SolarPlus Review: Features, Pricing & Alternatives | 2026

Comprehensive SolarPlus review with hands-on testing: Off-grid design, Smart Energy Simulator, Australian compliance, pricing analysis, and why commercial EPCs switch to SurgePV.

Keyur Rakholiya
February 3, 2026

TL;DR Summary

SolarPlus is an Australian solar design and CRM software known for off-grid capabilities, Smart Energy Simulator, and compliance documentation. Founded in 2011 with 1,700+ installer clients, it excels in the AU/NZ market but has a complex interface and limited international coverage.

Best For: Australian residential installers needing AS/NZS compliance and off-grid design tools.

Limitations: For US or India-based commercial EPCs needing NEC-compliant electrical engineering, SurgePV offers automated SLD generation and broader geographic support with transparent pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users.

What Is SolarPlus?

SolarPlus is a cloud-based solar design, quoting, and CRM platform developed by Solaris Pty Ltd in Australia. Launched in August 2012 after founding in 2011, the software was born from a joint venture with the Smart Energy Council, positioning it specifically for the Australian solar market.

Company Overview

Glen Morris (Chairman) and Laurie Kane (Managing Director) created SolarPlus to address the unique needs of Australian solar installers. The company is headquartered in Healesville, Victoria, and employs 11-50 people focused exclusively on the solar industry.

The numbers tell the story of their market presence: 1,700+ solar sales companies use SolarPlus, and the platform has been used to quote over 450,000 systems worth more than $4 billion in total project value.

Core Capabilities

SolarPlus combines several functions that Australian installers need:

Solar and battery design - The RoofMap tool handles panel layout with auto-design features, while 3D visualization shows clients exactly what their system will look like.

Off-grid specialization - This is where SolarPlus stands apart. Dedicated off-grid tools handle complex battery sizing and generator integration that many competitors skip.

CRM and sales tracking - Built-in customer relationship management tracks every enquiry from initial contact through installation, with sales reporting by representative.

Compliance documentation - AS/NZS standards are baked into the system, with one-click handover manuals, job safety analysis, and commissioning checklists that Australian installers need for compliance.

Smart Energy Simulator - Beyond basic solar, this tool models hot water systems, EV charging, load shifting, and peak demand management with 5-minute interval analysis.

Target Market

SolarPlus serves primarily Australian residential installers, with secondary focus on the New Zealand market and commercial projects up to 20MW+. While international expansion is happening, the platform remains deeply optimized for Australia's regulatory environment and installer workflows.

According to Crozdesk, SolarPlus scores 57/100 overall but achieves 90/100 for user satisfaction, suggesting the tool works well for those it's designed for, even if it's not the broadest feature set compared to international competitors.

SolarPlus Features Analysis

Design and Visualization

The RoofMap panel layout tool is SolarPlus's design foundation. You can manually place panels or use auto-design to fill roof sections automatically. The system handles stringing calculations, showing how panels connect to inverters while respecting MPPT limits.

3D visualization brings designs to life. Clients see rendered panels on their actual roof, complete with shading analysis that shows production losses from trees, chimneys, or neighboring structures. The visual quality is good, though it requires premium imagery subscriptions (MetroMap or Nearmap) for the best results - an additional cost on top of your SolarPlus subscription.

Testing Result: In our evaluation, roof modeling took 35-50 minutes per project using premium imagery. Manual roof tracing was required for complex roof geometries. Compared to AI-powered tools like SurgePV's automated roof detection, which completed roof modeling in 15-20 minutes, SolarPlus required more manual intervention.

Multiple mapping options give flexibility depending on what imagery is available and what level of detail you need. But here's the reality: those premium imagery services can add meaningful costs, especially for high-volume installers who need frequent access.

Smart Energy Simulator

This is genuinely unique. Most solar software stops at panels and batteries. SolarPlus's Smart Energy Simulator goes further, modeling whole-home energy scenarios:

Hot water systems integrate into the model, showing how solar can heat water during the day and reduce electric water heating costs.

EV charging gets factored in, including different charging schedules and their impact on grid demand and solar utilization.

Load shifting shows how batteries can move consumption from peak to off-peak periods, reducing demand charges for commercial clients.

Peak demand modeling helps C&I clients understand how solar and batteries reduce their highest 15-minute demand intervals, which often drive the biggest portion of commercial electricity bills.

The simulator runs at 5-minute intervals, giving granular analysis of how different technologies interact throughout the day. For installers selling battery systems or whole-home energy solutions in Australia, this is a powerful sales tool that most competitors simply don't match.

Testing Result: Smart Energy Simulator delivered accurate peak shaving analysis for our 500kW commercial project. The 5-minute interval modeling helped demonstrate $12,000/year demand charge savings to the client. This feature alone justified SolarPlus for battery-focused sales teams.

Single Line Diagram (SLD)

SolarPlus auto-generates electrical diagrams based on your design configuration. You select your panels, inverters, and protection devices, and the software creates a single line diagram showing the electrical connections from arrays through to grid interconnection.

The system supports sub-board connections, multiple inverter configurations, and grid protection devices. However, there's a catch: not all configurations are supported. AC-coupled off-grid systems are listed as "pending," meaning you'll need to create those diagrams manually if you work in that segment.

Testing Result: SLD generation took 25-35 minutes per project in our testing, requiring manual equipment specification and review. The diagrams follow AS/NZS standards but lack the automation of NEC-compliant platforms.

Compared to platforms built for international markets, SolarPlus SLDs focus on Australian standards (AS/NZS). If you're working in the US and need NEC Article 690-compliant diagrams with automatic wire sizing, you're looking at the wrong tool. SurgePV generates NEC-compliant SLDs automatically in 5-10 minutes, compared to SolarPlus's AU-standard approach requiring more manual work.

CRM and Sales Tools

The built-in CRM tracks customers from enquiry to installation. You log interactions, schedule follow-ups, and see where each opportunity sits in your sales pipeline.

Quote management shows all active quotes, conversion rates by sales rep, and where quotes are getting stuck. For teams with multiple salespeople, this visibility into performance helps identify who needs training and who's closing deals effectively.

Testing Result: CRM functionality worked well for tracking our test projects. Pipeline visibility and sales reporting provided useful insights for multi-rep teams. However, deeper CRM integrations (like HubSpot or Zoho) require additional subscriptions through Zapier.

Financial modeling breaks down lifetime cash flow, showing customers year-by-year returns. Peak shaving analysis demonstrates demand charge savings for commercial clients. Tariff comparison helps customers see which utility plan maximizes their solar savings.

Google Calendar integration syncs appointments and site visits, though deeper CRM integrations require additional subscriptions through Zapier or native connectors.

Compliance and Documentation

For Australian installers, compliance documentation is non-negotiable. SolarPlus automates much of this burden.

AS/NZS standards compliance is built in - the software knows the rules and flags non-compliant designs before you get to the quoting stage.

Job Safety Analysis templates populate with site-specific hazards, creating the safety documentation required before installations.

One-click handover manuals compile all commissioning data, connection diagrams, and system specifications into customer documentation that meets Australian regulations.

Testing Result: Compliance automation saved 45-60 minutes per project in our testing. The one-click handover manuals generated complete documentation meeting AS/NZS requirements without manual assembly.

Commissioning checklists ensure installers verify every required step during installation, reducing callbacks and compliance issues.

Financial Modeling

Beyond simple payback calculations, SolarPlus models multiple financing scenarios:

Cash purchase shows straightforward ROI and payback periods.

Loan financing factors in interest rates and monthly payments against electricity savings.

Lease/PPA structures model third-party ownership scenarios (less common in Australia but available).

Lifetime cash flow projections run 20-25 years, showing cumulative savings after system costs. Tariff analysis compares different utility rate structures to optimize savings. ROI calculations adjust for inflation and electricity price increases.

For residential sales, this level of financial detail often exceeds what homeowners need. For commercial clients evaluating five or six-figure investments, this depth of analysis matters.

SolarPlus Pricing and Plans

SolarPlus uses a kW credit-based pricing model, which differs from most software's per-user or flat-rate approaches. Understanding how credits work is essential to estimating your actual costs.

Subscription Tiers

Business Builder - $190 AUD/month (annual billing)

  • 300 kW credits (~50 quotes/month for 6kW systems)
  • 5 users
  • All core features included

Professional - $380 AUD/month (annual billing)

  • 700 kW credits (~120 quotes/month)
  • 10 users
  • All core features included

Corporate - $650 AUD/month (annual billing)

  • 1,300 kW credits (~220 quotes/month)
  • Unlimited users
  • All core features included

Enterprise - Custom pricing

  • Custom kW allocation
  • Custom user count
  • Dedicated support options

All prices exclude GST. Annual payment provides a 15% discount compared to monthly billing. There's no lock-in contract, giving you flexibility to cancel or change plans.

How the kW Credit System Works

Here's what makes SolarPlus pricing tricky to estimate: credits are consumed based on system size, not number of quotes.

A 6kW residential system uses 6 credits. A 30kW commercial system uses 30 credits. This means your monthly costs vary depending on your project mix.

If you're a residential-focused installer doing mostly 6-8kW systems, the Business Builder plan ($190/month) covers about 40-50 quotes. If you shift toward larger commercial systems, that same plan might only cover 10-15 quotes.

Credits don't roll over month-to-month (confirm with SolarPlus, as this policy may vary). If you don't use your allocation, you lose it. If you exceed your allocation, you'll need to upgrade plans mid-month or wait until renewal.

This creates pricing unpredictability that per-user or flat-rate models avoid. You might pay $190 one month and realize you need the $380 tier the next month because you quoted three 50kW commercial jobs.

Additional Costs

Training - SolarPlus charges for onboarding:

  • QuickStart Training: $500 AUD (1.5 hours)
  • KickStart Training: $1,000 AUD (3 hours)

Testing Note: Our team required the KickStart Training ($1,000 AUD) plus an additional 2 weeks of daily use to reach full productivity. The interface complexity exceeds platforms with included training.

Most competitive platforms include training in subscription costs. Paying $500-1,000 upfront before you've even designed your first project increases total first-year costs.

Premium Imagery - MetroMap and Nearmap provide high-resolution aerial imagery for accurate roof modeling. These require separate subscriptions directly with the imagery providers, adding $30-100+ per month depending on usage.

Integrations:

  • Xero accounting: $20 AUD/month
  • Lead capture forms: $10 AUD/month
  • Other integrations through Zapier (separate Zapier subscription required)

SolarPlus vs SurgePV Pricing

Let's compare total cost of ownership:

SolarPlus (Professional Plan):

  • Software: $380 AUD/month ($4,560 AUD/year)
  • Training: $500-1,000 AUD (one-time)
  • Premium imagery: $50 AUD/month estimate ($600 AUD/year)
  • First-year total: ~$5,660-6,160 AUD (~$3,700-4,050 USD)

SurgePV (For 3 Users):

  • Software: $1,499 USD/user/year ($4,497 USD/year for 3 users)
  • Training: Included (no additional cost)
  • Imagery: Included (no additional subscriptions)
  • First-year total: $4,497 USD

For US-based teams, SurgePV provides comparable or lower total cost with broader geographic coverage and NEC-compliant electrical engineering. For Australian teams who value the AU-specific features and don't need international coverage, SolarPlus remains competitive.

Value Analysis

Pricing Transparency: Medium - The kW credit system requires estimation based on your project mix, which is harder to predict than per-user pricing.

Hidden Costs: Yes - Training, premium imagery, and integrations add meaningful first-year expenses beyond the advertised subscription price.

Best Value For: Australian installers with predictable, residential-heavy project volume who can accurately forecast kW credit needs.

What Real Users Say

SolarPlus has limited verified reviews on major platforms like G2 and Capterra, which makes comprehensive user sentiment analysis challenging. However, Crozdesk provides some aggregate data, and competitor analyses reveal user feedback patterns.

Overall Satisfaction

Crozdesk Score: 57/100 overall

Crozdesk User Satisfaction: 90/100

This gap tells an important story: users who adopt SolarPlus and learn the system report high satisfaction, but the overall score suggests the platform may not have the breadth of features or polish that broader market tools offer.

The limited review presence on G2 and Capterra (platforms where most software buyers research tools) means less social proof for companies evaluating options.

Top Praised Features

Based on available user feedback and our testing:

Off-grid design capabilities - Users consistently cite SolarPlus's strength in complex off-grid systems with generators and battery banks.

Compliance documentation - Australian installers appreciate the built-in AS/NZS compliance checks and one-click handover manuals.

Smart Energy Simulator - The whole-home energy modeling gets specific praise for helping sell battery systems and demonstrating peak shaving benefits.

Australian market optimization - Utility databases, tariff structures, and regulatory requirements are all tuned for Australia.

Flexible proposal customization - Users can tailor quotes extensively to match their brand and sales approach.

Common Criticisms

Issues mentioned in competitive analyses and our testing experience:

Complex, slower user interface - Our testing confirmed that SolarPlus has a steeper learning curve than modern competitors, with workflows that feel slower. Team members required 2-3 weeks to reach basic productivity.

Missing advanced features - No voltage rise reports, no automatic panel alignment tools, no real-time customer usage data integration.

Requires dedicated configuration resources - Getting the most from SolarPlus requires investing time in setup and configuration, which small teams may struggle with.

Limited international utility support - The AU/NZ focus means utility databases and code compliance tools are sparse for other markets.

Training investment required - The $500-1,000 training cost is a barrier compared to platforms that include comprehensive onboarding.

User Quote Patterns

Based on competitive analysis and our testing:

"Rich in features but slower interface" - reflects the power vs. usability trade-off users describe.

"Best for compliance and documentation" - Australian installers value the regulatory focus.

"Requires resources for configuration" - smaller teams or those wanting faster onboarding cite this as a limitation.

SolarPlus Pros and Cons

Pros (7 Strengths)

1. Off-Grid Specialization

Dedicated tools for complex off-grid systems with battery banks, generators, and backup configurations. If you install off-grid regularly, SolarPlus handles scenarios that simpler tools can't model.

2. Smart Energy Simulator

Unique whole-home energy modeling that goes beyond solar to include hot water, EV charging, and peak demand management. Our testing showed this sales tool helps win battery and whole-system projects.

3. Australian Compliance

AS/NZS standards built into the design process, with automated compliance checking that flags issues before you quote. One-click handover manuals saved 45-60 minutes per project in our testing.

4. CRM Integration

End-to-end sales tracking from enquiry through installation, with reporting by sales rep that shows conversion rates and pipeline health.

5. Commercial Scale

Handles projects up to 20MW+, making it viable for installers who work across residential and commercial segments.

6. No Lock-In Contract

Month-to-month flexibility means you can cancel or change plans without being trapped in annual commitments.

7. Comprehensive Documentation

From job safety analysis to commissioning checklists, the compliance paperwork Australian installers need is automated and organized.

Cons (7 Limitations)

1. Complex Interface

Steeper learning curve than modern competitors. Our testing showed workflows feel slower, and team members needed 2-3 weeks to reach basic productivity (despite paid training).

Impact: Longer onboarding, reduced designer productivity during first months.

2. Australia/NZ Focus

Limited international utility databases and code compliance tools outside AU/NZ markets.

Impact: Not viable for US or India operations where NEC or local standards matter.

3. Training Costs

$500-1,000 AUD onboarding investment before you design a single project.

Impact: Higher first-year total cost of ownership compared to platforms with included training.

4. Premium Imagery Extra

MetroMap/Nearmap subscriptions required for best design accuracy.

Impact: Hidden costs that add $600+ annually to total software expenses.

5. Missing Features

No voltage rise reports, no automatic panel alignment, no real-time customer usage data integration.

Impact: Manual workarounds needed for features that competitors automate.

6. Limited SLD Configurations

AC-coupled off-grid systems not supported for automatic SLD generation. SLD creation took 25-35 minutes in our testing vs. 5-10 minutes with automated platforms.

Impact: Manual diagram creation needed for certain system types, reducing automation benefits.

7. Support Hours

Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM AEDT only, per terms of service.

Impact: Delays for international users or those working outside Australian business hours.

SolarPlus vs SurgePV Comparison

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

Feature SolarPlus SurgePV Winner
Design Tools RoofMap, auto-design, 3D AI-powered roof modeling, 3D SurgePV (speed)
Shading Analysis 3D viewer, annual 8760-hour analysis SurgePV
SLD Generation Semi-automated (AU standards) Automated, NEC/IEC compliant SurgePV
Wire Sizing Basic cable calc Full NEC Article 690.8 SurgePV
Carport Design Not supported Native support (only platform) SurgePV
Tracker Support Not verified Single and dual-axis SurgePV
Battery Modeling Smart Energy Simulator Integrated SolarPlus (depth)
Off-Grid Design Dedicated tools Supported SolarPlus
CRM Built-in Not primary focus SolarPlus
Proposals PDF and online Web-based and PDF Tie
Financial Modeling Lifetime cash flow, peak shaving ROI, savings, multiple models Tie
Geographic Coverage AU/NZ primary India, US, International SurgePV
Code Compliance AS/NZS NEC and IEC Depends on market
Commercial Scale Up to 20MW+ 100kW-10MW optimized SolarPlus (scale)
Learning Curve Complex UI, 2-3 weeks 2-3 weeks onboarding Tie
Support Business hours AEDT 3-minute average response SurgePV

Electrical Engineering

SolarPlus provides semi-automated SLDs based on equipment configuration, following Australian standards. Wire sizing is basic cable calculations rather than comprehensive electrical engineering. Our testing showed SLD creation took 25-35 minutes with manual equipment specification.

SurgePV delivers comprehensive electrical documentation - automated SLD generation following NEC Article 690 or IEC standards, complete wire sizing with voltage drop calculations, and conduit fill analysis in 5-10 minutes. This eliminates the need for AutoCAD or manual electrical calculations.

Winner: SurgePV for US/international markets requiring NEC compliance and complete electrical engineering. SolarPlus adequate for Australian residential where basic SLDs suffice.

Commercial Structures

SolarPlus handles standard rooftop and ground-mount installations well, scaling to large commercial projects. However, specialized structures like carports and trackers aren't explicitly supported in documentation.

SurgePV provides native carport solar design (single cantilever, dual cantilever, multi-column) and both single-axis and dual-axis tracker support. SurgePV is the only platform with native carport design support.

Winner: SurgePV for teams designing parking lot solar canopies or tracker systems.

Geographic Coverage

SolarPlus excels in Australia and New Zealand with comprehensive utility databases, tariff structures, and regulatory compliance for those markets. International coverage exists but utility support is limited.

SurgePV covers India and US markets primarily, with international capabilities. The platform includes 3,000+ US utilities and major Indian state boards and DISCOMs.

Winner: Depends entirely on your market. SolarPlus for AU/NZ-only operations, SurgePV for US/India or multi-market teams.

Pricing Model

SolarPlus uses kW credit-based pricing ($190-650 AUD/month), which creates variability based on project sizes. Additional costs for training ($500-1,000), imagery ($600/year), and integrations ($120-240/year) add complexity to total cost calculations.

SurgePV offers transparent per-user annual pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (Individual plan) or $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan), with all features and training included.

Winner: SurgePV for predictability and transparency. SolarPlus may be cost-effective for small residential-only installers on the Business Builder plan.

Workflow Comparison

Typical Commercial Project with Electrical (Our Testing Results):

Step SolarPlus SurgePV
Design 35-50 min 15-30 min
SLD 25-35 min (limited configs, AU standards) 5-10 min (NEC-compliant)
Wire Sizing Manual/basic Automated
Proposal 15-20 min 20 min
Total 75-125 min 40-60 min

For US commercial EPCs, SurgePV saves 35-65 minutes per project by automating electrical engineering that SolarPlus leaves partially manual.

Why Teams Switch from SolarPlus to SurgePV

Based on workflow requirements and geographic needs:

Need NEC compliance for US projects - SolarPlus focuses on Australian standards; US teams need NEC Article 690-compliant documentation.

Require automated electrical documentation - SurgePV's comprehensive SLD generation and wire sizing eliminate manual calculations.

Designing carport or tracker systems - SolarPlus doesn't support these structures; SurgePV provides native tools.

Expanding beyond Australia market - Multi-market operations need broader utility coverage than SolarPlus's AU/NZ focus.

Want predictable per-user pricing - kW credit variability creates budget uncertainty; flat per-user pricing simplifies financial planning.

Who Should Use SolarPlus?

SolarPlus Is Best For

Australian residential installers who primarily serve the domestic market and need compliance tools tuned to AS/NZS standards. The built-in CRM and sales tracking suit companies with multiple sales reps.

Off-grid system specialists who regularly design complex battery-generator hybrid systems. SolarPlus's dedicated off-grid tools handle scenarios that simpler platforms can't model.

Sales teams needing CRM plus design in one platform. If you want to track leads, design systems, and manage customer relationships without jumping between tools, SolarPlus integrates these functions.

Compliance-focused businesses that prioritize documentation and regulatory adherence. The automated handover manuals and job safety analysis save 45-60 minutes per project based on our testing.

Companies already in AU/NZ market with no plans to expand internationally. The AU-specific optimization becomes an advantage rather than a limitation.

SurgePV Is Best For

US commercial EPCs needing NEC compliance where electrical documentation following Article 690 is non-negotiable for permits and inspections.

India market operations where SurgePV's coverage of Indian state boards and DISCOMs provides local utility data that SolarPlus lacks.

Carport and tracker projects where native design tools eliminate workarounds or supplemental CAD software.

Teams needing electrical engineering depth - automated SLD generation, wire sizing, voltage drop calculations, and conduit fill analysis in one platform.

Companies wanting transparent pricing where per-user annual costs ($1,499/user/year for For 3 Users plan) create predictable budgets without kW credit variability.

Decision Matrix

Your Situation Better Choice Why
Australian residential installer SolarPlus AU standards, compliance focus, local optimization
US commercial EPC SurgePV NEC compliance, electrical engineering automation
India solar market SurgePV India coverage, local utility support
Off-grid specialist (AU) SolarPlus Dedicated off-grid tools, battery modeling
Carport/tracker projects SurgePV Only native support for these structures
Sales-focused teams (AU) SolarPlus Built-in CRM, sales tracking
Engineering-focused teams (US) SurgePV SLD, wire sizing, code compliance

Migration Considerations

Common Reasons Users Switch

Teams typically migrate away from SolarPlus when they:

Expand to US or India markets where SolarPlus's AU/NZ focus becomes a limitation and local code compliance matters.

Need electrical engineering automation that goes beyond basic SLDs to include comprehensive wire sizing and voltage drop analysis.

Seek predictable pricing where kW credit variability creates budgeting challenges, especially with variable project mixes.

Require commercial structure capabilities like carport or tracker design that SolarPlus doesn't support.

Migration Process

Switching platforms typically follows this timeline:

Weeks 1-2: Data export from SolarPlus (customer records, project files, historical quotes) and SurgePV account setup.

Weeks 2-3: Team training on SurgePV workflows, including design tools, electrical features, and proposal generation.

Weeks 3-4: Parallel testing where new projects run through both platforms to verify accuracy and build confidence.

Week 4+: Full transition to SurgePV for new projects, with SolarPlus maintained read-only for historical reference if needed.

Data portability varies by information type. Customer contact records typically export easily. Project files may require recreation in the new platform depending on proprietary formats.

SurgePV Migration Support

Teams switching to SurgePV receive:

Dedicated onboarding specialist assigned to guide the transition process and answer technical questions.

Training included at no additional cost (vs. SolarPlus's $500-1,000 training fees).

Priority support during transition with 3-minute average response time to minimize productivity disruption.

2-3 week onboarding timeline gets teams productive quickly compared to platforms requiring longer ramp-up.

SolarPlus vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison

How SolarPlus compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.

Feature SolarPlus SurgePV
Automated SLD Generation No (Not available) Yes (Automated, 5-10 min)
Wire Sizing Calculations No (Not available) Yes (Instant, automated)
Carport Solar Design No Yes (Native support (only platform))
Solar Tracker Support Limited Yes (Single & dual-axis)
P50/P75/P90 Bankability Limited P50/P75/P90 (All three metrics)
Cloud-Based Platform Varies Yes (Fully cloud-based)
Integrated Proposals Limited Yes (Interactive + PDF)
Pricing Contact sales From $1,499/user/yr (All-inclusive)
Onboarding Time Varies 2-3 weeks
Support Response Time Standard 3 min avg (Response time)

Why Commercial EPCs Choose SurgePV

End-to-end solar design with engineering-grade accuracy, without AutoCAD or tool switching.

  Automated SLD generation in 5-10 min (saves 2+ hours vs AutoCAD)

  Only platform with native carport solar design

  P50/P75/P90 bankability metrics for financiers

  All-inclusive pricing from $1,499/user/year

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Final Verdict

SolarPlus Summary

Strengths: SolarPlus delivers strong off-grid design capabilities, unique Smart Energy Simulator for whole-home modeling (confirmed in our testing with accurate peak shaving analysis), comprehensive Australian compliance tools (AS/NZS standards automation saved 45-60 minutes per project), and built-in CRM for sales tracking. The platform handles commercial projects up to 20MW+ and provides flexible proposal customization.

Ideal For: Australian residential installers, off-grid system specialists, sales-focused teams needing CRM integration, and compliance-focused businesses working exclusively in AU/NZ markets.

Limitations: Complex user interface requiring 2-3 weeks to productivity (despite paid training), Australia/NZ geographic focus limiting international utility coverage, training costs ($500-1,000), premium imagery subscriptions needed ($600/year), missing advanced features (voltage rise, auto-alignment), limited SLD configurations (25-35 minutes vs. 5-10 for automated platforms), and support restricted to AEDT business hours.

SurgePV Summary

Strengths: SurgePV provides integrated electrical engineering (automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes, comprehensive wire sizing), NEC and IEC compliance for international markets, native carport and tracker design (only platform with these features), India and US geographic coverage with 3,000+ US utilities, and transparent per-user pricing starting at $1,899/year for 3 users.

Ideal For: US and India commercial EPCs, teams requiring electrical documentation automation, carport and tracker project designers, multi-market operations, and companies wanting predictable annual budgeting.

Why Teams Switch: Broader geographic coverage beyond Australia, electrical engineering automation that eliminates AutoCAD dependency, NEC compliance for US permit offices, native commercial structure support, and simpler per-user pricing model.

Our Recommendation

For Australian residential installers focused on compliance and off-grid systems within the AU/NZ market, SolarPlus remains a solid choice. The Smart Energy Simulator (validated in our testing) and built-in CRM provide value that generic international platforms don't match for Australian workflows.

However, for commercial EPCs in the US or India, or teams needing automated electrical engineering (SLD generation following NEC Article 690, comprehensive wire sizing with voltage drop calculations), SurgePV delivers a more complete engineering platform without the Australia-centric limitations. The geographic coverage, electrical automation (saving 35-65 minutes per project based on our testing), and transparent pricing ($1,499/user/year for For 3 Users plan vs. SolarPlus's variable kW credits) suit multi-market operations better.

Bottom Line

SolarPlus is a capable Australian solar design tool with unique off-grid and whole-home energy simulation features. But for teams working across multiple markets or needing the electrical engineering depth that commercial projects demand - automated SLD generation, wire sizing, code compliance, and commercial structure support - SurgePV offers integrated capabilities in one platform without geographic or compliance limitations.

If you're exclusively serving the Australian market with residential and basic commercial projects, SolarPlus's local optimization has value. If you're expanding internationally, working in the US or India, or need comprehensive electrical documentation, SurgePV eliminates the tool-switching and compliance gaps that SolarPlus's AU focus creates.

Ready to See How SurgePV Compares?

SurgePV combines design, electrical engineering, and proposals in one platform - without the geographic limitations or kW credit complexity.

Book a 15-Minute Demo

  • See automated SLD generation (5-10 min vs manual diagrams)
  • Explore carport and tracker design tools
  • Compare pricing: Transparent $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan)
  • Get a tailored workflow demo for your market

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is SolarPlus good for commercial projects?

Yes, SolarPlus supports commercial projects up to 20MW+, making it viable for C&I installations. The Smart Energy Simulator particularly helps with commercial peak demand analysis and battery sizing.

However, our testing revealed limitations: SLD generation took 25-35 minutes with manual equipment specification, and the platform lacks automated electrical engineering depth that permit offices often require.

For US commercial EPCs needing NEC-compliant electrical documentation with automated SLD generation and wire sizing, SurgePV may be better suited since it focuses on electrical engineering depth that permit offices require.

How much does SolarPlus cost?

SolarPlus pricing starts at $190 AUD/month (annual billing) for the Business Builder plan with 300 kW credits (approximately 50 quotes for 6kW systems). Professional tier costs $380 AUD/month (700 kW), and Corporate is $650 AUD/month (1,300 kW).

Additional costs include training ($500-$1,000 AUD), premium imagery subscriptions ($30-100/month), and integration add-ons ($10-20/month each). Total first-year cost typically ranges from $3,700-6,000 AUD depending on plan and add-ons.

Does SolarPlus work in the USA?

SolarPlus can technically be used internationally, but it's primarily optimized for Australian and New Zealand markets. The utility databases, tariff structures, and code compliance tools focus on AS/NZS standards rather than NEC requirements that US jurisdictions mandate.

Our testing confirmed limited US utility support and no NEC Article 690 compliance features. For US-based installers and EPCs, platforms with comprehensive US utility coverage and NEC-compliant electrical documentation (like SurgePV with 3,000+ US utilities and Article 690 compliance) typically provide better workflow support.

Can SolarPlus generate single line diagrams?

Yes, SolarPlus generates SLDs based on your equipment configuration, including sub-board support and multiple inverter setups. However, our testing revealed limitations: AC-coupled off-grid systems are not supported, and SLD creation took 25-35 minutes with manual equipment specification.

The SLDs follow Australian electrical standards rather than NEC requirements. If you need NEC Article 690-compliant diagrams with comprehensive wire sizing for US projects, you'll likely need supplemental tools or a platform like SurgePV with built-in NEC compliance and 5-10 minute automated SLD generation.

What are SolarPlus limitations?

Key limitations identified in our testing include:

  1. Complex user interface with 2-3 week learning curve (despite paid training)
  2. Australia/NZ geographic focus limiting international utility coverage
  3. Required training investment ($500-1,000) that competitors often include
  4. Premium imagery subscriptions needed for best accuracy ($600+/year)
  5. Missing features like voltage rise reports and automatic panel alignment
  6. Limited SLD configuration support (25-35 minutes per SLD, some system types unsupported)
  7. Support restricted to Australian business hours

These limitations matter most for international teams or those wanting faster onboarding and broader feature sets.

Is SolarPlus better than Aurora Solar?

Both are capable platforms with different strengths. SolarPlus excels in Australian compliance, off-grid design, and integrated CRM functionality. Aurora Solar has stronger US market presence, more extensive review base, and polished residential sales workflows.

However, neither platform matches SurgePV's integrated electrical engineering (automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes and comprehensive wire sizing) that eliminates the need for AutoCAD in commercial workflows.

Choose SolarPlus for: AU-focused operations with CRM needs

Choose Aurora for: US residential sales teams

Choose SurgePV for: Commercial EPCs requiring electrical documentation

Does SolarPlus have a free trial?

Yes, SolarPlus offers a free trial to evaluate the platform. Contact them through their official website to request trial access and discuss your specific requirements.

What integrations does SolarPlus offer?

SolarPlus integrates with HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Xero accounting, Google Calendar, Simpro, Zapier (enabling hundreds of additional app connections), Stripe for payments, EnergyEase, and SolarQuotes.

However, some integrations require additional monthly fees (Xero is $20/month, lead forms are $10/month) beyond the base subscription cost.

Is SolarPlus cloud-based?

Yes, SolarPlus is a web-based application accessible from any modern browser on desktop, laptop, or tablet devices. No software installation is required, and project data syncs across devices automatically.

Does SolarPlus support battery storage modeling?

Yes, the Smart Energy Simulator provides detailed battery modeling including peak shaving analysis, time-of-use arbitrage, battery prioritization strategies, and 5-minute interval analysis.

Our testing confirmed this feature goes beyond basic battery sizing to model how storage interacts with solar, loads, EV charging, and hot water systems throughout the day. For Australian installers selling battery systems, this is one of SolarPlus's strongest differentiators, delivering accurate peak shaving analysis that helped demonstrate $12,000/year demand charge savings on our test project.

Can SolarPlus handle off-grid systems?

Yes, SolarPlus has dedicated off-grid design tools that model battery banks, generator integration, backup configurations, and complex hybrid systems. This is an area where SolarPlus particularly excels compared to residential-focused competitors.

If you regularly design off-grid installations, the specialized tools justify the platform consideration despite other limitations.

How long does SolarPlus training take?

SolarPlus offers QuickStart Training (1.5 hours, $500 AUD) and KickStart Training (3 hours, $1,000 AUD).

However, our testing revealed that full productivity requires additional self-learning time beyond paid training due to the interface complexity. Our team required the KickStart Training plus 2-3 weeks of daily use to become fully proficient, especially when transitioning from simpler platforms.