Solar design software is a program that helps solar professionals design photovoltaic (PV) systems. This type of software can be used to create 3D models of PV systems, calculate electrical loads and energy production, and simulate the impact of shading on system performance. Solar design software can also be used to generate reports and proposals for potential customers.

There are a number of different solar design software programs available on the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities. One of which is Sunbase's Solar Design Software. Sunbase solar design software is equipped with all the necessary tools and features for a professional, state-of-the-art design software.

If you're in the business of solar energy, then you know that having the right tools is essential to your success.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at three of the top solar design tools on the market and compare their features, pricing, and more.

With this information, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which tool is right for your business. Let's get started!

NREL's PVWatts Calculator

About

NREL's PVWatts Calculator is a free online tool that allows users to estimate the performance of PV systems. This tool is great for those who are just starting out in the solar industry and are looking for a simple way to estimate energy production.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed the PVWatts Calculator Solar Design tool to help homeowners and businesses estimate the potential output of a solar PV system based on

• location,
• system size
• other factors.

The tool is easy to use and provides accurate results.

For each location, the calculator considers

• the average amount of sunlight,
• the angle of the sun
• the climate.

It also allows users to select the type of solar PV system they are interested in (e.g., rooftop or ground-mounted).

Once the user inputs all of the relevant information, the calculator provides an estimate of the system's annual output in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This information can be used to help determine whether solar PV is a viable option for meeting energy needs.

Pros

• 2D/3D renders 
• Shading analysis 
• Energy yield simulations 
• Technological and Financial Viability

Cons

• This calculator doesn't have sophisticated features like automatic design options, options to account any obstacles like trees, etc. when compared to other paid software.
• The PVWatts calculator only offers a limited number of options for PV system configurations and does not account for all possible system designs.
• The PVWatts calculator is only accurate for systems located in the United States, and may not be accurate for systems located in other countries.
• The PVWatts calculator does not account for changes in weather or sunlight conditions over time, which can impact the performance of PV systems.

Aurora Solar

About

Aurora is a web-based solar design tool that offers users the ability to create designs quickly and easily. It has a library of over 250,000 PV components, making it easy to find the right parts for your project. Aurora also offers energy yield simulations and automatic site feasibility analysis. 

The tool is designed to be user-friendly, and can be used to create a solar PV system from scratch, or to improve the performance of an existing system.

The solar design software can use either custom or satellite images to design photovoltaic projects from the first stage to the very installation.

The Aurora Solar design tool takes into account a number of factors, including

• the local climate,
• the orientation of the solar panels
• the available space.

Like Sunbase, it also includes a cost calculator so that users can see the financial benefits of installing a solar PV panels.

Features-

1. Ability to create PV system designs
2. Perform energy analysis
3. Generate financial reports
4. Accurate energy modeling
5. Detailed shading analysis
6. Library of PV products

Pros of using Aurora Solar

•  Web-based (no software to download) 
•  Extensive library of PV components 
•  Energy yield simulations 
• CAD exports available

Cons of using Aurora Solar

• Not as many integrations as some other tools
• More Expensive than other tools
• Increased Design costs

Conclusion

All three of these solar design tools, Sunbase, PVWatts calculator and Aurora Solar, have their pros and cons. Which one you choose will depend on your specific needs, preferences and budget. If you need a tool with lots of features and an affordable price, Sunbase design software may be a good option for you.

Whichever tool you choose, make sure it meets your needs so that you can get the most out of it.

About Sunbase

Sunbase helps solar companies succeed through a suite of Solar CRM tools like Solar Lead Management Software, Solar Proposal Software, etc.! To book your free demo or an appointment, contact us here!