Quick Verdict
Best For: European installers prioritizing NF/IEC compliance, storage-focused projects, SketchUp/Revit CAD workflows
Watch Out For: Electrical engineering requires separate archelios CALC purchase (1,500+ EUR/year), limited language support (English/French only)
Total Cost: 3,490 EUR/year (~$3,800 USD) for design + electrical vs integrated platforms at $1,499/user/year
Solar design software for European markets comes with a learning curve. You need tools that handle both design simulation and electrical engineering. But what happens when those capabilities come in two separate products?
That's the reality with Trace Software's archelios suite. While the company offers solid European standards compliance and advanced storage modeling, commercial EPCs quickly discover a workflow gap: electrical documentation requires buying a second product.
This review examines archelios PRO and archelios CALC to help you decide if the two-product approach fits your workflow—or if an integrated platform makes more sense.
What Is Archelios?
Trace Software International is a French company founded in 1987, headquartered in Saint-Romain-de-Colbosc, France. With 51-62 employees (sources vary between LinkedIn and PitchBook), the company has built a presence in 50+ countries through distributors.
In 2019, Trace Software sold its elecworks division to Dassault Systemes SolidWorks to focus specifically on photovoltaic software.
The Archelios Suite
The archelios product line includes:
Archelios PRO: Solar PV design and simulation software
- 3D modeling and layout optimization
- Shading analysis with multiple weather data sources
- Production forecasting (P50-P90)
- Battery storage simulation
- Financial analysis and PDF reports
Archelios CALC: Electrical engineering tool (sold separately)
- Single Line Diagram (SLD) generation
- DC and AC wire sizing
- Voltage drop calculations
- Code compliance (NF C15-712, IEC-60364)
- Protection device sizing
Archelios O&M: Monitoring and maintenance (not covered in this review)
The key distinction: archelios PRO handles design and simulation, but you need archelios CALC for any electrical engineering documentation. This is different from integrated platforms where electrical features come in the base package.
Archelios PRO Features: What Can It Do?
3D Design & Modeling
Archelios PRO offers native 3D modeling with additional integration options for SketchUp and Revit. This flexibility matters if your team already works in CAD environments.
The software handles:
- Automatic module layout with customizable spacing
- East-West configurations for higher density
- Carport solar structures
- Smart tracker support with terrain optimization
- Bifacial panel modeling with albedo calculations
The SketchUp and Revit plugins are a genuine strength. Teams with existing CAD workflows can import models rather than starting from scratch.
Shading Analysis & Production Simulation
Archelios PRO provides access to six weather data sources:
- METEONORM
- PVGIS
- HELIOCLIM
- SOLARGIS
- NREL
- 3E
Having multiple sources lets you cross-check predictions—valuable for bankable studies where accuracy matters.
The simulation engine produces P50-P90 production forecasts. An academic study in the International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering found that "Archelios appears to be delivering the most accurate energy generation results over the course of a year." However, the same study noted the MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) surpasses 5.1%, which is competitive but not best-in-class.
Self-Consumption & Battery Storage
This is where archelios PRO stands out. The battery storage simulator offers detailed consumption profiles:
- Device-level consumption tracking
- Partial or annual consumption patterns
- Hourly tariff profiles
- Storage optimization algorithms
Trace Software claims this is "the most advanced photovoltaic storage simulator on the market." While that's marketing language, the feature set for storage modeling does exceed many competitors.
If your projects involve battery systems or self-consumption optimization, archelios PRO provides depth here.
Financial Analysis & Reports
Standard financial tools are included:
- LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy)
- ROI and payback calculations
- Investment and operating cost modeling
- Inflation and discount rate adjustments
PDF reports combine production forecasts with economic analysis. You can also export to DWG (AutoCAD) and BIM formats for integration with other tools.
What's Missing in Archelios PRO
Here's the limitation that affects commercial EPCs most: archelios PRO does not include electrical engineering features.
You cannot:
- Generate Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)
- Calculate wire sizes (DC or AC)
- Determine voltage drop
- Size protection devices
For permit-ready electrical documentation, you need archelios CALC—a separate product with a separate annual fee.
Archelios CALC: The Electrical Engineering Add-On
What Archelios CALC Does
Archelios CALC is Trace Software's electrical engineering tool. It handles:
Single Line Diagram (SLD) Generation:
- PDF and DWG output formats
- Complete DC and AC system representation
- Component labeling and specifications
Wire Sizing & Protection:
- DC wiring (string to combiner, combiner to inverter)
- AC wiring (inverter to panel)
- Voltage drop analysis
- Temperature correction per NEC 310.15
- Protection device sizing (breakers, fuses)
Code Compliance:
- NF C15-712-1 (French electrical code)
- IEC-60364 (international standard)
- Color-coded anomaly detection
Component Database:
- 50+ manufacturers
- Real-time calculation updates
For medium voltage (MV) connections above 250kVA, you need the additional HV module.
The Separate Purchase Reality
Archelios CALC costs 1,500-1,590 EUR per year—separate from archelios PRO.
Let's break down the total cost for a commercial EPC needing both design and electrical capabilities:
Archelios PRO Platinum: ~1,990 EUR/year
Archelios CALC: 1,500-1,590 EUR/year
Total Annual Cost: 3,490-3,580 EUR/year (~$3,800-3,900 USD)
Compare this to integrated platforms:
SurgePV (For 3 Users plan): $1,499/user/year includes design, electrical (SLD, wire sizing), and proposals—no separate products needed.
The two-product structure creates workflow friction. You design in archelios PRO, then switch to archelios CALC for electrical documentation. This means two tools to learn, two licensing fees, and potential version compatibility considerations.
How SurgePV Compares
SurgePV takes a different approach: electrical engineering is integrated into the base platform.
Automated SLD Generation: 5-10 minutes per commercial project
Wire Sizing: Instant, automated calculations
Voltage Drop: Real-time compliance checking
Time Savings: 1.5-2.5 hours per project vs manual AutoCAD or separate tools
The integrated approach eliminates tool-switching. You design, generate electrical documentation, and create proposals in one platform.
For commercial EPCs who need electrical documentation on every project, the all-in-one workflow saves substantial time and cost.
Archelios Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
Archelios PRO Pricing Tiers
The free tier is a genuine benefit for small installers or those learning the platform. However, the 36 kWp limit means most commercial projects require a paid tier.
Archelios CALC Pricing
Archelios CALC: 1,500-1,590 EUR/year
Archelios CALC + HV Module: 1,500-1,590 EUR/year (for MV connections >250kVA)
Source: Trace Software official eshop (January 2026)
This is required for SLD generation and electrical documentation—essential for permitting in most jurisdictions.
Total Cost Analysis
For commercial EPCs, here's the real total cost of ownership:
Design + Electrical Engineering:
- Archelios PRO Platinum: 1,990 EUR/year
- Archelios CALC: 1,500 EUR/year
- Total: 3,490 EUR/year (~$3,800 USD)
Vs. Integrated Platforms:
- SurgePV (For 3 Users): $1,499/user/year = $4,497 for 3 users (all features included)
- Per-user cost with SurgePV: $1,499 vs archelios ~$3,800 for single user with both products
- Savings with SurgePV: ~$2,301 per user per year
The value equation shifts further when you consider:
- No tool-switching overhead
- Single platform training and support
- No version compatibility issues between two products
Hidden Costs & Considerations
Separate Learning Curves: Your team needs to master two distinct products. Training time doubles compared to an integrated platform.
Limited Language Support: English and French only. If your team operates in other languages, you'll need workarounds or additional support.
AutoCAD Still Needed? While archelios CALC generates SLDs, some teams report still using AutoCAD for customization or specialized electrical drawings.
What Users Say About Archelios
The Limited Review Landscape
Public reviews of archelios are surprisingly scarce:
SourceForge: "Be the first to post a review of archelios!" (No user reviews as of January 2026)
G2.com: Product page exists with pricing data but limited user reviews
Capterra: No dedicated archelios listing found
This makes it difficult to assess real-world user satisfaction. The lack of public reviews could indicate:
- Smaller user base concentrated in Europe
- Users primarily found through direct sales rather than online research
- Limited English-language review activity
Be-Volt Case Study
Trace Software's website features a case study from Be-Volt, a French solar company founded in 2017 specializing in carport installations.
Quote from Be-Volt:
"What we appreciate most is the precision. There is very little difference between the expected results and the actual production when the parameters are well configured."
Result: Be-Volt achieved an 86.5% performance ratio despite project constraints.
Context: "The archelios software is the backbone of our process. It supports us at all stages."
Source: Trace Software official website (January 2026)
This is a positive endorsement, though it comes from the vendor's own marketing materials. Independent reviews would provide more balanced perspective.
Academic Accuracy Assessment
The International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering published research comparing solar design software accuracy:
Finding: "Archelios appears to be delivering the most accurate energy generation results over the course of a year, followed by Polysun."
Caveat: "However, the error becomes significant, with the MAPE of the results from Archelios surpassing 5.1%."
Source: Springer (January 2026)
This is competitive accuracy, though 5.1% MAPE falls short of near-PVsyst accuracy (±3%) that commercial projects often require for bankability.
Archelios Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Strong European Standards Compliance
NF C15-712-1 and IEC-60364 compliance built into archelios CALC. For European markets, this is essential and well-executed.
2. Multiple Weather Data Sources
Six data sources (METEONORM, PVGIS, HELIOCLIM, SOLARGIS, NREL, 3E) let you cross-check predictions and improve confidence in production estimates.
3. Free Tier Available
Archelios PRO Free (up to 36 kWp) provides genuine value for small installers, students, or teams testing the platform before committing.
4. Advanced Storage Modeling
Battery simulation depth exceeds many competitors, with device-level consumption tracking and hourly tariff optimization.
5. SketchUp & Revit Integration
Seamless CAD workflow for teams already using these tools. Import existing models rather than redrawing in a new platform.
6. Carport & Tracker Support
Commercial structure capabilities (carports, single/dual-axis trackers) with terrain optimization algorithms.
7. Established Company History
30+ years in electrical software (founded 1987) provides stability and domain expertise.
8. Cloud-Based with Mobile Access
Web platform with Android and iPad apps allows remote access and collaboration.
Cons
1. Electrical Engineering Requires Separate Product (CRITICAL)
Archelios CALC costs an additional 1,500+ EUR/year. Total cost for design + electrical: 3,490 EUR/year vs integrated platforms like SurgePV at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan).
2. Limited Language Support
English and French only. No Spanish, German, Portuguese, or Asian languages—limiting global scalability.
3. European Market Focus
Limited US utility databases (3,000+ in SurgePV) and India market coverage compared to globally-focused platforms.
4. Scarce Public Reviews
Difficulty verifying real user experience. "Be the first to post a review" on SourceForge as of January 2026 raises questions about market penetration.
5. Power Limits on Lower Tiers
Silver tier limited to 100 kWp. Commercial EPCs working on 500kW-5MW projects need Platinum, increasing cost.
6. Complex Weather Data Input
Custom weather data requires inputting global, diffuse, AND direct irradiation separately—more complex than single-input tools.
7. Accuracy Margin
MAPE of 5.1% in academic study is competitive but falls short of near-PVsyst accuracy (±3%) some financiers require.
SurgePV vs Archelios: Head-to-Head Comparison
Electrical Engineering: The Key Difference
Archelios requires purchasing two products: PRO for design, CALC for electrical.
Total Cost: 3,490 EUR/year (~$3,800) for one user with both products
Workflow: Design in PRO Switch to CALC Generate SLD Export
SurgePV integrates electrical engineering:
Cost: $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) includes design + electrical + proposals
Workflow: Design Generate SLD (5-10 min) Create proposal (all in one platform)
Time Savings: 1.5-2.5 hours per project vs separate tools
For commercial EPCs doing 20-50 projects per month, this time savings compounds quickly:
- 30 projects/month × 2 hours saved = 60 hours/month = $4,500/month @ $75/hour labor cost
- Annual productivity gain: $54,000
Pricing Comparison
Geographic Coverage
Archelios: European focus, NF/IEC standards, limited US/India databases
SurgePV: India + US + International
- 3,000+ US utilities
- Full India coverage with state boards and DISCOMs
- Multiple language support
For US or India operations, SurgePV provides better market coverage.
When to Choose Each
Choose Archelios If:
- Pure European operations (France, Spain, Germany)
- Storage/battery focus is critical to your business
- Existing SketchUp or Revit workflow you want to preserve
- Projects under 36 kWp (free tier works)
- Don't need electrical documentation (design-only use case)
Choose SurgePV If:
- Commercial EPCs needing integrated electrical documentation
- US or India market operations
- Want all-in-one platform without tool-switching
- Need transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- Projects require permit-ready SLDs and wire sizing
- Team values fast onboarding (2-3 weeks vs learning two products)
Who Should Use Archelios?
Archelios Is Best For
European Installers Focused on Compliance
If NF C15-712 or IEC-60364 compliance is non-negotiable and your market is exclusively European, archelios delivers strong standards alignment.
Small Projects on Free Tier
Up to 36 kWp projects work on archelios PRO Free. For small residential installers or students, this is genuine value.
SketchUp/Revit Power Users
Teams with existing CAD workflows benefit from native integration. Import models rather than redrawing.
Storage-Heavy Project Analysis
If battery optimization is central to your value proposition, archelios PRO's storage simulator offers depth competitors lack.
Budget-Conscious Teams (Design-Only)
If you handle electrical engineering separately or don't need SLDs, archelios PRO alone (990-1,990 EUR) is affordable.
SurgePV Is Best For
Commercial EPCs (50kW-10MW Projects)
Integrated electrical engineering eliminates the archelios PRO + CALC cost and workflow friction.
Teams Needing Electrical Documentation
Automated SLD generation (5-10 min) and wire sizing (instant) save 1.5-2.5 hours per project.
US and India Market Operations
3,000+ US utilities and full India coverage exceed archelios geographic scope.
All-in-One Workflow Preference
Design, electrical, and proposals in one platform. No tool-switching, one training curve, one support contact.
Transparent Pricing Preference
$1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) all-inclusive vs piecing together multiple archelios products.
Decision Matrix
Trace Software vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How Trace Software compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict: Is Archelios Right for You?
Archelios Summary
Strengths:
- Strong European electrical standards compliance (NF C15-712, IEC-60364)
- Advanced battery storage simulator
- Free tier for small projects (up to 36 kWp)
- SketchUp and Revit integration for CAD workflows
- Six weather data sources for accuracy validation
- Commercial structure support (carports, trackers)
Ideal For:
- European installers prioritizing code compliance
- Teams with existing SketchUp/Revit workflows
- Storage-focused analysis
- Small residential projects (free tier)
- Design-only use cases (no electrical docs needed)
Limitations:
- Requires separate archelios CALC purchase for electrical engineering (adds 1,500+ EUR/year)
- Total cost with electrical: 3,490 EUR/year (~$3,800)
- Limited language support (English and French only)
- European focus limits US/India utility coverage
- Scarce public reviews make user satisfaction difficult to verify
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Integrated electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing, voltage drop) in base pricing
- All-inclusive pricing: $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan)
- No tool-switching (design + electrical + proposals in one platform)
- 3,000+ US utilities and full India coverage
- Faster complete workflow (saves 1.5-2.5 hours per project)
- 2-3 week onboarding vs learning two separate products
Ideal For:
- Commercial EPCs needing electrical documentation
- US and India market operations
- Teams wanting transparent all-inclusive pricing
- Installers prioritizing workflow efficiency
- Businesses wanting to eliminate AutoCAD dependency
Why Teams Switch:
- Eliminate archelios PRO + CALC cost (save ~$2,301/user/year)
- Stop tool-switching between design and electrical platforms
- Get permit-ready SLDs in 5-10 minutes vs separate product
Our Recommendation
For European installers with simple residential projects or those who don't need electrical documentation, archelios PRO Silver or Free offers solid value. The European compliance and storage modeling are genuine strengths.
However, for most commercial EPCs—especially those needing integrated electrical engineering—the two-product requirement creates unnecessary cost and workflow friction.
Bottom Line: Archelios is a capable European solar design tool with strong simulation accuracy and advanced storage features. But requiring archelios CALC as a separate purchase for electrical engineering (adding 1,500+ EUR/year) creates a fragmented workflow and higher total cost. For commercial EPCs and teams needing integrated electrical documentation, SurgePV offers a more complete, cost-effective solution with transparent pricing and faster workflows.
Ready to See How SurgePV Compares?
If you're evaluating archelios and concerned about the two-product cost structure, SurgePV includes everything in one platform:
What's Included:
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs separate product)
- Wire sizing and voltage drop (instant calculations, no CALC needed)
- 3,000+ US utilities (better coverage than archelios)
- India + US market support (not just Europe)
- All-inclusive pricing ($1,499/user/year for For 3 Users plan)
Book a 15-Minute Demo
What you'll see:
- How SurgePV generates permit-ready SLDs automatically (no archelios CALC needed)
- Side-by-side cost comparison for your team size
- Live walkthrough of integrated design + electrical workflow
- Q&A with a commercial solar specialist
No pressure, no obligation.
Not ready for a demo?
Related Reviews & Comparisons
Competitor Reviews:
- Aurora Solar Review - Similar limitation (no integrated electrical engineering)
- PVsyst Review - Simulation vs design platforms
- Helioscope Review - Cloud-based solar design comparison
Best Software Guides:
- Best Solar Design Software Guide - See where archelios ranks
- Best Solar Design Software for US - US market alternatives
- Best Solar Design Software for India - India market options
Feature Deep Dives:
- Solar Design Software Features - What features matter most
- Commercial Solar Proposal Software - Integrated proposal workflows
- Why Installers Need Solar Design Tools - ROI of design software
Product Category Pages:
- Best Solar Design Software - Design tool comparison
- Best All-in-One Solar Software - Integrated platform overview
- Best Solar Software for Commercial EPCs - EPC-focused solutions
Archelios FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is archelios PRO free?
Yes, archelios PRO Free is available for projects up to 36 kWp. Paid tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) are required for larger projects. Silver starts at ~990 EUR/year for projects up to 100 kWp.
How much does archelios cost?
Archelios PRO ranges from 990 EUR (Silver) to 1,990 EUR (Platinum) per year. However, electrical engineering requires archelios CALC (1,500-1,590 EUR/year separately). Total cost for design + electrical: 2,490-3,580 EUR/year depending on tier.
Does archelios generate single line diagrams?
Not in archelios PRO. You need archelios CALC (separate product, 1,500+ EUR/year) for SLD generation. This is different from integrated platforms like SurgePV, which includes automated SLD generation in base pricing.
Is archelios available in English?
Yes, archelios supports English and French. No other languages are currently available, which may limit adoption in Spanish, German, Portuguese, or Asian markets.
What is the difference between archelios PRO and archelios CALC?
Archelios PRO handles design and simulation (3D modeling, shading, production estimates, financial analysis). Archelios CALC handles electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing, voltage drop, code compliance). They are sold as separate products with separate annual fees.
Is archelios better than PVsyst?
Different purposes. Archelios is a design + simulation platform, while PVsyst is primarily a simulation and validation tool for bankability studies. An academic study found archelios delivered competitive accuracy (MAPE ~5.1%), but PVsyst remains the industry standard for financing due diligence.
Does archelios work in the US?
Yes, archelios works globally. However, it's optimized for European markets with NF/IEC standards. US users may find limited utility database coverage compared to US-focused tools like SurgePV (3,000+ US utilities) or Aurora Solar.
Can archelios design carport solar systems?
Yes, archelios PRO supports carport design with parameters for tilt, height, span length, and shading analysis. This is a strength for commercial parking lot installations.
Does archelios have a mobile app?
Yes, archelios offers mobile apps for Android and iPad. It's also accessible via any web browser as a cloud-based platform.
What weather data does archelios use?
Archelios supports six weather data sources: METEONORM, PVGIS, HELIOCLIM, SOLARGIS, NREL, and 3E. Multiple sources allow cross-checking for improved accuracy confidence.
Is there a free trial of archelios?
Yes, a free trial is available. Additionally, archelios PRO Free (permanent free tier up to 36 kWp) provides ongoing access for small projects.
How does archelios compare to SurgePV?
Archelios requires separate purchase of archelios CALC (1,500+ EUR/year) for electrical engineering. SurgePV includes integrated SLD generation, wire sizing, and voltage drop in base pricing ($1,499/user/year for For 3 Users plan). SurgePV offers better US/India coverage; archelios is stronger for pure European operations with advanced storage needs.
