List of the Top 15 Solar Design Software for Windows in 2025

Virto Solar develops innovative web and CAD applications tailored for solar energy solutions. Among our offerings is the popular Virto.CAD plugin designed for AutoCAD and BricsCAD (BIM). Our software is specifically optimized for extensive solar parks, whether on rooftops or ground installations. We are thrilled to introduce Virto.MAX this year, a user-friendly web application that enables sales teams to effortlessly design custom layouts for solar parks with just a few clicks. Additionally, we are collaborating with major players in the solar industry to enhance our Virto.CORE software, an advanced white-label framework that facilitates the creation of tailored web applications for manufacturers of mounting systems and wholesalers, streamlining the solar design and engineering workflow. This commitment to innovation positions us at the forefront of the solar technology landscape.

The RETScreen® Clean Energy Management Software platform supports the planning, implementation, tracking, and assessment of low-carbon projects. Users can access the more sophisticated version, RETScreen Expert, in Viewer mode without any cost. Collaborating with governmental and multilateral organizations, we work together to develop and secure funding for improved versions of the RETScreen® platform. RETScreen Expert provides an array of tools for benchmarking, feasibility analysis, performance assessment, and portfolio management, catering to various facility types, including commercial, institutional, residential, industrial, and power generation, all within a single comprehensive platform. Our innovation lab is committed to maintaining the RETScreen software's leadership role in the transition to clean energy technology, ensuring that we continually enhance our offerings to meet the complex needs of our wide-ranging and growing global user community. This dedication to progress and user engagement fuels our ongoing efforts to improve clean energy management solutions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

For solar designers who prioritize precision and accuracy, PVCAD delivers unparalleled efficiency, enabling faster completion of design projects and job estimates. By leveraging the extensive integrated databases within PVCAD, users can significantly reduce the time spent on tasks while also decreasing the likelihood of costly mistakes. The database is continuously updated and boasts thousands of modules, inverters, and racking partners, providing users the option to easily incorporate their own equipment through the dedicated button in the PVCAD ribbon. If you are interested in having your products featured in our expanding database, we would love to hear from you. Furthermore, PVCAD utilizes production modeling sourced from PVWATTS, a resource created by NREL, to generate precise 8760 data that outlines hourly energy production for the entire year. Designers can confidently rely on the accuracy of their models thanks to current weather data obtained globally from Meteonorm. The software's compatibility with AutoCAD enables users to achieve the highest level of precision in system measurements compared to any other drafting software available. With such a wealth of resources at their fingertips, designers are equipped to deliver expert-quality outcomes, raising the standard of their projects significantly. This thorough methodology not only boosts efficiency but also instills greater confidence in the results produced. Embracing these advanced tools can transform the way solar projects are designed and executed, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.

Efficiently develop site capacity layouts for extensive utility projects of varying scales using an intuitive click-and-drag interface, enabling the placement of tracker blocks at any angle within the designated project area. This innovative approach facilitates quicker and more accurate site assessments by allowing users to scrutinize all piers and ensure that trackers can be positioned according to established guidelines. By eliminating ambiguity, the software enables users to observe how modifications to structural and electrical components impact both system design and performance forecasts. It generates comprehensive pier plans that encompass pier locations, surface elevations, and top-of-pile documentation specifically designed for premier tracker systems like Nextracker and Array Technologies. Moreover, the tool can produce a PVSyst shade scene (.SHD) file, as well as project (.PRJ) and meteo (.MET) files, which can be utilized in PVSyst to model energy yield while factoring in topographical features. This efficient method not only streamlines the export process to PVSyst but also improves the precision of bankable energy yield assessments, making it a vital resource for project developers. Additionally, the capability to visualize and modify designs in real-time plays a crucial role in enhancing project success and maximizing efficiency. Embracing such technology allows for a more responsive approach to design challenges and ensures that developers can adapt swiftly to any project requirements.

The simulation tool that integrates shading impacts from adjacent buildings allows users to analyze optimal configurations and designs for solar modules before they are installed. It adeptly calculates the I-V curve reflecting the electrical characteristics of various solar products from different manufacturers, ensuring precision in its outputs. Additionally, it evaluates anticipated electricity production by considering the installation site’s geographic coordinates and climatic conditions, leading to remarkably accurate simulation results. The software further streamlines the process by automatically determining the necessary components for establishing a photovoltaic system based on the parameters defined by the user. It also supports simulations for power generation using half-cell modules, which can be conveniently added to the existing solar cell module database for later applications. This all-encompassing methodology guarantees that users are equipped with all the crucial instruments required to effectively enhance solar energy solutions, promoting a more sustainable future. Ultimately, the combination of these features makes the tool invaluable for both novice and experienced users alike.

GeoT*SOL offers detailed minute-by-minute simulations for heat pump systems, facilitating the evaluation of yearly performance metrics such as the coefficient of performance (COP) and the financial implications tied to their operation. Moreover, these systems can seamlessly integrate with a variety of heat sources, such as gas condensing boilers and solar energy systems. Users have the flexibility to select from multiple operational configurations, including monovalent, monoenergetic, and bivalent modes. The annual performance factor according to VDI 4650 is an important criterion for assessing the effectiveness of different systems. This metric plays a vital role in numerous financial assistance initiatives and regulatory approvals, ensuring compliance with necessary standards. Additionally, GeoT*SOL assesses the financial viability of the system by adhering to the guidelines established by the Federal Association of the Solar Industry (BSW), allowing for a comparison of heat pump expenses against alternative solutions. It also analyzes capital investment and production expenses, including the cost of heating, alongside the modified internal rate of return (MIRR), which factors in both profit margins and reinvestment possibilities. In summary, this tool delivers an exhaustive evaluation that empowers users to make well-informed choices regarding their heating solutions. As a result, it plays a significant role in optimizing both energy efficiency and financial outcomes for users.

Our goal is to hasten the transition to sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. To make this happen, we plan to provide user-friendly photovoltaic (PV) design software specifically designed for solar installers, engineers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. This fresh perspective facilitates the quick and effective establishment of solar parks and related projects. With this ambition, we are dedicated to developing advanced and accurate software tools that meet industry needs. Furthermore, we understand the importance of ensuring our software integrates smoothly with current workflows. We aim to cultivate a cooperative atmosphere for engineers in the photovoltaic industry. Our design software streamlines the engineering processes for solar PV projects by automating repetitive tasks like the generation of 3D models. As a result, users can avoid the laborious task of manually drafting these models, which conserves precious time. This efficiency leads to faster and more accurate drawings for initial construction site designs, ultimately enhancing project productivity. As our company evolves, Kim Eyckmans launched his engineering career at a prominent solar EPC firm in the BENELUX region, where he acquired essential knowledge about the sector. This experience has been a driving force behind our commitment to innovate and effectively contribute to the renewable energy landscape, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future.

The PV-DesignPro suite serves as a specialized tool for the design and analysis of standalone photovoltaic systems, utilizing hourly simulations that integrate climate data from 239 locations throughout the United States. This advanced software, developed in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, enhances the capabilities of the original PV-DesignPro-S model. The latest version, 6.0, supports a variety of Windows operating systems, including Windows 95, 98, NT, Win2000, and Vista, enabling users to model the performance of photovoltaic energy systems throughout an entire year while accommodating specific climate conditions and system parameters. Included on the Solar Design Studio CD-ROM are three unique versions of PV-DesignPro: "PV-DesignPro-S" tailored for systems with battery storage, "PV-DesignPro-G" designed for grid-connected systems that do not include storage, and "PV-DesignPro-P" aimed at water pumping applications. Each version is meticulously crafted to deliver accurate and thorough predictions of system power output, allowing users to strategically plan their photovoltaic installations effectively. Furthermore, this software acts as a vital tool for engineers and designers focused on maximizing both the efficiency and performance of solar energy systems, thus driving innovation in renewable energy solutions. The ability to simulate various scenarios makes the PV-DesignPro suite an invaluable asset in the field of solar energy design.

PV Designer software stands out as an ideal solution for residential and smaller commercial energy systems, enabling users to easily outline roofs, configure set-back and keep-out zones, and incorporate SunEye shading data accurately on rooftops. Its intuitive features allow for simple dragging and dropping of modules, string sizing, inverter capacity checks, and AC energy output calculations, greatly enhancing the design workflow. The application comes with extensive global databases that include information on modules, inverters, and historical weather trends, positioning it as a flexible resource. Users can test different design scenarios and compare their AC kW-hr outputs side by side, facilitating the identification of the most effective design. While particularly designed for systems around 15 kW, it is also capable of handling larger projects up to 100 kW. The software's intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners in solar design, while still offering the detailed analysis typically found in more advanced engineering applications. This fusion of ease of use and powerful capabilities establishes PV Designer as a remarkable asset in the field of solar design, appealing to both novices and experienced professionals alike. Furthermore, the ability to simulate real-world conditions enhances the decision-making process, making it an invaluable tool for optimizing solar energy systems.

PVsyst is designed for architects, engineers, and researchers, also functioning as a valuable educational tool. It features a comprehensive Help menu that effectively explains the different processes and models utilized, ensuring a seamless user experience while assisting users throughout the project development stages. Furthermore, PVsyst allows for the importation of meteorological data and personal information from diverse sources, which significantly enhances its adaptability. The second graph addresses inverter sizing by displaying the yearly distribution of array power in conjunction with the nominal power of both the array and the inverter. In addition, managing storage in a grid system is a complex issue, as various goals may require distinct strategies and configurations for PV systems. Such flexibility and depth of functionality undoubtedly position PVsyst as an essential asset for professionals involved in the solar energy sector. Its comprehensive features and user-friendly design further solidify its reputation as a leading software in the industry.

Photovoltaic systems exhibit a broad range, from compact setups on home rooftops to large-scale utility projects that span vast areas. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems serve the purpose of electricity generation and come in different configurations, including parabolic troughs, power towers, and linear Fresnel systems. Many of these projects are supported by power purchase agreements (PPAs), which link the energy systems to the electrical grid at specified interconnection points, enabling the monetization of electricity through sales. The ownership structure of such projects can vary, with options for individual ownership or collaborative partnerships that might involve flip or leaseback agreements. In some cases, a third-party ownership model is adopted, where the solar installation is located on a customer's property, yet the ownership remains with an external developer who pays the property owner for the generated electricity, usually through a PPA or lease. This approach not only encourages the wider adoption of solar technology but also creates financial benefits for property owners willing to engage in sustainable energy practices. As a result, these diverse ownership models contribute to the overall growth and accessibility of renewable energy across different sectors.

BlueSol is an innovative global software solution tailored for the development of photovoltaic systems, allowing users to seamlessly transition from preliminary yield evaluations to the creation of detailed project documentation. Boasting a user-friendly Microsoft interface, BlueSol effectively streamlines the management of all facets involved in PV system design. It incorporates automated and optimized integration of essential components, including strings, inverters, panels, batteries, and cables. Moreover, the software generates calculations for radiation distribution maps across different regions and allows users to export system layouts in both DWG files and image formats. Users can also create interactive designs using internet mapping services and a 3D visualization option, significantly enriching the planning process. Additionally, BlueSol is available as a single installation that accommodates multiple languages, broadening its accessibility for a global audience. The extensive capabilities of BlueSol make it an indispensable resource for professionals engaged in the photovoltaic system design sector. Ultimately, its combination of features ensures that users can achieve optimal results in their projects.

T*SOL serves as a powerful simulation tool aimed at evaluating the efficiency of thermal solar systems. It is designed for multiple purposes such as heating domestic water, supplementing heating requirements, warming swimming pools, and providing process heat. By utilizing T*SOL, users can strategically plan and size their solar thermal setups, which includes considerations for storage options and collector layouts, even accommodating east-west roof orientations while also assessing the financial feasibility of these installations. At the beginning of your design process, a broad selection of pertinent systems is available to meet various heating requirements, including water heating, pool management, and process heat solutions. The software provides sizing recommendations throughout the design process and allows for adjustments to parameters, helping users identify the most efficient combinations of storage capacity and collector area. Additionally, it offers simulation results that display energy metrics, temperatures, and volumes in multiple graphical formats. Users can choose from various visualization options such as bar charts and line graphs, with the capability to modify the time scale from a single day up to a full year, enabling an in-depth examination of system performance across different durations. This extensive flexibility positions T*SOL as an essential tool for enhancing the design of solar thermal systems while also assisting users in making informed decisions on their installations. Ultimately, the comprehensive nature of T*SOL ensures that it remains a crucial asset for anyone looking to optimize their solar energy solutions.

Archelios PRO serves as an all-encompassing simulation and design tool specifically designed for experts in the photovoltaic field, offering a cohesive approach to every facet of solar project development. This innovative software allows users to meticulously design, size, simulate, and manage photovoltaic systems with exceptional precision and effectiveness. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, Archelios PRO significantly boosts the energy efficiency and financial gains of solar projects while complying with crucial regulatory and technical requirements. The platform also includes powerful features for optimizing self-consumption, ensuring that the produced energy is used effectively on-site. Additionally, Archelios PRO is supported by a dedicated technical assistance team and receives regular updates, ensuring that users remain informed about the latest trends and advancements in the ever-evolving solar industry. This dedication to continuous improvement not only enhances the overall user experience but also empowers professionals to adapt more readily to the shifting dynamics of the energy sector. Ultimately, Archelios PRO stands out as a vital resource for those committed to maximizing the potential of solar energy solutions.

Eturnity software is tailored to assist installers and sales professionals in the field of eco-friendly building solutions, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging stations. We provide exceptional support throughout the whole customer acquisition journey and the consultation process with our offerings. By streamlining the initial consultation, Eturnity enhances customer acquisition through effective and efficient proposal preparation. Our clients have the capability to digitize their complete consultation process, from the initial design and planning of the building systems to the finalization of quotes and sales. We are actively seeking sales partners to join our team! Since 2015, Eturnity has proudly served the Swiss market with our software solutions, and we are also attracting more customers from around the world. Our success hinges on having enthusiastic and skilled sales partners who are committed to delivering outstanding service to our clients. If you recognize opportunities in your market, we would love to hear from you!