Solar energy has really taken off in the UK — and for good reason. It’s clean, sustainable, and becoming more affordable every year. But let’s be honest, creating the perfect solar panel layout design can be a bit of a challenge. Between panel placement, tilt angles, and inverter positioning, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where PV design software comes in to make life easier.
These smart tools take the guesswork out of system planning. Whether you’re a solar professional or just starting out, PV design software helps you design accurate systems, predict performance, and make smarter decisions faster. And now, with so many options available, many UK installers are looking for the best HelioScope alternative or PV*SOL alternative that fits both their workflow and budget.
Why Solar Panel Design Software Matters
At its core, solar panel design software helps you plan and model solar power systems before installation. It lets you visualize how your system will look and perform — all in 3D. You can calculate potential energy output, adjust tilt and direction, and even check for shading issues. It’s like having a digital twin of your solar project.
For most designers, tools like HelioScope and PV*SOL have set the standard, but not everyone wants to stick with the same old names. Some teams are exploring a more flexible HelioScope alternative or switching to a more cost-effective PV*SOL alternative to get the same accuracy without the heavy PV*SOL price tag.
Arka360
The leading supplier of software tools for the photovoltaic sector is ARKA 360. Two former Microsoft workers started the business in 2016, and since then it has developed into one of the most creative and dependable suppliers of solar software in the market.
It is a firm that is committed to offering cutting-edge and trustworthy software solutions for the solar sector. Their products are designed to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning, evaluation, and management of solar initiatives.
Features:
3D modeling: Tools for building precise 3D models of solar panel installations are included in the program from ARKA 360. Users can see the system and improve its efficiency in this way.
Shading analysis: The program has tools for shading analysis that let users calculate energy output based on how much darkness will be cast on the solar cells.
Machine learning: ARKA 360's solar intelligence software analyzes satellite images and provides comprehensive information on solar potential for any place in the globe using machine learning algorithms.
Integration with CAD software: Some software options from ARKA 360 are compatible with CAD software, making it simpler to produce precise technical drawings of the solar panel system.
Pricing:
The Lite plan costs $99/month paid annually or $149/month paid monthly. Basic project planning and report creation are part of this plan.
The Basic plan costs $129/month paid annually or $169/month paid monthly. This plan allows for an unlimited number of residential and business projects.
The Premium plan costs $169/month paid annually or $199/month paid monthly. Advanced processes, permissions, and 3D exports are all part of this strategy.
Availability:
Their software is accessible from anywhere because it is cloud-based and available on laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets.
The user interfaces of ARKA 360's software products are made to be simple to use and straightforward, with distinct symbols and captions.
Users can swiftly and easily add solar panels and other components to the plan using drag-and-drop tools in the ARKA 360 program.
ARKA 360's software automates a lot of the computations necessary for solar panel construction, eliminating the need for manual calculations.
Users can easily learn how to use the software and solve any problems that may occur thanks to ARKA 360's tutorials and help services.
Limitations:
The software is only available in English interface as of now.
Aurora Solar
In the solar business, Aurora Solar offers solar design and sales options through its cloud-based software platform. Since its founding in 2013, the business has expanded to become a top supplier of software solutions for photovoltaic experts and Solar system design tools.
Innovative and dependable software solutions for the solar business are the focus of Aurora Solar. Their software solutions are made to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the planning, evaluation, and sale of photovoltaic projects.
Features:
3D modeling: The program from Aurora Solar has tools for accurately modeling solar panel installations in 3D. Users can see the system and improve its efficiency in this way.
Shading analysis: The program has tools for shading analysis that let users calculate energy output based on how much darkness will be cast on the solar cells.
Financial analysis: The program from Aurora Solar has tools for financial analysis that let users figure out a solar project's return on investment.
Creation of sales proposals: The program from Aurora Solar has tools for producing expert sales proposals for prospective clients. The program allows for the creation of interactive 3D models of the suggested solar panel system as well as templates that can be customized and tools for financial analysis.
Pricing:
Basic plan costs $159 user/mo Billed monthly for Individuals
Premium plan costs $259 user/mo Billed monthly for Individuals
Custom plans for Teams and Companies need to be consulted.
Availability:
The software of Aurora Solar is available for desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Website: https://aurorasolar.com/
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Ease of Use:
The software options from Aurora Solar have simple, intuitive user interfaces with labels and icons that are straightforward to understand.
The software developed by Aurora Solar automates a large number of the computations necessary for the construction of solar panels, eliminating the need for manual calculations.
The cloud-based software used by Aurora Solar makes it simple for team members to collaborate in real-time while working on a project.
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Did You Know? With ARKA 360, you can increase your solar sales conversion by a WHOOPING 300%. 🚀
The software might not be able to replicate the impacts of nearby trees or buildings' shading despite having complex shadow analysis tools.
PVSOL
PVSOL is a software program created for the modeling and improvement of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems. Engineers, architects, and energy experts can simulate and examine the performance of PV systems, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and other components, using PVSOL.
Features:
Accurate Calculation: The modeling results are guaranteed by the software's use of a variety of computation techniques for temperature, shading, and sun irradiance.
Weather Simulation: With PVSOL, users can evaluate how well the system works in a variety of weather scenarios, including those with varying temperatures, humidity levels, and winds.
Design optimization: To improve system efficiency, users can change different design factors like panel alignment, tilt angle, and shading analysis.
Grid-Tied and Off-Grid System Design: PVSOL offers grid-tied and off-grid PV system designs for small-scale, large-scale, and residential applications.
Pricing:
Full License- includes lifetime unrestricted use, 2D technology, and 6 months of software maintenance and support and costs 895.00 EUR
Full License- provides 3D technology for precise and realistic PV system design costing 1,295.00 EUR
Availability:
Usually, a desktop computer or notebook running the Windows operating system can be installed with PVSOL. The software still doesn't have a smartphone app.
Website: https://pvsol.software/en/
Rating: 4.1 / 5
Ease of Use:
Accurate calculation techniques: PVSOL ensures accuracy in modeling outcomes by using accurate calculation techniques for solar radiation, shading, and temperature.
Weather simulation: Using the program, users can evaluate how well the system performs in a variety of weather scenarios, including changes in temperature, humidity, and wind.
Reports with specifics: PVSOL offers reports with specifics on the system's energy output, financial viability, and carbon impact, making it simple for users to assess the success of their solar energy system.
Limitations:
For users who prefer alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux, the fact that PVSOL only supports Windows may be a disadvantage.
HelioScope
Engineers, builders, and solar experts can create precise and effective designs for solar energy systems with the aid of the robust solar design program Helioscope.
Helioscope, created by Folsom Labs, provides a number of tools and features that enable users to simulate solar energy output, enhance system performance, and produce thorough system performance and financial analysis reports.
Helioscope is a well-liked option among solar experts for developing domestic, industrial, and utility-scale solar energy systems due to its user-friendly interface and sophisticated simulation capabilities.
Features:
3D shading analysis: Helioscope offers a comprehensive 3D shading analysis that aids users in locating shading impediments and enhancing system performance.
Designs that can be altered: Using Helioscope's drag-and-drop UI, users can alter details like panel alignment, tilt angle, and array spacing.
Simulation of energy production: The programme employs sophisticated modeling powers to simulate solar energy production for a specific area, taking into consideration elements like temperature, panel effectiveness, and shading.
Utility interconnection analysis: The programme offers a utility interconnection analysis to users, assisting them in choosing the best spot for their solar energy system and ensuring that they are in accordance with utility rules.
Pricing:
Basic plan for Individuals which offers accurate C&I solar designs for $159 monthly
Custom plan for Teams and Companies offers faster scaling with one platform for every team, for any C&I project at a custom pricing.
Availability:
Any PC or mobile device with an internet connection and a web browser can access Helioscope. This includes desktop and laptop PCs as well as portable devices like smartphones and iPads.
Website: https://helioscope.aurorasolar.com/
Rating:4.5 / 5
Ease of Use:
The user-friendly interface of Helioscope makes it simple to drag and drop solar panels and other parts into position, making it simple to design and modify solar energy systems.
Users can learn how to use the software efficiently with the assistance of the thorough tutorials and literature that Helioscope offers, including webinars and video lectures.
Since Helioscope is a cloud-based application, users do not need to install or update software on local computers in order to access it from anywhere with an internet link.
Limitations:
Although Helioscope has a function for shading analysis, it might not be as comprehensive as other shading analysis tools. As a consequence, the accuracy of the system design and performance forecast may be constrained.
PVSyst
The Switzerland firm PVsyst SA created PVSyst, a complete solar design tool. Engineers, architects, and energy experts all frequently use this programme for the creation and simulation of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems.
With the help of a number of features and tools, users of PVSyst can build intricate solar energy systems, evaluate their performance, and produce in-depth reports.
PVSyst is a well-liked option among solar pros for creating home, business, and utility-scale solar energy systems because of its precise modeling capabilities.
Features:
Analysis of solar irradiance and shading that is accurate: PVSyst models solar irradiance and shading using cutting-edge algorithms to produce accurate modeling findings.
Comprehensive system design: Using a range of modules, inverters, and batteries, the program enables users to create intricate solar energy systems, such as string and central inverter systems.
Financial analysis: PVSyst offers thorough financial analysis tools, such as estimates for net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI), and project expense and performance analysis.
Weather information: The program incorporates weather information from more than 2,600 locations around the globe, enabling users to simulate system performance under various climatic circumstances.
Pricing:
Student licenses are priced at 25.- CHF for a year. Special quotes can be requested from universities, training facilities, and study institutions.
PVSyst Professional costs 600.- CHF per year to subscribe to. This also implies that the price for acquiring an extra license or renewing a current license will be the same.
Availability:
The running systems Windows, macOS, and Linux all support PVSyst. This indicates that any of these operating systems can be loaded and used to operate it on desktop or laptop devices.
Website: https://www.pvsyst.com/
Rating: 4.2 / 5
Ease of Use:
PVSyst has a steep learning curve due to the complexity of the software's features and options, as well as the need to comprehend solar energy system design concepts. To aid users in successfully learning the program, it offers comprehensive documentation and user assistance.
In addition to ensuring precise simulation results, PVSyst's sophisticated algorithms and modeling powers can also make the program more challenging to use. To get accurate results, users must grasp how to enter precise data into the software and be familiar with the design principles for solar energy systems.
Limitations:
The modeling powers of PVSyst are predicated on a number of assumptions and restrictions, such as optimal weather conditions and system components that might not be accessible in all areas or marketplaces.
Conclusion
In short, using a solar panel planning tool or PV design software is now essential for anyone designing solar projects. Whether you choose a beginner-friendly solar estimating software or a powerful solar system design software, these tools make solar panel layout design faster, smarter, and far more efficient. Pick the one that fits your workflow and watch your solar designs shine.
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