Top 10 Solar Design Software Platforms to Use in 2025

Designing solar projects has become more advanced now and there’s no secret behind it. Everyone knows about solar design software. For today’s solar professionals and newbies, these tools are more than just design aids—they’re complete solutions for all the manual work that comes with designing a solar panel system but thanks to the technology and the right platform by your side, you can do more than just design a solar panel system.

So, which software should you choose in 2025? Let’s break it down.

This guide will cover what solar design software is, the benefits it offers, and a roundup of the 10 best solar design tools available this year.

What Exactly Is Solar Design Software?

Solar design software is a digital solution that helps to design and optimize photovoltaic (PV) systems for solar projects, from small-scale to large-scale. 

These platforms allow you to:

• Generate 3D models of the rooftops and the site.
• Run shading and performance simulations to check energy output.
• Forecast customer savings and ROI with financial analysis.
• Create interactive proposals that improve customer confidence.

In short, solar design software turns complex technical work into streamlined workflows that boost both project accuracy and sales success.

Why Invest in Solar Design Software?

Before we dive into the list, here are some of the biggest reasons solar businesses rely on these platforms:

1. Speed and Efficiency

Modern solar design platforms cut project turnaround times dramatically. Remote site assessments and automated panel layouts mean fewer physical site visits, faster designs, and shorter sales cycles.

2. Cost Savings

Precise layouts reduce material waste and design errors. Most software options have a subscription fee but the savings from avoiding mistakes and wasted time easily outweigh the expense.

3. Sales Enablement

Clients like to know what the finished project will look like before making a commitment. Solar design software assists in generating high-quality visual solar bids with realistic 3D views and financial advantages. This builds trust and seals deals quickly.

4. Compliance and Accuracy

Staying compliant with local codes and industry standards is easier with integrated tools that flag design errors and help create permit-ready documentation.

10 Best Solar Design Software Tools in 2025

Here are the top-rated platforms solar professionals are using this year:

1. ARKA 360

A complete platform for solar design and business operations, ARKA 360 is tailored to installers who want speed, accuracy, and streamlined sales tools.

Highlights:

• AI-powered panel placement and shading analysis.
  
  
• 3D modeling with realistic visualizations for proposals.
  
  
• NEM 3.0 support and integrated storage design.
  
  
• Automated permit packages with PE stamps.

Best for: Residential and commercial installers who want design + proposal + permitting in one platform.
Pricing: Tiered plans for different business sizes.
G2 Rating: 4.4 / 5 (85 reviews)

2. Aurora Solar

A cloud-based leader in solar design, Aurora is widely used for its balance of technical depth and sales support.

Highlights:

• Remote site surveys to cut down on site visits.
  
  
• 3D modeling, financial analysis, and proposal generation.
  
  
• Integrated financing and e-signature tools.

Best for: Solar contractors looking for an all-in-one design and sales solution.
Pricing: Subscription-based, with multiple tiers.
G2 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (117 reviews)

3. HelioScope

HelioScope combines user-friendly design with detailed performance modeling, making it ideal for commercial-scale projects.

Highlights:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop design engine.
  
  
• Bankable energy yield simulations.
  
  
• Built-in financial calculators and proposal editor.

Best for: Developers and engineers handling larger commercial projects.
Pricing: Starts at $159/month, with Pro and Enterprise options.
G2 Rating: 4.5 / 5 (19 reviews)

4. OpenSolar

A unique player in the market, OpenSolar is a free platform that doesn’t skimp on features.

Highlights:

• 3D modeling and shading analysis.
  
  
• Customizable proposals with financial modeling.
  
  
• CRM and customer management features.

Best for: Small to mid-sized installers seeking a free but powerful design tool.
Pricing: Free with no seat or design limits.
G2 Rating: 4.6 / 5 (3 reviews)

5. Pylon

Pylon merges solar design with CRM functionality, offering a platform that helps both engineers and sales teams.

Highlights:

• High-resolution 3D solar modeling.
  
  
• Shading analysis and load profile integration.
  
  
• Real-time weather data for performance accuracy.

Best for: Growing solar businesses that need both design and customer management tools.
Pricing: Pay-as-you-go, with enterprise options available.
G2 Rating: 4.3 / 5 (2 reviews)

6. PV*SOL

PV*SOL is a simulation-heavy tool trusted by engineers and architects for its detailed energy modeling.

Highlights:

• Advanced PV simulations and shading analysis.
  
  
• Battery integration and storage planning.
  
  
• Weather-specific performance forecasts.

Best for: Professionals needing in-depth analysis and highly accurate forecasts.
Pricing: License-based, with multiple tiers.
G2 Rating: 4.3 / 5 (10 reviews)

7. PVcase (Ground Mount & Roof Mount)

PVcase offers AutoCAD-based design solutions for both large-scale ground-mounted projects and commercial rooftops.

Highlights:

• AutoCAD integration with automated workflows.
  
  
• Ground Mount for utility-scale, Roof Mount for C&I rooftops.
  
  
• Shading simulations across 365 days.
  
  
• Export-ready for PVsyst yield analysis.

Best for: Developers and engineers working on large or CAD-driven projects.
Pricing: Subscription-based, contact vendor for details.
G2 Rating: Highly rated, winner of G2’s 2025 Best CAD Software award.

8. PVsyst

A long-time industry standard, PVsyst is trusted globally for its accuracy in PV system modeling.

Highlights:

• Supports grid-connected, stand-alone, and pumping systems.
  
  
• Robust shading analysis and component libraries.
  
  
• Detailed ROI and financial modeling.

Best for: Engineers and researchers requiring advanced technical detail.
Pricing: License-based with academic/commercial tiers.
G2 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (17 reviews)

9. RatedPower

RatedPower focuses on utility-scale projects with its automated design and optimization features.

Highlights:

• Instant capacity assessments and design scenarios.
  
  
• Energy yield and economic optimization.
  
  
• Automated reporting for stakeholders.

Best for: Utility-scale developers working on large commercial PV projects.
Pricing: Subscription-based, vendor provides tier details.
G2 Rating: Strong reviews highlighting speed and accuracy.

10. Solargraf

Designed with sales teams in mind, Solargraf merges proposal creation with design and permitting.

Highlights:

• Easy-to-use interface with real-time shading analysis.
  
  
• Automated permitting documents.
  
  
• Sales tracking and financing integration.

Best for: Residential installers prioritizing sales enablement.
Pricing: From $2,799/year for two users and 240 projects.
G2 Rating: 4.4 / 5 (4 reviews)

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Solar Software

Investing in the right solar design software will make a huge change in how smoothly your business runs. These digital tools are built to give you an edge from creating accurate system layouts to cutting down costs and speeding up the approvals.

Every company is different and what works for a small residential installer might not be the best fit for a large commercial developer but that’s why it’s worth exploring a few of the options on this list.

‍