What is the best solar PV design software for rooftop projects in India?

Solar Labs Design Studio is widely used in India for rooftop PV projects. It offers AI-powered 3D design, shadow analysis, and quick proposal generation tailored to Indian EPC workflows.

Which solar design software is preferred by EPC consultants in the UAE?

HelioScope and PVcase are commonly used in the UAE for C&I and utility-scale projects due to their terrain-aware layout tools and compatibility with international engineering standards.

Is there a solar design tool suitable for residential installers in the USA?

Aurora Solar is widely used in the USA for residential solar design. It provides LIDAR-based roof modeling, utility rate integrations, financial analysis, and automated permit packages.

Are there free solar design tools available for freelancers or startups?

OpenSolar is a free SaaS platform suitable for independent consultants and startups. It includes design tools, proposal generation, and e-signature support with optional premium features.

Which software supports utility-scale solar design on sloped terrain?

PVcase Ground Mount is ideal for utility-scale designs across uneven terrain. It integrates with AutoCAD and provides tools for terrain optimization, string layouts, and cable routing.

What tools are available for solar simulation using Python?

pvlib-python is a robust, open-source Python library for PV modeling. It's ideal for researchers and data analysts across the UK, USA, and India who require advanced customization.

Can UK-based EPCs use Indian software like Solar Labs?

Yes, Solar Labs is cloud-based and accessible globally. UK-based EPCs can use it for proposal automation, 3D layout, and shadow simulation tailored for British climate conditions.

Which software is best for hybrid solar + storage design?

PV*SOL Premium (desktop) and Aurora Solar support solar plus battery modeling, allowing designers to simulate storage performance, backup scenarios, and financial returns.

Is PVsyst still relevant in 2025?

Yes, PVsyst remains a trusted desktop tool for detailed PV performance simulation, especially in academic, utility, and bankable feasibility studies. However, many EPCs now prefer cloud-first tools for speed and collaboration.

What is the most beginner-friendly solar PV design tool?

PV*SOL Online is beginner-friendly and free to use. It allows quick solar system sizing, basic layout, and yield estimation without requiring software installation.

⚙️ 7 Solar PV Design Tools for 2025 for Solar EPC Consultants

TheGreen Bein
Jun 14
2 min read

For EPCs, Designers, Consultants & Export Buyers

Looking beyond the usual names like PVsyst and HOMER? Here’s a curated list of solar PV design tools—ranging from emerging Indian innovations to globally trusted SaaS systems.

1. Solar Labs Design Studio by The Solar Labs (India)

Solar Labs PV Design Software — Solar Labs

India’s rising star in Solar PV Design Tools. Built for local conditions, global scalability.

⚙️ Best for: Indian rooftop solar consultants & growing EPCs
🌐 Key Features: AI-assisted 3D layout, automated proposal creation, shading & financial simulation
💵 Pricing: Custom; request demo
🔗 Visit The Solar Labs

2. HelioScope by Folsom Labs

helioscope pv design software — Helioscope

A commercial-grade simulation tool integrating layout and performance modeling.

⚙️ Best for: C&I rooftops, export-ready BOMs
🌐 Key Features: Shading reports, wiring auto-layout, PVsyst compatibility
💵 Pricing: Starts ~$100/month/user
🔗 Visit HelioScope

3. Aurora Solar by Aurora Solar Inc. - Solar PV Design Tools

aurora solar pv design software — Aurora Solar

All-in-one solar design + permit package generator, widely used in North America and Europe.

⚙️ Best for: Residential solar consultants and sales teams
🌐 Key Features: LIDAR-based modeling, financial analysis, automated permit packages
💵 Pricing: ~$129/month/user
🔗 Visit Aurora Solar

4. **PV*SOL Online by Valentin Software**

Free online design and simulation tool for quick proposals and basic modeling.

⚙️ Best for: Entry-level solar consultants and students
🌐 Key Features: Auto-inverter sizing, irradiation simulation, shading overview
💵 Pricing: Free; €750+ for premium desktop edition
🔗 Visit PV*SOL Online

5. PVcase Ground Mount by PVcase - Solar PV Design Tools

pv case software for solar plant design — PVCASE

A CAD-integrated utility-scale design software that simplifies topographical layouts.

⚙️ Best for: Utility-scale MW projects with uneven terrain
🌐 Key Features: 3D layout tools, DC string mapping, slope optimization
💵 Pricing: Custom enterprise licensing
🔗 Visit PVcase

6. pvlib‑python by Sandia National Labs & Contributors

PVLIB pv solar software for plant design — PV LIB

A robust, open-source Python library for full PV system modeling (if you know python).

⚙️ Best for: Analysts, data scientists, and solar R&D teams
🌐 Key Features: Solar tracking, irradiance, performance modeling
💵 Pricing: Free (BSD License)
🔗 Visit pvlib-python

7. OpenSolar by OpenSolar Inc.

A free all-in-one SaaS platform combining design, proposals, and customer interaction.

⚙️ Best for: Freelancers and growing solar startups
🌐 Key Features: Proposal builder, design studio, e-sign workflows
💵 Pricing: Free with optional upgrades
🔗 Visit OpenSolar

🔧 Tool Recommendation Matrix

Use Case	Recommended Tool
India-focused rooftop design	Solar Labs Design Studio
Commercial rooftop design	HelioScope
Residential sales & permits	Aurora Solar
Quick proposal generation	PV*SOL Online
Utility-scale layout	PVcase Ground Mount
Python-based modeling	pvlib‑python
Free cloud-based solution	OpenSolar

✅ Final Note

This shortlist mixes cutting-edge Indian software with international giants and open-source innovation—suitable for residential projects, commercial EPCs, and utility-scale developers.