Top 10+ Best Solar Design Software Tools for Installers: 2025
If you’re in the solar industry, you already know how important it is to have the right tools for designing and selling solar systems. Whether you're an installer, contractor, or project developer, having the best solar design software can make a world of difference.
It can help you create accurate system layouts, analyze shading and energy production, generate professional proposals, and even integrate financing solutions—all in one place.
But with so many options out there, choosing the right solar design software can be overwhelming. That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate the top solar software tools for 2025.
What is Solar Design and Proposal Software?
Simply put, solar design and proposal software is a digital tool that helps solar professionals plan, design, and present solar PV systems to their customers. It takes the guesswork out of system sizing, energy production estimates, financial calculations, and proposal generation.
Imagine trying to manually calculate how much sunlight a rooftop gets year-round, how many panels you need, what the return on investment looks like, and then creating a detailed proposal—all without software. Sounds exhausting, right? That’s where solar design software steps in.
The best tools allow you to drag and drop solar panels onto a site map, instantly calculate system efficiency, and generate a stunning, easy-to-understand proposal for your client. The result is faster sales, happier customers, and a more efficient business.
How to Choose the Best Solar Design Software Tools in 2025
Choosing the best solar design software can be challenging, as different tools cater to different needs. Whether you're a small solar installer or a large-scale EPC company, selecting the right software depends on various factors. Here’s what to consider:
Solar Project Creation
A good solar software tool should provide a seamless workflow for creating and managing solar projects. Look for software that supports automated system layout, project tracking, and seamless collaboration between teams to ensure smooth execution.
Solar Design Options
Different projects require different design capabilities. Some software tools offer AI-powered system layouts, while others focus on detailed 3D modeling and shading analysis. Ensure the software you choose has the flexibility to handle a variety of project types.
Solar Consulting
A great solar design tool isn’t just about layout and modeling—it should also provide financial modeling and consultation capabilities. Software that helps explain energy savings, return on investment, and financing options can significantly improve customer confidence.
Reporting and Solar Metrics
Accurate reporting is essential for making data-driven decisions. Choose solar software that offers detailed performance reports, system efficiency calculations, and financial breakdowns to provide customers and stakeholders with comprehensive insights.
Solar Energy Software Pricing Options
Pricing can vary significantly between different solar software tools. Some offer monthly subscriptions, pay-per-use models, or enterprise pricing. Evaluate what fits within your budget while meeting your specific project needs.
Solar Energy Software Customization Options
Flexibility matters! The best solar software should allow you to customize proposals, modify system layouts, and integrate with third-party tools to adapt to your business needs and branding.
List of Top 10+ Best Solar Design Software
1. Arka360 Solar Design Software
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV contractors
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (82 reviews)
Introduction: ARKA 360 is an advanced solar design software that simplifies project workflows with precision tools, including AI-assisted panel optimization, 3D modeling, energy simulations, and instant proposal generation, all in one platform.
2. Aurora Solar Design and Proposal Software
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV contractors
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (117 reviews)
Introduction: Aurora Solar's cloud-based software transforms solar design, sales, and delivery. With just an address and electric bill, Aurora empowers users to generate full, accurate, and customizable designs for every project
3. HOMER Solar Software
Application: Hybrid solar and microgrid design software
G2 Rating: Data not available
Introduction: HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) is a powerful tool for designing off-grid and microgrid solar systems. It helps engineers evaluate energy resources, optimize battery storage, and perform feasibility analyses. The software is widely used in commercial and industrial energy planning.
4. OpenSolar
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV installers
G2 Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (3 reviews)
Introduction: OpenSolar is a free-to-use solar design platform that provides high-quality proposals, shading analysis, and customer management tools. Its cloud-based functionality enables collaboration across teams, ensuring a seamless design and sales workflow. The platform is particularly popular among small to mid-sized solar companies.
5. Solargraf
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV contractors
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4 reviews)
Introduction: Solargraf is an all-in-one solar sales and design platform designed for installers and sales teams. It features a user-friendly interface, real-time shading analysis, and automated permit documentation. The software enhances project efficiency and improves customer engagement with visually appealing proposals.
6. PVSketch & PVCAD by PVComplete
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV contractors and EPCs
G2 Rating: Data not available
Introduction: PVSketch and PVCAD offer CAD-integrated solar design solutions tailored for professionals who require detailed engineering layouts. PVSketch is ideal for quick project estimates, while PVCAD provides in-depth structural and electrical designs. These tools help streamline complex solar engineering workflows.
7. Helioscope
Application: Commercial solar PV contractors
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (19 reviews)
Introduction: Helioscope is a cloud-based solar design tool that simplifies system layout, energy simulations, and shading analysis. Its intuitive interface allows designers to create bankable solar proposals quickly. Helioscope is widely used for commercial solar projects.
8. SolarEdge Designer
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV installers
G2 Rating: Data not available
Introduction: SolarEdge Designer is a specialized solar planning tool that optimizes system layouts for maximum efficiency. The software integrates seamlessly with SolarEdge inverters and power optimizers, providing real-time performance simulations. It is particularly useful for maximizing energy yield in PV installations.
9. Pylon
Application: Solar proposal and design tool
G2 Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (2 reviews)
Introduction: Pylon is an affordable solar proposal software that enables quick and efficient customer presentations. It offers features like 3D modeling, automated financing calculations, and customizable templates. Pylon is a great choice for solar businesses looking to streamline their sales process.
10. PVSOL
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV System installers
G2 Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (10 reviews)
Introduction: PVSOL is a solar PV simulation software that allows users to model and analyze energy yields, shading effects, and battery storage integration. It is widely used for both residential and commercial PV system planning, offering detailed reports and financial analysis.
11. PVsyst
Application: Residential and commercial solar PV System installers
G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (17 reviews)
Introduction: PVsyst is a comprehensive tool for PV system design and performance evaluation. It provides advanced shading analysis, detailed energy simulations, and financial modeling features. The software is commonly used by engineers and researchers for in-depth solar project assessments.
What are the Benefits of Solar PV Design Software?
Solar PV design software plays an important role in streamlining the solar project lifecycle, from initial design to final installation. It enhances accuracy, reduces costs, and improves efficiency. Here are some key benefits:
- More Accurate Solar System Designs: Advanced solar design software utilizes precise satellite imagery, shading analysis, and AI-driven modeling to create highly accurate PV system layouts. This ensures optimal panel placement, maximized energy production, and minimized performance losses.
- Faster Design Turnaround Times: Automation tools in solar software significantly reduce the time required to create system designs. Tasks such as panel arrangement, string sizing, and financial modeling can be completed within minutes, enabling solar professionals to handle more projects efficiently.
- Reduction in Costs and Material Wastage: By optimizing panel placement and electrical configurations, solar design software helps minimize material waste and avoid unnecessary expenses. Accurate designs reduce installation errors, lowering rework costs and improving overall project profitability.
- Enhanced Customer Proposals: Solar software includes customizable proposal tools that present visually appealing and data-driven reports. These solar proposals highlight key metrics such as system performance, energy savings, and financial returns, helping customers make informed decisions.
- Seamless Financial and Incentive Calculations: Integrated financial modeling features allow users to calculate incentives, rebates, and financing options. This makes it easier for homeowners and businesses to understand long-term savings and return on investment, encouraging solar adoption.
A List of Common Solar Energy Software Problems
While solar design software can be a game-changer, it’s not without its challenges. Many users, from beginners to experienced solar professionals, run into obstacles that slow down their workflow or add unexpected costs.
Understanding these common issues can help you choose the right software and avoid frustrating roadblocks. Here are some of the most common solar software-related problems:
Solar Software Complexity
Some solar design platforms come packed with features—but that also means they can be tough to navigate. If a tool isn’t user-friendly, it can take hours to learn the basics, slowing down projects and frustrating users. Without proper training and intuitive design, even powerful software can feel overwhelming.
Compatibility Issues
Not all solar software works smoothly across different devices or integrates well with other tools like CRMs, financial calculators, or permitting platforms. If the software doesn’t fit seamlessly into your existing workflow, it can create inefficiencies instead of solving them.
Limited Customization
Customization is key, especially when creating solar proposals or designing systems for unique projects. Some solar software lacks flexibility in design layouts, branding options, or system configurations, forcing users to work within rigid templates instead of tailoring solutions to their specific needs.
Technical Glitches
Like any software, solar tools can experience bugs, crashes, or slow performance. A glitchy system can disrupt workflows, cause errors in designs, or even result in inaccurate energy production estimates. Reliable customer support and regular updates are crucial to keeping things running smoothly.
Solar Software Cost
High-quality solar software often comes at a premium, with expensive licensing fees or subscription costs. While the investment can pay off in the long run, smaller solar businesses or independent installers may struggle with budget constraints. Hidden fees for add-ons or advanced features can also drive up the total cost unexpectedly.
Finding the Right Balance
While these challenges exist, they don’t have to be deal-breakers. Choosing software that balances functionality, ease of use, and affordability can make a huge difference. Look for platforms with strong customer support, clear pricing, and seamless integrations to get the most out of your solar software investment.
Conclusion
While solar design software offers numerous advantages, it’s important to choose a platform that minimizes common challenges like complexity, compatibility issues, and high costs. The right software should streamline the design process, enhance efficiency, and provide flexibility for customization.
ARKA 360 is designed to address these concerns, offering a user-friendly solar software solution that simplifies system design, reduces costs, and ensures seamless integrations. With advanced tools for accurate system modeling and customizable solar proposal generation, ARKA 360 helps solar professionals create optimized designs while improving client engagement.
Looking for an all-in-one solution? Explore ARKA 360’s solar software to experience faster, more efficient solar project management.