TL;DR Summary
Solar Monkey is a Netherlands-based solar workflow automation platform known for 80% verified time savings and strong multi-product integration (PV, heat pumps, batteries). Based on company data and customer testimonials, installers praise its drag-and-drop design tools, CRM/ERP integrations (Pipedrive, Zoho, Odoo), and unique Connect+ upsell platform.
However, critical limitations exist: Solar Monkey operates in only five European countries, offers no utility-scale capability (rooftop only), and provides no mobile apps. For installers needing global coverage, utility-scale design, or mobile field access, SurgePV offers India + US + international coverage with utility-scale capability (1MW+ projects) and mobile-native applications.
Rating Overview:
- Best For: European residential installers (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, UK)
- Not For: Global operations, utility-scale projects, mobile-first workflows
Quick Comparison:
What Is Solar Monkey?
Solar Monkey is a cloud-based solar workflow automation platform developed by Solar Monkey B.V., headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded in 2016 by CEO Jan Pieter Versluijs, the company has grown to 67 employees and secured a total of 5.53 million euros in funding, including a 4 million euro round in 2025 from investors including Eneco Ventures, Helen Ventures, 4impact, and EIT Climate-KIC.
Company Overview
Solar Monkey Products & Pricing
Understanding Solar Monkey's pricing requires examining both its base subscription and per-project fee structure. Unlike platforms with simple per-seat pricing, Solar Monkey uses a hybrid model that scales with project volume.
Pricing Tiers
Note: Medium and large tier pricing requires sales contact, which introduces friction compared to self-service competitors.
Per-Project Fees Explained
The 12 euros per project fee adds variable cost that scales with volume. For high-volume installers, this per-project charge significantly impacts total cost of ownership. Entry-level users processing a handful of projects monthly may find this acceptable, but installers handling 50+ projects per month should carefully calculate annual expenditures.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
Pricing Comparison Context:
- Solar Monkey's entry pricing undercuts Aurora Solar (which starts at $159-259+ per month)
- More transparent than OpenSolar's free-plus-per-image model
- Comparable to Pylon's free monthly with $4 per project structure
For comparison, SurgePV pricing starts at $1,899 per year for 3 users (Individual plan) with all features included and no per-project fees (PRODUCT.md Section 4). This transparent, all-inclusive approach eliminates variable cost surprises that can impact budgeting accuracy.
Solar Monkey Features Analysis
Solar Monkey positions itself as a workflow automation platform rather than purely a design tool. This distinction matters because the platform's value comes from connecting design, quotation, customer management, and post-installation services.
Features Overview
Design Tools
What It Does: Solar Monkey provides drag-and-drop panel layout tools with automatic shading calculations. The platform integrates Google Solar API data and supports AI-powered roof detection. Drone integration allows for aerial imagery import.
Strengths:
- Fast drag-and-drop interface reduces design time
- AI roof detection automates manual measurement tasks
- Google Solar API provides pre-calculated solar potential data
- Drone integration supports aerial-based design
Limitations:
- Rooftop-only design (no ground-mount capability)
- No tracker support for utility-scale applications
- Limited to European mapping and regulatory databases
- No carport solar design support
How SurgePV Differs: SurgePV includes carport solar design (the only platform with native support), tracker support (single-axis and dual-axis), and ground-mount design for utility-scale projects up to 1GW+ (PRODUCT.md Section 2.2).
Multi-Product Support (PV + Heat Pumps + Batteries)
What It Does: Solar Monkey uniquely combines PV system design with heat pump and battery storage integration. This multi-product approach enables installers to offer comprehensive energy solutions from a single platform.
Strengths:
- Only major platform combining PV, heat pumps, and batteries
- Early-mover advantage in European multi-product market
- Retrofit features identify upgrade opportunities in existing installations
- Supports upselling and cross-selling strategies
Limitations:
- Multi-product depth lower than specialized platforms
- Heat pump and battery features optimized for European products and regulations
- No multi-product support outside European markets
Connect+ Platform
What It Does: Connect+ represents Solar Monkey's unique post-installation platform. It provides yield reports, monitors system performance, and identifies upgrade or retrofit opportunities for existing customers.
Strengths:
- Unique in the market - only competitor with installed-base revenue stream
- Identifies upsell opportunities (battery additions, panel expansions)
- Maintains customer relationships post-installation
- Creates recurring touchpoints with homeowners
Limitations:
- Requires existing customer base to generate value
- Limited to European regulatory frameworks
- Value dependent on installer's post-installation service model
CRM/ERP Integrations
What It Does: Solar Monkey provides pre-built integrations with major CRM platforms (Pipedrive, Zoho) and ERP systems (Odoo, HERO, Splendid, BLOX). An open API enables custom integrations.
Strengths:
- Pre-built integrations reduce implementation time
- Open API provides flexibility for custom workflows
- Avoids forcing users into proprietary CRM (unlike some competitors)
- Supports existing tech stack rather than requiring replacement
Limitations:
- No built-in CRM (requires external tools)
- Integration depth varies by platform
- API documentation focused on European use cases
What Solar Monkey Is Missing
Understanding Solar Monkey's limitations is critical for installers whose operations extend beyond the platform's designed scope. Three gaps stand out as particularly significant.
Geographic Limitations (Critical)
The Issue: Solar Monkey operates exclusively in five European countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Impact:
- No support for North American installers (US, Canada)
- No coverage for Asia-Pacific markets (Australia, India, Southeast Asia)
- No Middle Eastern or African market support
- European regulatory focus makes global expansion difficult
Who This Affects: Multinational EPCs, installers with international clients, companies planning geographic expansion, and anyone serving markets outside Western Europe.
SurgePV Alternative: SurgePV provides India + US + international coverage with support for 3,000+ US utilities and major Indian state boards (PRODUCT.md Section 8). The platform's global architecture supports multi-market operations from a single account.
Scale Limitations (No Utility-Scale)
The Issue: Solar Monkey handles rooftop installations only. The platform offers no ground-mount design capability and no solar tracker support.
Impact:
- Maximum practical project size under 500kW
- No utility-scale capability (1MW+ projects excluded)
- No ground-mount optimization algorithms
- Cannot serve utility developers or large commercial ground-mount projects
Who This Affects: EPCs handling utility-scale projects, developers working on ground-mount solar farms, and commercial installers serving industrial clients with ground-based installations.
SurgePV Alternative: SurgePV supports utility-scale projects from 1MW to 1GW+ with native tracker support (single-axis and dual-axis), ground-mount design, and East-West racking configurations (PRODUCT.md Section 2.2).
Platform Limitations (Web-Only)
The Issue: Solar Monkey provides no mobile applications. The platform operates exclusively through web browsers.
Impact:
- Field teams cannot access designs on-site without laptops
- No offline capability for areas with limited connectivity
- Market increasingly expects mobile-first experiences
- Site survey data entry requires return to office
Who This Affects: Field sales teams, installation crews referencing designs on-site, and installers working in areas with unreliable internet connectivity.
SurgePV Alternative: SurgePV offers mobile-native applications enabling field access, on-site design adjustments, and offline capability for site surveys.
What Real Users Say
Solar Monkey maintains limited public reviews typical for B2B SaaS platforms with direct sales models. However, available customer testimonials and company materials provide insight into user sentiment.
Overall Satisfaction
Public review platforms show limited data for Solar Monkey compared to US-based competitors. This reflects the platform's European B2B focus and direct sales approach rather than a product quality indicator.
Available Sources:
- G2: Limited reviews available
- Capterra: Basic listing with minimal reviews
- Company testimonials: Strong positive sentiment on time savings and ease of use
Top Praised Features
Based on customer testimonials and company materials:
80% Time Savings - Multiple customers verify dramatic reduction in design-to-signature cycle time. This metric appears consistently across testimonials and represents Solar Monkey's primary value proposition.
European Regulatory Fit - Installers praise pre-configured compliance with Dutch, Belgian, German, Spanish, and UK regulations. Local utility database integration eliminates manual regulatory research.
Multi-Product Support - Customers highlight the ability to quote PV systems alongside heat pumps and batteries from a single platform.
CRM/ERP Flexibility - The open API and pre-built integrations receive positive feedback from installers with established tech stacks.
Connect+ Upsell Capability - Post-installation customers describe increased revenue from upgrade and retrofit identification.
Common Concerns
User feedback and competitive analysis reveal consistent themes:
Europe-Only Coverage - Installers with clients outside Europe report inability to serve those markets
No Utility-Scale Support - Commercial installers handling larger ground-mount projects must use alternative platforms
Web-Only Access - Field teams request mobile applications repeatedly
Pricing Opacity - Larger installers note friction in obtaining medium/large tier pricing without sales contact
Small Team Support - Some users note longer support response times compared to larger competitors
Solar Monkey Pros & Cons
Pros
80% Verified Time Savings - Customer testimonials consistently report dramatic workflow acceleration from design through signature. This metric represents Solar Monkey's core value proposition.
Number One Netherlands Market Position - Since 2017, Solar Monkey has maintained market leadership in the Netherlands. This indicates product-market fit and customer retention.
Multi-Product Integration - The only major platform combining PV, heat pumps, and batteries in a single workflow. Early-mover advantage in European integrated energy solutions.
Transparent European Pricing - Entry-level pricing (85 euros/month + 12 euros/project) undercuts Aurora Solar and provides cost predictability for smaller installers.
Connect+ Unique Platform - The only competitor offering post-installation revenue streams through upgrade identification and customer communication tools.
Strong Integration Ecosystem - Pre-built CRM (Pipedrive, Zoho) and ERP (Odoo, HERO, Splendid, BLOX) integrations plus open API for custom workflows.
AI and Drone Tools - Modern design capabilities including AI roof detection and drone imagery integration reduce site visit requirements.
Strong Financial Backing - 5.53 million euros from reputable clean tech investors (Eneco Ventures, Helen Ventures) indicates sustainable operations.
Cons
Europe-Only Coverage (Critical) - Limited to five countries (NL, BE, DE, ES, UK). Cannot serve North America, Asia, Australia, India, or other global markets. Impact: Installers cannot grow beyond European borders without switching platforms.
No Utility-Scale Capability (Critical) - Rooftop-only design with no ground-mount or tracker support. Impact: EPCs handling utility-scale projects must maintain separate software for larger installations.
Web-Only Platform (Moderate) - No mobile applications for iOS or Android. Impact: Field teams lack on-site access without carrying laptops.
Pricing Opacity for Larger Tiers (Moderate) - Medium and large tier pricing requires sales contact. Impact: High-volume installers cannot self-serve pricing evaluation.
Small Team Limitations (Moderate) - 67 employees limits development velocity and support capacity compared to larger competitors with hundreds of staff.
Limited Global Brand Awareness (Moderate) - Strong recognition only in Netherlands. Impact: Higher customer acquisition costs in expansion markets.
No Built-In CRM (Moderate) - Requires external CRM integration versus competitors like Sunbase with integrated customer management.
Regional Regulatory Dependency (Moderate) - Deep ties to European incentive structures and policies. Impact: Difficult to adapt for global regulatory environments.
SurgePV vs Solar Monkey
For installers evaluating both platforms, this head-to-head comparison highlights the key differences based on verified capabilities.
Comparison Table
Geographic Coverage Comparison
Solar Monkey: Operates exclusively in Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and UK. Deep localization includes local utility databases, regulatory compliance, and language support.
SurgePV: Provides coverage across India, United States, and international markets. Supports 3,000+ US utilities and major Indian state boards (PRODUCT.md Section 8). Architecture designed for multi-market operations.
Why This Matters: For installers operating only within Solar Monkey's five European markets, geographic coverage presents no issue. However, any installer with current or planned operations outside Western Europe requires a global platform.
Scale Capability Comparison
Solar Monkey: Focused entirely on rooftop installations. No ground-mount design capability, no tracker support, practical project ceiling under 500kW.
SurgePV: Supports projects from residential rooftop through utility-scale (1MW-1GW+). Includes carport solar design (only platform with native support), single-axis and dual-axis tracker support, and East-West racking configurations (PRODUCT.md Section 2.2).
Why This Matters: Commercial EPCs handling diverse project types need platforms scaling across residential, commercial, and utility segments. Solar Monkey's rooftop-only focus limits its utility for mixed portfolios.
Platform and Mobile Comparison
Solar Monkey: Web-only platform with no mobile applications. Field teams require laptops for on-site access.
SurgePV: Mobile-native applications provide field access, on-site design capability, and offline functionality for site surveys.
Why This Matters: Modern field operations increasingly depend on mobile access. Installation teams referencing designs, sales teams presenting proposals, and surveyors collecting site data all benefit from mobile capability.
Pricing Comparison
Solar Monkey: Hybrid model with base subscription (85-200 euros/month) plus per-project fees (12 euros/project). 15% annual discount available. Medium/large tier pricing requires sales contact.
SurgePV: Transparent annual pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan) or $1,499/user/year for teams (PRODUCT.md Section 4). All features included, no per-project fees, no feature gating.
TCO Example (25 projects/month):
- Solar Monkey: ~5,040 euros/year (4,284 euros with discount)
- SurgePV (3 users): $1,899/year (~1,750 euros at current rates)
Who Should Use Solar Monkey?
Solar Monkey Is Best For
European Residential Installers: Companies operating exclusively within Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, or UK with residential-focused portfolios find Solar Monkey's localization and 80% time savings compelling.
Multi-Product Installers: Companies offering PV systems alongside heat pumps and batteries benefit from Solar Monkey's unique multi-product integration.
Installers With Existing CRM/ERP Investments: Teams with established Pipedrive, Zoho, or Odoo implementations can leverage pre-built integrations.
Post-Installation Service Providers: Companies monetizing existing customer bases through upgrades and retrofits benefit from the unique Connect+ platform.
Solar Monkey Is Not Ideal For
Global Operations: Any installer serving markets outside Western Europe cannot use Solar Monkey for those projects.
Utility-Scale Developers: Ground-mount projects, tracker-based installations, and projects exceeding rooftop scale require alternative platforms.
Mobile-First Field Teams: Operations depending on mobile access for field sales, installation reference, or site surveys need platforms with native mobile apps.
High-Volume Commercial EPCs: The per-project fee structure may exceed all-inclusive pricing alternatives at higher project volumes.
Consider SurgePV Instead If You Need
- Global coverage (India, US, international markets)
- Utility-scale capability (1MW+ projects)
- Carport solar design (native support)
- Mobile-native field access
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual)
- Automated wire sizing calculations
- Transparent all-inclusive pricing without per-project fees
Switching from Solar Monkey to SurgePV?
Common Reasons Installers Switch
Geographic Expansion: Installers growing beyond European borders need platforms supporting their new markets. SurgePV's India + US + international coverage enables multi-market operations.
Utility-Scale Projects: Companies winning ground-mount or tracker-based projects cannot serve them with rooftop-only tools. SurgePV handles 1MW-1GW+ utility-scale designs.
Mobile Requirements: Field teams requiring on-site access without laptops benefit from SurgePV's mobile-native applications.
Electrical Engineering Needs: Commercial EPCs needing permit-ready SLDs and wire sizing calculations find SurgePV's automated electrical engineering eliminates AutoCAD dependency.
Migration Process
Timeline: 2-3 weeks (PRODUCT.md Section 9)
Steps:
- Data export from Solar Monkey
- SurgePV account setup and configuration
- Team training and onboarding
- Parallel testing period
- Full transition
Migration Support
SurgePV provides:
- Dedicated onboarding support
- Team training resources
- Video tutorials and knowledge base
- Priority support during transition period
Solar Monkey vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How Solar Monkey compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict: Solar Monkey vs SurgePV
Solar Monkey Summary
Strengths:
- 80% verified time savings (design-to-signature)
- Number one market position in Netherlands since 2017
- Unique multi-product integration (PV + heat pumps + batteries)
- Connect+ platform for post-installation revenue streams
Ideal For: European residential installers operating exclusively within Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, or UK who want workflow automation with multi-product capability and CRM/ERP integration.
Critical Limitations:
- Europe-only (5 countries) - no global coverage
- Rooftop-only - no utility-scale capability
- Web-only - no mobile applications
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Global coverage (India + US + international) - PRODUCT.md Section 8
- Utility-scale capability (1MW-1GW+) - PRODUCT.md Section 2.2
- Mobile-native applications
- Automated electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing) - PRODUCT.md Section 2.1
- Only platform with native carport solar design - PRODUCT.md Section 2.2
- Transparent all-inclusive pricing - PRODUCT.md Section 4
Ideal For: Commercial EPCs, global installers, utility developers, and teams requiring integrated electrical engineering without AutoCAD dependency.
Why Teams Switch: Geographic expansion beyond Europe, utility-scale project opportunities, mobile field requirements, and electrical engineering needs drive Solar Monkey users toward SurgePV.
Our Recommendation
For European residential installers operating exclusively within Solar Monkey's five-country footprint, the platform delivers genuine value through verified time savings and unique multi-product integration. Solar Monkey remains a solid choice if your operations match its designed scope.
However, for most commercial EPCs, any installer with global ambitions, and teams requiring utility-scale capability or mobile access, SurgePV delivers a more complete, scalable, and globally applicable solution.
Bottom Line
Solar Monkey owns the European residential workflow automation segment. It does that job well. But as installers grow, expand geographically, or take on larger projects, they encounter hard limitations that Solar Monkey cannot address. SurgePV provides the global coverage, utility-scale capability, and electrical engineering depth that commercial EPCs need to serve diverse markets and project types from a single platform.
Ready to Go Global?
If Solar Monkey's European-only limitation, rooftop-only focus, or web-only platform restricts your growth plans, SurgePV offers the alternative.
See SurgePV in Action
What you will see:
- Global coverage supporting India, US, and international markets
- Utility-scale design capability (1MW-1GW+ projects)
- Mobile-native applications for field access
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual)
- Transparent pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users
No pressure, no obligation - just a clear demonstration of how SurgePV handles global, utility-scale, and mobile requirements that Solar Monkey cannot address.
Not ready for a demo?
- Compare SurgePV Pricing
- Explore SurgePV Features
- Read More Solar Software Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solar Monkey available in the US?
Solar Monkey provides service only in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The platform does not support US utilities, regulatory requirements, or market conditions. US installers evaluating workflow automation platforms should consider alternatives with North American coverage, such as SurgePV (which supports 3,000+ US utilities) or Aurora Solar.
How much does Solar Monkey cost?
Solar Monkey uses hybrid pricing combining monthly subscriptions with per-project fees. Entry tier starts at 85 euros/month, while professional tier reaches 200 euros/month. Every project adds 12 euros regardless of tier. For 25 projects monthly, expect approximately 5,040 euros annually before the 15% discount (4,284 euros after discount). Medium and large tier pricing requires sales contact.
Does Solar Monkey work for commercial projects?
Solar Monkey supports commercial rooftop installations within its five European markets. However, the platform cannot handle ground-mount commercial projects, tracker-based systems, or utility-scale installations. Commercial EPCs with diverse project portfolios may find the rooftop-only limitation restrictive for larger commercial opportunities.
Does Solar Monkey have mobile apps?
Field teams using Solar Monkey must access the platform through web browsers, requiring laptops for on-site use. This limitation affects sales teams presenting proposals, installation crews referencing designs, and surveyors collecting site data. Competitors like SurgePV offer mobile-native applications for field access.
Is Solar Monkey good for utility-scale solar?
Solar Monkey's design tools focus exclusively on rooftop PV systems. The platform offers no ground-mount capability, no tracker support (single-axis or dual-axis), and no optimization algorithms for utility-scale layouts. Developers and EPCs handling utility-scale projects require platforms like SurgePV (which supports 1MW-1GW+ projects) or PVCase.
What is Solar Monkey Connect+?
Connect+ differentiates Solar Monkey from competitors by providing tools for managing existing customers after installation. The platform generates yield reports, identifies upgrade opportunities (battery additions, panel expansions), and facilitates ongoing customer communication. This creates potential revenue streams from installed customer bases rather than only new sales.
Does Solar Monkey support heat pumps?
Solar Monkey is the only major solar design platform combining PV systems with heat pump and battery storage integration. This multi-product approach enables European installers to offer comprehensive energy solutions. However, heat pump features are optimized for European products and regulations, limiting global applicability.
Is Solar Monkey better than SurgePV?
Solar Monkey excels in its five European markets with 80% verified time savings, multi-product integration, and the unique Connect+ platform. However, SurgePV provides global coverage (India, US, international), utility-scale capability (1MW-1GW+), mobile-native applications, and automated electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing) that Solar Monkey lacks. The best choice depends on your geographic scope, project scale, and operational requirements. See our complete comparison of solar design software for more options.
Can Solar Monkey integrate with my CRM?
Solar Monkey provides pre-built integrations with major CRM platforms (Pipedrive, Zoho) and ERP systems (Odoo, HERO, Splendid, BLOX). An open API enables custom integrations for platforms without pre-built connectors. This flexibility allows installers to maintain existing tech stacks rather than adopting proprietary CRM solutions.
Does Solar Monkey offer a free trial?
Solar Monkey's trial availability and terms are not publicly documented. Interested installers should contact the company directly through their website to discuss evaluation options. SurgePV offers demo bookings to evaluate platform capabilities before commitment.
Does Solar Monkey generate electrical SLDs?
Available documentation does not indicate automated Single Line Diagram (SLD) generation capability. Commercial EPCs requiring permit-ready electrical documentation may need supplemental tools. SurgePV generates permit-ready SLDs automatically in 5-10 minutes, saving 2-3 hours compared to manual AutoCAD methods (PRODUCT.md Section 2.1).
What electrical engineering features does Solar Monkey include?
Solar Monkey's documented features emphasize design automation, quotation, and customer workflow rather than electrical engineering depth. Wire sizing calculations, voltage drop analysis, and NEC/IEC compliance tools are not prominently featured. EPCs requiring integrated electrical engineering should evaluate platforms like SurgePV, which includes automated SLD generation, wire sizing, and voltage drop calculations (PRODUCT.md Section 2.1).
