Compare the Top Free Solar Design Software as of April 2026

What is Free Solar Design Software?

Solar design software, also known as photovoltaic (PV) design software, helps engineers, architects, and solar installers plan and optimize solar energy systems by modeling the placement and performance of solar panels. It uses geographic, weather, and shading data to simulate energy production and system efficiency under various conditions. The software assists in creating detailed layouts, calculating system size, and estimating costs and return on investment. By enabling accurate design and visualization, it reduces errors and speeds up project approval and installation processes. Ultimately, solar design software helps maximize energy yield, lower costs, and support sustainable energy goals. Compare and read user reviews of the best Free Solar Design software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    Solargis

    Solargis

    Solargis

    Accurate estimation of solar energy potential is crucial in the pre-feasibility phase. Besides accurate results, it is also desired that the pre-feasibility study is done efficiently. Solargis prospecting tools, iMaps and pvPlanner, provide fast access to reliable solar yield estimates. The new Prospect tool further increases the accuracy of estimates and makes it easier to collaborate efficiently on the development of solar projects. Solargis data has the best accuracy and reliability amongst available solar databases. This has been confirmed by several independent studies. Solargis data has been validated at 1000+ locations globally. Validation statistics for 180+ non-confidential sites can be seen on our validation map. Popular simulation software such as PVsyst has advanced capabilities for system design and energy modeling. However, the default weather data in such tools is not the most reliable.
    Starting Price: €1,800 per year
  • 2
    ENACT Solar Software
    Our innovative platform speeds up sales and project execution, delivering high performing solar and energy storage systems. Features include: remote design using satellite images, proposals with detailed pricing and energy analytics, and seamless project management. Our app for end-customers is the first of it’s kind; the only platform that verifies predictive performance and savings. Features included solar and storage power-flows, utility bill savings, and performance analytics. Multiple workflows for team members and task assignment. Use high-resolution satellite images to create residential or commercial layouts. Close deals faster with beautiful and accurate proposals. Manage projects to rapid completion and impress customers.
    Starting Price: $199 per month
  • 3
    RETScreen

    RETScreen

    RETScreen International

    The RETScreen® Clean Energy Management Software platform enables low-carbon planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting. RETScreen Expert, an advanced premium version of the software, is available in Viewer mode completely free-of-charge. We collaborate with government and multilateral organizations to co-fund and develop advanced versions of the RETScreen® Clean Energy Management Software platform. RETScreen Expert, the intelligent version of the software, incorporates benchmark, feasibility, performance and portfolio analysis for various types of facilities, including commercial, institutional, residential, industrial and power generation, all within one comprehensive platform. The focus of our innovation lab is to ensure that the RETScreen software is always at the leading edge of the clean energy technology transition, and that we continuously improve our platform to meet the complex needs of our large and rapidly growing global user community.
    Starting Price: $869 per year
  • 4
    PVSketch

    PVSketch

    PVComplete

    PVSketch is an intuitive web app designed to streamline solar project development. A friendly interface allows sales professionals easy access to a precision layout tool with little or no training. PVSketch helps visualize solar energy solutions and creates accurate energy modeling. PVSketch is part of the PVComplete platform. PVComplete allows solar developers, installers and engineers to work together on a single, versatile platform combining efficiency and accuracy. Sales professionals can begin a project quickly online with PVSketch and then transfer the project to PVCAD, our AutoCAD plugin, for a detailed engineering plan. PVSketch makes solar design simple. As little as five clicks and you can create a solar project packed with valuable information. Simple and instinctive drawing tools make accurate solar design accessible to any individual. While a single click can generate an entire layout if you dig deeper you can refine your solar design to create sophisticated designs.
    Starting Price: $50 per month
  • 5
    SunDAT

    SunDAT

    SunDAT

    Web-based PV design for utility-scale and commercial solar. Our innovative, patented system for determining layout optimizes Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR) and helps engineer enhanced yields on rough terrain. Handle complex boundaries and obstructions with ease. Automate workflows and increase the efficiency of your design process with SunDAT. This feature allows you to identify areas that are beyond a certain slope tolerance or flag areas within a solar array layout that need to be graded or avoided. You can also visualize heatmaps, export them to PVsyst, and perform pile length calculations. SunDAT enables you to export your project data in multiple formats like PDF, DXF and DAE. This allows your design to be imported to programs like AutoCAD and PVsyst for continued design and analysis. SunDAT Web software optimizes large-scale utility and commercial PV design. Whether you are designing a 150MW utility-scale ground mount or a 2 MW commercial rooftop solar system, SunDAT will do it.
    Starting Price: $2,000 per year
  • 6
    Lyra Solar

    Lyra Solar

    Lyra Solar

    Quickly and easily create permit-ready residential solar designs for free. Export ready-to-submit permit packages for as low as $49 in just a few minutes. Generate a ready-to-submit solar permit package at the click of a button. Every interaction is designed to be fast and simple. Lyra is so easy to use that any experienced solar professional can jump in without any training. Design just what you need for a permit, from a simple preliminary design to a down-to-the-component level permit-ready design. Generate a permit package from the design with the click of a button. Seriously, it's that easy. The Lyra solar design tool is free to use. All we need is your email address to get you set up and ready to knock out your first design. We work with solar design software companies to augment their offerings. If you lack permit packaging in your product offering, contact us to discuss how we can work together.
    Starting Price: $49 one-time payment
  • 7
    Web Solar Cloud

    Web Solar Cloud

    Web Solar Cloud

    Web Solar Cloud is easy-to-use tool for designing solar projects online. It helps you create professional solar designs quickly, even if you're new to solar design. Software will generate a solar permit package that includes detailed solar panel layouts, electrical diagrams, structural engineering reports, and any other documentation specific to your local permitting requirements. Shading and production analysis evaluates a building's shading and energy production performance. With our tool, you can easily design and calculate electrical components, wiring, and loads for your project. Whether you're planning a small residential project or a large commercial one, our tool provides you with the necessary features and capabilities to ensure accurate and efficient electrical design. Our solar design software is equipped with an advanced Single Line Diagram feature, designed to simplify the visualization of your solar system.
    Starting Price: $20 per month
  • 8
    SolarEdge Designer
    SolarEdge Designer is a free web-based platform that helps solar professionals like yourself lower PV design costs and generate winning customer proposals. plan, build and validate your SolarEdge residential and commercial systems from inception to installation with this powerful selling tool that can help you close more deals. Streamlined design process featuring many automatic procedures such as stringing, instant design validation, multiple obstacle detection and bulk Power Optimizer barcode mapping. Seamless export of the site layout to the SolarEdge Monitoring Platform. Offer compelling customer proposals with comprehensive reports and accurate energy simulations, independently evaluated by DNV GL. Leverage detailed financial analysis capabilities to accurately forecast system owners’ electricity bill savings and ROI. Impress your customers with a visually attractive 3D simulation of their site.
  • 9
    BAESS Labs

    BAESS Labs

    BAESS Labs

    BAESS Labs is an AI-powered solar design platform built to streamline the entire project development process. It enables users to generate Bills of Quantities, perform energy simulations, and create financial analyses in minutes. The Smart PV Designer offers visual module placement, shading analysis, and real-time optimization. Users can model ROI, IRR, and NPV while generating professional reports for client presentations. With global weather data integration, projects can be designed accurately anywhere in the world. The platform uses AI credits to power intelligent features while offering a free plan to get started. Designed for speed and efficiency, BAESS Labs helps solar professionals save significant time on system design and proposal creation.
    Starting Price: $18/month/user
  • 10
    archelios PRO

    archelios PRO

    Trace Software International

    archelios PRO is a simulation and design software dedicated to photovoltaic projects, offering an all-in-one solution for industry professionals. It allows you to design, size, simulate, and manage photovoltaic installations in a precise and optimised manner. With its cutting-edge technology, Archelios PRO helps you maximise the energy efficiency and profitability of your solar projects, while meeting regulatory and technical requirements. Additionally, the software includes powerful tools for managing self-consumption, ensuring that energy produced is efficiently utilised within the building or facility. archelios PRO benefits from responsive technical support and regular updates to its features, ensuring that you stay at the forefront of innovation in a constantly evolving sector.
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