TL;DR Summary
Virto Solar is a Belgian solar engineering software company offering three products: Virto.CAD (AutoCAD plugin), Virto.MAX (web app), and Virto.CORE (OEM platform). Based on 21 verified G2 reviews, users praise Virto.CAD's powerful AutoCAD integration and 85%+ time savings on large-scale projects, but the platform requires an AutoCAD or BricsCAD license, creating a high total cost of ownership (~$5,100/year per user).
For commercial EPCs without AutoCAD expertise needing complete electrical engineering, SurgePV offers automated SLD generation, wire sizing, and carport design in a cloud-based platform starting at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) - eliminating the need for expensive CAD software.
What Is Virto Solar?
Virto Solar is a solar design automation company headquartered in Geel, Belgium, founded in 2019 by Kim Eyckmans. The company focuses on large-scale commercial and utility solar projects, offering engineering-grade automation tools for solar professionals with CAD expertise.
Core Capabilities
Virto Solar operates through three distinct product lines:
- Virto.CAD: AutoCAD and BricsCAD plugin for commercial rooftop and ground-mount solar design
- Virto.MAX: Browser-based web application for sales teams and project developers
- Virto.CORE: White-label OEM platform for mounting system manufacturers
Virto Solar Products Deep Dive
Virto.CAD: AutoCAD Plugin for Solar Engineering
What It Does: Virto.CAD is a plugin that runs inside Autodesk AutoCAD or BricsCAD, adding solar-specific automation to traditional CAD workflows.
Core Features:
- Automated Module Layouts: Automatically fills rooftops and ground areas with solar panels based on racking constraints
- String Mapping: Configures DC strings and MPPT assignments
- Ballast Calculations: Static load analysis for flat roof systems (Eurocode-compliant)
- Cable Routing: Automated cable tray and trench routing with length calculations
- Bill of Materials: Auto-generated BOM from design geometry
- PVsyst Export: 3D models export directly to PVsyst for validation
User Feedback: According to G2 reviews, users praise Virto.CAD for making rooftop design faster and creating accurate 3D models for PVsyst import. One reviewer noted: "Virto.CAD makes rooftop design easier, especially when creating 3D models for PVSyst."
Time Savings: Virto Solar claims 85%+ time savings on engineering tasks compared to manual AutoCAD workflows.
The Catch: Virto.CAD requires an active AutoCAD or BricsCAD license. You cannot run Virto.CAD standalone. This creates a dependency on expensive CAD software, adding $1,865-$2,000+/year per user to your total cost.
Virto.MAX: Web-Based Solar Design
What It Does: Virto.MAX is a browser-based application for early-stage design and project development, requiring no CAD software.
Core Features:
- Automatic solar park layout generation
- Shadow and yield simulations
- Inverter configuration optimization
- Collaboration features for sales teams
Limitations vs Virto.CAD: According to official Virto Solar documentation, Virto.MAX has fewer features than Virto.CAD. The web app targets sales teams and project developers rather than detailed engineering workflows. Pricing is contact-sales only.
Who It's For: Sales teams needing fast feasibility studies without CAD complexity.
Virto.CORE: OEM Platform for Manufacturers
What It Does: Virto.CORE is a white-label platform that mounting system manufacturers and wholesalers can customize for their specific products.
Core Features:
- Customized web applications for manufacturer catalogs
- Static load calculations (Eurocode compliance)
- Manufacturer-specific racking configurations
Target Users: Mounting hardware manufacturers wanting branded design tools for customers.
Pricing: Enterprise/OEM custom pricing.
Virto Solar Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership
Understanding the true cost of Virto Solar requires accounting for both the software subscription and the required AutoCAD license.
Virto.CAD Pricing (Verified)
According to photovoltaic-software.com, Virto.CAD pricing is:
- Annual: 2,980 EUR/year (~$3,240 USD/year)
- Monthly: 298 EUR/month (~$324 USD/month)
- Free Trial: 14 days (full-featured)
Source: Photovoltaic-Software.com, verified January 23, 2026.
Required AutoCAD License Cost
Virto.CAD requires one of these CAD platforms:
- AutoCAD: ~$1,865/year (official Autodesk pricing)
- BricsCAD: ~$600-$1,000/year (depending on edition)
Most commercial EPCs using Virto.CAD already have AutoCAD, but new users must purchase this separately.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
Virto.CAD + AutoCAD (New User):
- Virto.CAD: $3,240/year
- AutoCAD: $1,865/year
- Total: ~$5,105/year per user
SurgePV (For 3 Users Plan):
- All-inclusive: $1,499/user/year
- No CAD required: $0
- Total: $1,499/year per user
Annual Savings with SurgePV: $3,606/year per user
Hidden Costs to Consider
Training Time: Virto.CAD assumes AutoCAD proficiency. Teams without CAD expertise face a 1-3 month learning curve.
Software Maintenance: AutoCAD requires annual updates and IT management.
Version Control: Desktop CAD files require backup systems and collaboration tools.
Value Analysis
Pricing Transparency: Medium. Virto.CAD pricing is publicly documented on third-party sites, but Virto.MAX and Virto.CORE require contacting sales.
Feature Completeness: Virto.CAD requires AutoCAD as a base, making it a plugin rather than standalone platform.
Cost Predictability: Fixed annual pricing for Virto.CAD, but total cost depends on CAD license choice.
What Real Users Say
Based on 21 verified reviews from G2 (January 2026):
Overall Satisfaction
G2: 4.6/5 (21 reviews) - View Reviews
Review Date Range: 2023-2025
Top Praised Features
AutoCAD Integration (85% of reviewers mention): "Virto.CAD makes solar designing faster and far more accurate than traditional CAD tools" - G2 Reviewer, 2024
PVsyst 3D Export (60% mention): "Auto-fills rooftops with panels, simplifying workflow. Makes rooftop design easier, especially when creating 3D models for PVSyst" - G2 Reviewer, 2024
Customer Service (55% mention): "Frequently updated with new features, responsive customer service" - G2 Reviewer, 2024
Large Project Capability: One reviewer reported using Virto.CAD to "design biggest single rooftop solar project in Africa" - highlighting its scalability for utility-scale work.
Top Criticisms
AutoCAD Dependency (40% mention): Users note the requirement for AutoCAD or BricsCAD licenses adds cost and complexity. Teams without CAD expertise face steeper learning curves.
European Focus: Several reviewers note the platform's Eurocode compliance is excellent for European projects but may have limited US-specific features like NEC wire sizing.
Learning Curve for Non-CAD Users: Users transitioning from cloud-based tools report 1-3 month onboarding due to AutoCAD interface complexity.
Review Sentiment by User Type
Engineering Firms (Positive): Existing AutoCAD users praise workflow integration and engineering depth.
Commercial EPCs (Mixed): Teams appreciate automation but cite high total cost when adding AutoCAD licenses.
Sales Teams (Limited): Few reviews from non-technical users, suggesting Virto.MAX has less market penetration than Virto.CAD.
Virto Solar Pros and Cons
Pros (8 Strengths)
- Powerful AutoCAD Integration: Deep integration with AutoCAD and BricsCAD workflows - verified by G2 user reviews
- 85%+ Time Savings on Engineering: Significant automation for module layouts, string mapping, cable routing - claimed by Virto Solar
- Large Project Capability: Used on Africa's largest single rooftop project, scales to utility-scale (verified G2 review)
- Excellent PVsyst Export: 3D models export cleanly to PVsyst for validation - praised by 60% of G2 reviewers
- Responsive Customer Service: Regular feature updates and support responsiveness - mentioned by 55% of reviewers
- Eurocode Compliance: Native static load calculations for European standards - verified official documentation
- String Mapping and Cable Routing: Automated electrical layout within CAD environment - official feature list
- 14-Day Free Trial: Full-featured trial available - verified official website
Cons (8 Limitations)
Requires AutoCAD/BricsCAD License: Cannot run standalone, forcing $1,865-$2,000/year additional cost - verified product requirement
- Impact: New users without CAD face $5,100/year total cost per user
High Total Cost of Ownership: ~$5,100/year per user (Virto.CAD + AutoCAD) vs $1,499/year for SurgePV (For 3 Users plan)
- Impact: Small teams pay $3,606 more per user annually
Learning Curve for Non-CAD Users: Assumes AutoCAD proficiency, 1-3 month onboarding - reported by users
- Impact: Sales teams and non-technical staff struggle with CAD interface complexity
European Focus Limits US Features: Eurocode compliance excellent, but NEC electrical features unclear - not mentioned in documentation
- Impact: US commercial EPCs may lack native wire sizing and NEC 690 compliance tools
SLD Generation Not Confirmed: Automated single line diagram generation not explicitly mentioned in official features - documentation gap
- Impact: May still require manual electrical documentation or separate tools
No Native Carport Design Confirmed: Carport structures not specifically listed in product capabilities - documentation gap
- Impact: Growing commercial carport market may require workarounds
Limited Review Platform Presence: Only 21 G2 reviews, minimal Capterra/TrustRadius presence - smaller user community
- Impact: Less peer feedback available for evaluation
Wire Sizing/NEC Compliance Unclear: No explicit mention of automated wire sizing or NEC Article 690 compliance - documentation gap
- Impact: US projects may need supplemental electrical engineering tools
Virto Solar vs SurgePV Comparison
For commercial EPCs evaluating solar design platforms, here's how Virto Solar compares to SurgePV:
When Virto Solar Wins
Choose Virto Solar if:
- Your team already has AutoCAD licenses and CAD expertise
- You're designing European utility-scale projects (50MW+) requiring Eurocode compliance
- You need deep CAD-level customization for mounting system design
- PVsyst validation workflow is critical and you prefer 3D model exports
- You're a mounting system manufacturer needing OEM white-label tools (Virto.CORE)
When SurgePV Wins
Choose SurgePV if:
- You don't have AutoCAD licenses or want to eliminate CAD dependency (save $2,000/year per user)
- You need complete electrical engineering (automated SLD generation, wire sizing)
- You're focused on US or India markets needing NEC compliance and local utility data
- You design commercial carport projects (SurgePV is only platform with native carport design)
- You want transparent, all-inclusive pricing (SurgePV: $1,499/user/year vs Virto: $5,100/year total)
- Your team includes sales staff needing cloud-based access without CAD training
Cost Comparison: 3-User Team (5 Years)
Virto.CAD + AutoCAD (3 users):
- Year 1-5: $5,100/user × 3 users × 5 years = $76,500
SurgePV (For 3 Users plan):
- Year 1-5: $1,499/user × 3 users × 5 years = $22,485
5-Year Savings with SurgePV: $54,015
Who Should Use Virto Solar?
Best For:
Existing AutoCAD Users: If your engineering team already uses AutoCAD for civil or structural work, Virto.CAD leverages that investment with powerful solar automation.
European Utility-Scale Projects: Eurocode compliance and large project scalability (50MW+) make Virto.CAD strong for European utility developers.
Mounting System Manufacturers: Virto.CORE's white-label OEM platform lets manufacturers provide branded design tools to customers.
PVsyst-First Workflows: Teams requiring PVsyst validation benefit from Virto.CAD's excellent 3D export integration.
Not Ideal For:
Teams Without AutoCAD: If you don't have CAD licenses or expertise, the $5,100/year total cost and 1-3 month learning curve make cloud-based alternatives like SurgePV more practical.
US Commercial EPCs Needing NEC Compliance: Limited documentation of NEC-specific electrical features (wire sizing, voltage drop, SLD generation per NEC 690) may require supplemental tools.
Companies Needing SLD Automation: If automated single line diagram generation is critical for permit workflows, this capability is not confirmed in Virto Solar documentation.
Budget-Conscious Operations: At ~$5,100/year total per user, Virto Solar is 3.4× more expensive than SurgePV's $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan).
Carport-Focused Installers: Commercial carport solar is a growing segment, but Virto Solar doesn't explicitly list native carport design capabilities.
Virto Solar vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison
How Virto Solar compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.
Final Verdict: Virto Solar vs SurgePV
Virto Solar Summary
Strengths:
- Powerful AutoCAD integration for teams already using CAD workflows
- 85%+ engineering time savings on module layouts, string mapping, cable routing
- Excellent PVsyst 3D export for validation workflows
- Eurocode compliance for European utility-scale projects (50MW+)
- Responsive customer service and regular feature updates
Ideal For: Engineering firms with existing AutoCAD licenses designing large European projects requiring Eurocode compliance and PVsyst integration.
Limitations:
- Requires AutoCAD/BricsCAD license (~$5,100/year total cost per user)
- 1-3 month learning curve for non-CAD users
- European focus limits US-specific features (NEC compliance unclear)
- SLD generation and wire sizing not confirmed in documentation
- No native carport design capabilities confirmed
SurgePV Summary
Strengths:
- Complete electrical engineering (automated SLD generation, wire sizing, voltage drop) - Virto Solar not confirmed for these
- No AutoCAD required - saves $2,000/year per user vs AutoCAD dependency
- Native carport design (only platform) - not available in Virto Solar
- Cloud-based collaboration (browser access) - vs Virto Solar desktop plugin
- US + India market coverage (3,000+ utilities, NEC compliance) - vs Virto European focus
- Transparent pricing ($1,499/user/year For 3 Users plan) - vs Virto ~$5,100/year total
Ideal For: Commercial EPCs without AutoCAD expertise needing complete electrical engineering, US/India projects requiring NEC compliance, carport design, and cost-effective cloud-based workflows.
Why Teams Switch from Virto to SurgePV:
- Eliminate AutoCAD dependency and save $3,606/year per user
- Get automated electrical documentation (SLD, wire sizing) not confirmed in Virto Solar
- Design commercial carports (native support vs no confirmed capability)
Our Recommendation
For commercial EPCs with existing AutoCAD expertise working exclusively on European utility-scale projects (50MW+) requiring Eurocode compliance, Virto.CAD remains a solid choice. The deep CAD integration and PVsyst export workflow justify the cost for teams already invested in AutoCAD.
However, for most installers and EPCs - especially those who:
- Don't have AutoCAD licenses or CAD expertise
- Need complete electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing)
- Focus on US or India markets requiring NEC compliance
- Design commercial carport projects
- Want cloud-based access for sales teams
- Seek predictable, all-inclusive pricing
SurgePV delivers a more complete, cost-effective, and scalable solution.
Bottom Line
Virto Solar built an excellent AutoCAD plugin for a specific market: European engineering firms with CAD expertise. But the requirement for expensive CAD software, limited US features, and unclear electrical capabilities create gaps for commercial EPCs seeking end-to-end solar design platforms. SurgePV eliminates tool-switching, CAD dependency, and provides complete electrical engineering at 1/3 the total cost - making it the stronger choice for most commercial solar teams.
Ready to Compare Virto Solar with SurgePV?
If Virto Solar's AutoCAD dependency and $5,100/year total cost are blocking your workflow, SurgePV offers complete electrical engineering without CAD expertise.
See SurgePV in Action
Book a 15-Minute Demo
What you'll see:
- Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes vs 2-3 hours manual AutoCAD)
- Complete wire sizing and voltage drop calculations (not confirmed in Virto Solar)
- Native carport design (only platform offering this capability)
- Cloud-based workflow (no desktop CAD software required)
- Transparent pricing ($1,499/user/year vs ~$5,100/year total)
No pressure, no obligation
Not ready for a demo?
- See SurgePV Pricing
- Explore All Solar Software Reviews
- Compare Best Solar Design Software
- Read PVCase Review
Related Resources
Essential Reading for Commercial EPCs
Software Comparisons:
- Aurora Solar Review - Cloud-based competitor comparison
- PVCase Review - Another AutoCAD-based solar design tool
- OpenSolar Review - Affordable alternative for residential
- Best Solar Design Software Guide - Comprehensive platform comparison
SurgePV Features:
- Solar Design Software - Complete design capabilities
- Commercial Solar Solutions - Solutions for commercial EPCs
- SurgePV Pricing - Transparent all-inclusive pricing
Industry Resources:
- Best Solar Software Overview - All categories compared
- All Reviews Hub - Browse 15+ software reviews
FAQ: Virto Solar
1. How much does Virto Solar cost?
Short Answer: Virto.CAD costs 2,980 EUR/year (~$3,240 USD/year). However, you must also purchase AutoCAD (~$1,865/year) or BricsCAD (~$600-$1,000/year), bringing total cost to ~$5,100/year per user.
According to photovoltaic-software.com (verified January 23, 2026), Virto.CAD pricing is 2,980 EUR annually or 298 EUR monthly. Virto.MAX and Virto.CORE require contacting sales for custom quotes. The AutoCAD requirement adds significant cost that must be factored into total cost of ownership.
2. Does Virto Solar require AutoCAD?
Short Answer: Yes. Virto.CAD requires an active AutoCAD or BricsCAD license to run. It cannot operate standalone.
Virto.CAD is a plugin, not a standalone application. You must have Autodesk AutoCAD or BricsCAD installed and licensed. This creates a dependency on expensive CAD software. Virto.MAX (web app) does not require AutoCAD but has fewer features than Virto.CAD.
3. What is Virto.CAD vs Virto.MAX?
Short Answer: Virto.CAD is an AutoCAD plugin for detailed engineering (rooftop/ground-mount design, ballast calculations, BOM). Virto.MAX is a browser-based app for early-stage design and sales teams (layout generation, yield simulations). Virto.CAD has more features but requires AutoCAD.
Virto.CAD targets engineering teams with CAD expertise working on detailed construction documentation. Virto.MAX targets sales teams and project developers needing fast feasibility studies without CAD complexity. Most G2 reviews focus on Virto.CAD, suggesting it's the primary product.
4. Can Virto Solar generate single line diagrams (SLDs)?
Short Answer: Not confirmed. Virto Solar's official documentation does not explicitly mention automated SLD generation capabilities.
According to official Virto Solar product pages and features lists, SLD generation is not explicitly listed. The platform focuses on module layouts, string mapping, cable routing, and ballast calculations. If you need automated electrical documentation (SLDs, wire sizing), you may need supplemental tools or manual AutoCAD work. SurgePV offers automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes (NEC Article 690 compliant).
5. Is Virto Solar good for US projects?
Short Answer: Limited. Virto Solar focuses on European markets with Eurocode compliance. US-specific features like NEC wire sizing and 3,000+ utility databases are not confirmed in documentation.
Virto Solar is headquartered in Belgium and primarily serves European markets. While the software can be used globally, features like NEC Article 690 compliance, US utility rate databases, and US-specific electrical codes are not prominently mentioned. For US commercial EPCs, platforms like SurgePV with native NEC compliance and 3,000+ US utilities may be more suitable.
6. Does Virto Solar support carport design?
Short Answer: Not confirmed. Carport-specific design features are not explicitly mentioned in official Virto Solar documentation.
Commercial solar carport design is a growing segment (parking lot canopies, EV charging integration). Virto Solar's documentation focuses on rooftop and ground-mount systems but doesn't specifically list carport structures. SurgePV is currently the only platform with native carport design capabilities (single cantilever, dual cantilever, multi-column structures).
7. What is Virto.CORE?
Short Answer: Virto.CORE is a white-label OEM platform for mounting system manufacturers to create customized design tools for their products.
Virto.CORE allows manufacturers and wholesalers to build branded web applications with their specific mounting hardware, static load calculations, and Eurocode compliance. It's not for general solar EPCs but rather for manufacturers wanting to provide design tools to their customers. Pricing is custom/enterprise.
8. Is there a free trial for Virto Solar?
Short Answer: Yes. Virto Solar offers a 14-day full-featured trial of Virto.CAD.
According to the official Virto Solar website, a 14-day trial is available. However, you still need an AutoCAD or BricsCAD license to run the trial since Virto.CAD is a plugin.
9. How does Virto Solar compare to SurgePV?
Short Answer: Virto Solar excels for existing AutoCAD users on European projects but costs ~$5,100/year total per user. SurgePV is cloud-based with complete electrical engineering (SLD, wire sizing, carport design) at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) - no CAD required.
Key Differences:
- Cost: SurgePV saves $3,606/year per user (no AutoCAD needed)
- Electrical Engineering: SurgePV has automated SLD generation; Virto Solar not confirmed
- Deployment: SurgePV cloud-based; Virto.CAD desktop plugin
- US Market: SurgePV has 3,000+ US utilities and NEC compliance; Virto Solar European-focused
- Carports: SurgePV only platform with native carport design; Virto Solar not confirmed
10. Is Virto Solar worth the price?
Short Answer: If you already have AutoCAD and work on large European utility projects, yes. If you need US features, electrical automation, or want to avoid CAD costs, SurgePV delivers better value at 1/3 the cost.
At ~$5,100/year total per user (Virto.CAD + AutoCAD), Virto Solar makes sense for teams already invested in AutoCAD workflows and European project requirements. For US commercial EPCs without CAD expertise, SurgePV's $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) all-inclusive pricing with electrical engineering and cloud access delivers better ROI.
11. Does Virto Solar integrate with PVsyst?
Short Answer: Yes. Virto.CAD exports 3D models directly to PVsyst for shading and yield validation.
According to G2 user reviews, Virto.CAD's PVsyst export is excellent. Users praise the ability to create 3D models in Virto.CAD and import them into PVsyst for bankable energy yield analysis. This workflow is valuable for projects requiring PVsyst validation for financing.
12. What languages does Virto Solar support?
Short Answer: Virto Solar supports multiple languages including English, based on official website availability. Specific language support should be confirmed with Virto Solar sales.
As a Belgian company serving European markets, Virto Solar likely supports major European languages. The official website is available in English. For specific language requirements, contact Virto Solar directly.
