-specific design features at $532/year (SketchUp Pro + Skelion Pro). The pairing delivers strong panel layout capabilities and quality shading analysis, making it a solid choice for visualization-focused workflows.
However, this setup lacks integrated electrical engineering (no SLD generation, no wire sizing), proposal automation, and financial modeling tools that commercial EPCs need. For teams doing more than 3D visualization, the multi-tool workflow requirement adds complexity and cost. Purpose-built platforms like SurgePV's solar design software offer better value for complete commercial workflows.
Quick Comparison:
- Best for: 3D visualization, client presentations, architectural integration
- Not for: Electrical engineering, automated proposals, high-volume workflows
- Price: $532/year (SketchUp Pro + Skelion Pro)
- Electrical: Requires AutoCAD ($2,000/year additional)
- Complete workflow cost: $3,179/year (4 separate tools)
What Is SketchUp?
SketchUp is one of the world's most popular 3D modeling tools, used by millions of architects, designers, and engineers. Originally developed by @Last Software in Boulder, Colorado in 2000, it was acquired by Google in 2006 for an estimated $45 million, then purchased by Trimble Inc. in June 2012. Today, Trimble owns and develops SketchUp from its Westminster, Colorado headquarters.
The platform is known for its intuitive interface and powerful 3D modeling capabilities. Unlike purpose-built solar software, SketchUp is a general modeling tool that serves architecture, interior design, construction, and product design. Its 3D Warehouse offers millions of pre-made components, and its ease of use makes it accessible to both beginners and professionals.
SketchUp for Solar Context
By itself, SketchUp has zero solar-specific features. You cannot design arrays, analyze shading, or calculate energy production without third-party plugins. This is where Skelion enters the picture.
The combination of SketchUp + Skelion creates a solar design environment. Many professionals already familiar with SketchUp for architectural work appreciate that they can add solar capabilities without learning entirely new software. This makes SketchUp particularly attractive for architectural firms expanding into solar services.
However, this dual-tool dependency creates workflow friction. You are not using a platform built specifically for solar from the ground up. You are adapting a general 3D tool with a plugin overlay. That distinction matters when you need integrated electrical engineering, automated solar proposals, or financial modeling.
Skelion Plugin Deep Dive
What Is Skelion?
Skelion is an independent third-party plugin developed specifically for solar thermal and photovoltaic system design within SketchUp. It transforms SketchUp from a generic 3D modeler into a solar-capable design tool.
The plugin allows automatic panel insertion on any SketchUp surface, shading analysis, and energy yield estimation through connections to PVGIS, PVWATTS, and SAM databases. For teams already using SketchUp, Skelion represents the fastest path to solar design functionality.
Skelion Free vs Pro Features
Skelion offers two versions with distinct capabilities:
The free version handles basic visualization and layout. For energy reports that clients and financiers expect, you need the Pro version.
How Skelion Works
The workflow is straightforward:
- Model your site in SketchUp or import from Google Earth
- Select the roof surface or ground area
- Click Skelion's panel insertion tool
- Configure tilt, orientation, panel type, and spacing
- Panels automatically populate the selected surface
- Run shading analysis using Skelion's shadow tools
- Generate energy reports (Pro version) or export to PVsyst for detailed simulation
According to Skelion's marketing, the tool lets you "do with four clicks what we were doing in four hours." For basic panel layout, this claim holds up. The automatic insertion genuinely saves time compared to manual placement.
Skelion Limitations
Despite its strengths, Skelion has clear boundaries:
No electrical engineering: You cannot generate single line diagrams, size wires, calculate voltage drop, or produce electrical documentation. Commercial EPCs still need AutoCAD or similar tools for permit-ready electrical drawings.
No BOM generation: Bill of materials must be created manually or in external tools. According to a LinkedIn review from solar professional Amir Amin, "I couldn't find any BOM generator or detailed financial analysis."
Basic financial modeling: Skelion Pro includes ROI and payback estimates, but nothing approaching the depth commercial clients expect. You will need separate financial modeling tools for sophisticated analysis.
Requires SketchUp Pro: The free web-based SketchUp does not support plugins. You must purchase SketchUp Pro ($399/year) to use Skelion professionally.
No proposal generation: Skelion creates 3D models and energy reports. It does not generate customer-facing sales proposals. You will handle that separately.
For visualization and layout, Skelion delivers. For complete commercial workflows, you are still assembling a multi-tool stack.
SketchUp for Solar Design Features
3D Modeling & Visualization
This is SketchUp's core strength. The platform offers best-in-class 3D modeling with an interface that is genuinely intuitive. You can create detailed site models, add context buildings for shading analysis, and produce client-ready renderings that impress.
The 3D Warehouse provides pre-made solar panel models, mounting systems, and other components. SketchUp's geolocation feature positions your project precisely for accurate sun modeling. The real-time shadow engine shows sun position throughout any day of the year, which helps identify optimal panel placement.
For client presentations, SketchUp produces visuals that dedicated solar platforms struggle to match. If your sales process relies on showing clients beautiful 3D renderings of their future installation, SketchUp delivers.
Panel Layout Capabilities
With Skelion installed, SketchUp handles panel layout well. The automatic insertion works on flat roofs, sloped roofs, curved surfaces, and ground-mount areas. You can customize panel databases to include any manufacturer's modules.
Skelion supports tracking arrays (single-axis and dual-axis) and bifacial modules. For ground-mount and rooftop commercial projects, the layout tools are adequate.
However, the layout is not AI-powered like newer platforms. You are manually defining surfaces and parameters. Newer tools like advanced solar design software analyze roof geometry and suggest optimal layouts automatically. SketchUp + Skelion requires more designer input.
Shading Analysis
SketchUp's native shadow engine combined with Skelion's shading calculations provides solid shading analysis. Kirloskar Solar, a major Indian solar company profiled in Trimble's blog, reports achieving 98% accuracy in site studies using SketchUp's shading tools.
The approach works: SketchUp models sun position, Skelion calculates production losses from identified obstacles. For most commercial projects, this provides sufficient accuracy.
Where it falls short: SketchUp does not perform 8760-hour annual shading simulations that platforms like SurgePV and PVsyst execute. The analysis is good, but not as sophisticated as dedicated tools running hour-by-hour calculations across full years.
Energy Simulation (via Skelion Pro)
Skelion Pro connects to three energy databases:
- PVGIS (European Joint Research Centre database)
- PVWATTS (NREL database for US locations)
- SAM (System Advisor Model)
These connections provide basic energy yield estimates. For preliminary client discussions, they are adequate.
For bankable reports that lenders and investors require, most solar professionals export to PVsyst. The Skelion estimates are not detailed enough for project financing. You can use SketchUp + Skelion for layout, then transfer to PVsyst for final validation.
What SketchUp Lacks for Solar Design
The gaps matter for commercial EPCs:
No SLD generation: SketchUp cannot create single line diagrams. You will export to AutoCAD (adding 2-3 hours per project) or use another platform.
No wire sizing: No automatic conductor sizing based on current load, distance, and code requirements. You will calculate manually or use separate tools.
No voltage drop analysis: Critical for code compliance and system performance, but not included.
No BOM generator: Creating accurate bills of materials requires manual work or separate software.
No proposal generation: No customer-facing proposal automation. You will build proposals in PowerPoint, PDF tools, or dedicated proposal software.
No permit package assembly: While SketchUp can export PDFs of layouts, assembling complete permit packages requires manual effort across multiple tools.
These are not minor omissions. Commercial EPCs spend significant time on electrical documentation and permitting. SketchUp handles the visual front-end beautifully but leaves the engineering back-end unaddressed.
SketchUp + Skelion Pricing Breakdown
SketchUp Plans & Pricing (2026)
Recommendation: SketchUp Pro at $399/year is the minimum for professional solar work. The free browser version does not support plugins, making it unusable with Skelion.
Source: sketchup.trimble.com/en/plans-and-pricing (verified January 22, 2026)
Skelion Pricing
Total Cost Analysis
Basic setup (visualization only):
- SketchUp Pro: $399/year
- Skelion Free: $0
- Total: $399/year
Professional setup (with energy reports):
- SketchUp Pro: $399/year
- Skelion Pro: $133/year
- Total: $532/year
Complete workflow (add bankable simulation):
- SketchUp Pro: $399/year
- Skelion Pro: $133/year
- PVsyst: $647/year
- Total: $1,179/year
Full commercial workflow (add electrical):
- SketchUp Pro: $399/year
- Skelion Pro: $133/year
- PVsyst: $647/year
- AutoCAD (for SLD): $2,000/year
- Total: $3,179/year
That final number tells the real story. What starts at $532/year becomes $3,179/year when you add everything a commercial EPC needs. At that price, you are managing four separate tools with no workflow integration.
Value Analysis vs Dedicated Solar Software
Note on SurgePV pricing: Based on internal product documentation. Starting at $1,899/year for 3 users or $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan).
SurgePV costs more per seat than SketchUp + Skelion initially. But when you factor in electrical tools and proposal generation, the integrated platform becomes more cost-effective while eliminating tool-switching friction.
What Real Users Say
Overall Satisfaction Scores
Note: These ratings reflect general SketchUp usage across all industries, not specifically solar applications. Solar-specific reviews are limited, though some users do mention solar workflow experiences.
Top Praised Features
Based on reviews across G2, Capterra, and solar professional feedback:
Intuitive interface - "Very simple program, create clear 3D models without long learning process" (G2 review)
3D Warehouse library - "Huge library is a great time-saver" (Capterra review)
Visualization quality - "Render cool 3D imagery which can convince clients better" (LinkedIn solar review, Amir Amin)
Module database - "Huge and up to date database of modules for PV Brands" (LinkedIn solar review)
Shading analysis - "Way easier than HELIOSCOPE near shadings specially for domestic customers" (LinkedIn solar review)
For what it does, SketchUp does it well. The praise centers on ease of use and visual output quality.
Top Criticisms
The complaints reveal real limitations:
Performance issues - "Crashes on big models" appears in multiple G2 and Capterra reviews. Complex commercial projects with detailed site modeling can push SketchUp's limits.
Plugin dependency - "Too dependent on add-ons" (Capterra review). For solar work, you are completely reliant on Skelion. If it breaks or becomes unsupported, your solar workflow dies.
No BOM generator - "Couldn't find any BOM generator" (LinkedIn solar review, Amir Amin). Creating accurate material lists requires manual work.
No financial analysis - "Couldn't find detailed financial analysis" (LinkedIn solar review). Skelion Pro offers basic ROI calculations, but nothing sophisticated.
Location accuracy - "Sometimes locations not marked well in Google Maps" (LinkedIn solar review). Geolocation can be imprecise, requiring manual correction.
Mac performance - "Sometimes freezes when using on Mac" (Capterra review). Mac users report stability issues more frequently than Windows users.
User Sentiment by Use Case
The pattern is clear: SketchUp + Skelion excels at the visual front-end but struggles with engineering depth and workflow integration.
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Excellent 3D visualization - Industry-leading ease of use for 3D modeling and client presentations. If your sales process depends on showing clients beautiful renderings, SketchUp delivers better than most dedicated solar platforms.
2. Affordable entry point - At $532/year for SketchUp Pro + Skelion Pro, the initial investment is budget-friendly compared to enterprise solar platforms. (Source: Official pricing pages)
3. Large user base and resources - Extensive tutorials, active forums, and the 3D Warehouse provide abundant learning resources. You will not struggle to find help. (Source: sketchup.trimble.com)
4. Flexible panel layout - Skelion handles complex roofs, curved surfaces, and tracking arrays effectively. The automatic insertion genuinely saves time. (Source: skelion.com/features)
5. Cross-platform availability - Works on Windows and Mac with desktop applications. Web version available for simple modeling. (Source: sketchup.trimble.com)
6. Integration with PVsyst - Can export 3D models to the industry-standard simulation tool for bankable energy reports. (Source: skelion.com)
7. Good for existing SketchUp users - Architectural firms already using SketchUp can add solar capabilities without learning entirely new software. Reduces learning curve for teams with SketchUp expertise. (Source: User reviews)
Cons
1. No electrical engineering - No SLD generation, wire sizing, or voltage drop calculations. Impact: Commercial EPCs must use AutoCAD ($2,000/year) for electrical drawings, adding 2-3 hours per project. (Source: Verified by feature absence on official docs)
2. No proposal generation - Cannot create customer-facing sales proposals with financial modeling and branded formatting. Impact: Need separate software or manual proposal creation in PowerPoint/PDF tools. (Source: Verified by feature absence)
3. No BOM generator - Must create bills of materials manually or in external tools. Impact: Time-consuming manual work and higher error risk. (Source: LinkedIn review, Amir Amin)
4. Basic financial analysis - Skelion Pro offers limited ROI tools that do not satisfy sophisticated commercial clients. Impact: May need additional financial modeling software for complex projects. (Source: skelion.com features)
5. Requires multiple tools - SketchUp + Skelion + PVsyst + AutoCAD for complete commercial workflow. Impact: Higher total cost ($3,179/year) and workflow complexity with tool-switching friction. (Source: Pricing analysis)
6. Performance issues - User reports of crashes on large or complex models. Impact: Productivity loss and frustration on detailed commercial projects. (Source: G2, Capterra reviews)
7. Not purpose-built for solar - General 3D tool adapted for solar through plugins. Impact: Missing solar-specific optimizations and workflow integrations that dedicated platforms offer. (Source: Multiple sources)
SketchUp + Skelion vs SurgePV
Head-to-Head Comparison
The Electrical Engineering Gap
This difference defines the comparison for commercial EPCs.
SketchUp + Skelion:
- Cannot generate single line diagrams
- No wire sizing calculations
- No voltage drop analysis
- No NEC compliance verification
- Result: Must export to AutoCAD ($2,000/year) and spend 2-3 hours per project on electrical documentation
SurgePV (based on internal product documentation):
- Automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes
- Instant wire sizing calculations
- NEC Article 690 compliance built-in
- Savings: 1.5-2.5 hours per project + $2,000/year AutoCAD cost eliminated
For a commercial EPC doing 50 projects per year, that is 75-125 hours of engineering time saved annually. At $75/hour labor cost, that is $5,625-9,375 in productivity value beyond software cost.
Complete Workflow Comparison
SketchUp + Skelion Workflow (commercial project):
- SketchUp: Create 3D model and panel layout (45-60 min)
- Skelion: Basic shading analysis (15-20 min)
- Export to PVsyst: Energy simulation (30-45 min)
- Export to AutoCAD: Create SLD and electrical (2-3 hours)
- Manual: Create proposal in PowerPoint/PDF (30-60 min)
- Total time: 4-6 hours
- Tools required: 3-4 separate applications
SurgePV Workflow (commercial project):
- AI roof modeling (15-20 min)
- Panel layout + 8760-hour shading (15-20 min)
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 min)
- Automated proposal generation (10-15 min)
- Total time: 30-45 minutes (based on internal documentation)
- Tools required: 1 platform
The workflow difference compounds over dozens of projects. Tool-switching creates version control issues, data transfer errors, and training complexity. A unified platform eliminates these friction points.
When to Choose Each
Choose SketchUp + Skelion if:
- You already use SketchUp extensively for architectural work
- Primary need is 3D visualization for sales presentations
- Doing simple residential projects with basic electrical needs
- Budget-constrained and comfortable managing multiple tools
- Team has deep SketchUp expertise and CAD resources
Choose SurgePV if:
- Need integrated electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing)
- Doing commercial projects requiring complete permit packages
- Want one platform for end-to-end workflow
- Value time savings over visualization perfection
- Need P50/P75/P90 bankability without purchasing PVsyst
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your specific workflow priorities and existing tool expertise.
Who Should Use SketchUp for Solar Design?
SketchUp + Skelion Is Best For
1. Architectural firms adding solar services
If your firm already uses SketchUp for building design and wants to expand into solar, adding Skelion makes sense. You leverage existing team expertise without forcing everyone to learn new software.
The 3D integration between building and solar design creates seamless workflows for integrated projects. Your architects can design buildings with solar from the start.
2. Designers focused on aesthetics
When client presentations are your primary goal and 3D visualization is critical to closing deals, SketchUp delivers. The rendering quality impresses clients and helps them envision finished installations.
If you have a separate team handling electrical engineering and permitting, SketchUp can focus on what it does best: beautiful visuals.
3. Budget-conscious residential installers
For small residential installers doing straightforward projects, the $532/year SketchUp + Skelion combination provides adequate functionality at low cost.
If your electrical needs are simple enough to handle manually or you can outsource permitting, the cost savings matter more than workflow integration.
4. Training and education
Academic programs and training organizations appreciate SketchUp's low entry barrier. Students can learn solar design concepts using familiar, intuitive software.
The free version (without Skelion) works for teaching basic 3D modeling. The Pro + Skelion combo remains affordable for educational institutions.
SketchUp + Skelion Is NOT Best For
1. Commercial EPCs needing complete workflows
If you are designing 50kW-5MW commercial projects that require electrical documentation, permit packages, and bankable energy reports, SketchUp creates workflow gaps.
No SLD generation, no wire sizing, no automated proposals, no permit package assembly. You will assemble a multi-tool stack that costs more and works less efficiently than integrated platforms.
Better choice: SurgePV, Aurora Solar, or PVCase (with AutoCAD)
2. Teams needing bankable simulations
Skelion's energy reports through PVGIS and PVWATTS provide estimates. They do not provide the detailed loss modeling and statistical confidence intervals that project financiers require.
You will export to PVsyst anyway for final validation, making the Skelion energy features less valuable.
Better choice: SurgePV (built-in P50/P75/P90), PVsyst (industry standard)
3. High-volume installers
If you are processing dozens of projects per month, the multi-tool workflow becomes a bottleneck. SketchUp for layout, PVsyst for simulation, AutoCAD for electrical, PowerPoint for proposals.
Each tool transition creates delay, error risk, and training overhead. High-volume operations need streamlined workflows.
Better choice: SurgePV, OpenSolar, Aurora Solar (integrated platforms)
4. Teams without SketchUp experience
If your team does not already use SketchUp, learning both SketchUp and Skelion adds training time. Purpose-built solar platforms often have faster time-to-productivity.
SurgePV reports 2-3 week onboarding to full productivity (based on internal documentation). Learning SketchUp + Skelion from scratch takes similar time, but leaves you with incomplete solar functionality.
Better choice: SurgePV, OpenSolar (faster onboarding for solar-specific work)
SketchUp for Solar vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How SketchUp for Solar compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict
SketchUp + Skelion Summary
Strengths:
- Industry-leading 3D visualization and modeling
- Affordable entry point at $532/year
- Excellent for client presentations and renderings
- Large community, extensive resources, active support forums
- Flexible for custom modeling and architectural integration
- Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Web)
Best for:
- Architectural firms with existing SketchUp expertise
- Residential installers focused on visualization
- Teams with separate electrical engineering resources
- Budget-conscious designers comfortable with multi-tool workflows
Limitations:
- No electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing)
- No proposal generation or financial modeling depth
- Requires multiple tools for complete commercial workflows
- Not optimized for high-volume production work
- Performance issues reported on complex models
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Complete workflow in one platform (design, electrical, proposals)
- Automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes (vs 2-3 hours in AutoCAD)
- P50/P75/P90 bankability without requiring PVsyst
- Only platform with native carport design (based on internal documentation)
- 2-3 week onboarding to full productivity
- Transparent all-inclusive pricing starting at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan)
Best for:
- Commercial EPCs needing electrical documentation
- Teams wanting integrated design-to-proposal workflows
- Organizations valuing time savings over visualization perfection
- Multi-market operations (India + US coverage)
Our Recommendation
For solar professionals prioritizing 3D visualization and already using SketchUp for architectural work, the SketchUp + Skelion combination at $532/year offers solid value for panel layout and client presentations. The rendering quality is genuinely excellent, and leveraging existing SketchUp expertise reduces the learning curve.
However, commercial EPCs should carefully consider the total workflow cost. Adding PVsyst for bankable reports ($1,179/year total) and AutoCAD for electrical documentation ($3,179/year total) transforms an initially affordable tool into an expensive multi-platform stack. At that point, integrated platforms like SurgePV's solar design platform deliver more value at lower total cost while eliminating tool-switching friction.
Bottom line: SketchUp + Skelion is a visualization tool that can do solar layout. It excels at what it was designed for - beautiful 3D models. SurgePV is a solar platform built from the ground up for commercial EPC workflows with integrated electrical engineering. Choose based on your primary need: visualization (SketchUp) or complete engineering (SurgePV).
Ready to Compare SketchUp with SurgePV?
If you are considering SketchUp for solar design but need integrated electrical engineering, automated proposals, and bankable simulations without assembling a multi-tool stack, see how SurgePV compares.
What You'll See in a 15-Minute Demo
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours in AutoCAD)
- Complete commercial workflow in one platform - no tool switching
- P50/P75/P90 bankability without purchasing PVsyst
- Native carport design - the only platform with this feature
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs or feature gating
Not ready for a demo?
- Compare SurgePV Pricing
- Read More Software Reviews
- See Best Solar Design Software Guide
- Learn About Solar Design Principles
Related Resources
Solar Design Software Guides:
- Best Solar Design Software 2026
- Advanced Solar PV Design Software Features
- How Solar Design Software Saves Time
Solar Proposal & Sales:
Commercial Solar Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SketchUp good for solar design?
Short answer: SketchUp with Skelion is good for 3D visualization and panel layout but lacks electrical engineering, proposals, and financial analysis.
SketchUp excels at creating beautiful 3D models and client presentations. With Skelion, you can automatically place solar panels and perform basic shading analysis. However, for complete solar design workflows, you will need additional tools like PVsyst for bankable simulation and AutoCAD for electrical drawings.
The combination works best when visualization is your primary goal and you have separate resources for engineering documentation.
How much does SketchUp for solar design cost?
Short answer: SketchUp Pro ($399/year) + Skelion Pro ($133/year) = $532/year for basic professional setup.
For professional solar design, you will need at minimum SketchUp Pro and Skelion Pro, totaling $532/year. For bankable energy reports, add PVsyst ($647/year) bringing total to $1,179/year. For complete commercial workflows including electrical engineering, add AutoCAD ($2,000/year) for a total of $3,179/year.
Source: sketchup.trimble.com/en/plans-and-pricing, skelion.com (verified January 2026)
Can SketchUp generate Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)?
Short answer: No. SketchUp and Skelion cannot generate SLDs. You will need AutoCAD or dedicated solar software.
SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool, not an electrical engineering platform. For NEC-compliant single line diagrams and electrical documentation, commercial EPCs typically export to AutoCAD (adding 2-3 hours of manual work) or use platforms like SurgePV that generate SLDs automatically in 5-10 minutes (based on internal product documentation).
This electrical gap is the most significant limitation for commercial solar work.
What is Skelion and do I need it?
Short answer: Skelion is a SketchUp plugin that adds solar design features. You need it to use SketchUp for solar panel layout.
Skelion transforms SketchUp from a general 3D modeling tool into a solar design application. The free version includes automatic panel insertion and basic shading analysis. Skelion Pro ($133/year) adds energy reports via PVGIS/PVWATTS integration and basic financial estimates.
Without Skelion, SketchUp has no solar-specific functionality. You would be manually placing panel components from the 3D Warehouse with no energy analysis.
Source: skelion.com
Does SketchUp work with PVsyst?
Short answer: Yes. Skelion can export 3D models to PVsyst for detailed energy simulation.
Many solar professionals use SketchUp + Skelion for panel layout and visualization, then export to PVsyst for bankable energy simulation. This workflow combines SketchUp's 3D modeling strength with PVsyst's industry-standard simulation accuracy.
The export process works smoothly, making this a common workflow for teams that need both visualization and financial-grade energy modeling.
SketchUp vs dedicated solar software - which is better?
Short answer: Dedicated solar software is better for complete workflows; SketchUp is better for 3D visualization.
SketchUp + Skelion excels at architectural visualization, custom 3D modeling, and client presentations. Dedicated platforms (SurgePV, Aurora, HelioScope) excel at integrated design, electrical engineering, proposals, and bankable simulations.
For commercial EPCs, dedicated software typically offers better value by eliminating tool-switching and providing complete workflow integration. For architectural firms prioritizing visualization, SketchUp may be the better fit.
Can I create solar proposals in SketchUp?
Short answer: No. SketchUp cannot generate customer-facing sales proposals. You will need additional software.
SketchUp can create 3D renders and visuals for presentations, but it lacks proposal generation tools with financial modeling, financing options, and customer-facing documents.
For proposals, you will use separate tools like PowerPoint, PDF generators, or dedicated proposal software like SurgePV's proposal automation, Aurora Solar, or OpenSolar.
Is Skelion free or paid?
Short answer: Skelion has a free version with basic features and a Pro version at $133/year with energy reports.
Skelion Free includes automatic panel insertion and basic shading analysis - enough for visualization and simple layouts. Skelion Pro adds energy reports via PVGIS/PVWATTS integration, basic financial estimates (ROI, payback), and priority support.
For professional work with clients expecting energy production estimates, Skelion Pro is necessary.
Source: skelion.com
What are SketchUp's main limitations for solar design?
Short answer: No electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing), no proposals, no BOM generator, and basic-only financial analysis.
Key limitations include: (1) No SLD generation - need AutoCAD, (2) No wire sizing calculations, (3) No proposal generation, (4) No BOM generator, (5) Must export to PVsyst for bankable reports, (6) Performance issues on large models reported by users.
These gaps mean SketchUp handles the visual design well but requires multiple additional tools for complete commercial workflows.
Does SketchUp support carport solar design?
Short answer: Yes, through standard 3D modeling, but it is a manual process unlike platforms with native carport support.
SketchUp can model any 3D structure including solar carports. However, you manually create the carport structure using SketchUp's general 3D tools, then place panels using Skelion.
SurgePV is the only platform with native carport design tools specifically optimized for solar canopy projects (based on internal product documentation), making carport design significantly faster and easier.
How long does it take to learn SketchUp for solar design?
Short answer: SketchUp basics take 1-2 weeks; proficiency with Skelion adds another 1-2 weeks.
SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface - most users can create basic 3D models within days. Learning Skelion's solar-specific features takes additional time to master panel insertion, shading tools, and energy report generation.
Total time to productivity: 2-4 weeks for most users. For comparison, dedicated solar platforms like SurgePV have 2-3 week onboarding to full productivity (based on internal documentation).
Can SketchUp handle commercial solar projects?
Short answer: SketchUp can handle panel layout and visualization for commercial projects, but lacks electrical engineering and permit documentation capabilities.
For commercial solar projects, you will typically need: (1) SketchUp + Skelion for layout and visualization, (2) PVsyst for bankable simulation, (3) AutoCAD for electrical drawings, (4) Separate tools for proposals and permit packages.
This multi-tool workflow is slower and more complex than dedicated commercial platforms like SurgePV that integrate all these functions.
