Expert Verified — Written by Keyur Rakholiya, SurgePV Editorial. 10 tools tested for solar layout work. Pricing verified July 2026. Based on 1+ GW of delivered projects and thousands of layouts across 50+ countries.
A layout is where a solar project is won or lost. Place 4 panels too many and they do not fit on install day. Miss a shading obstruction and the production promise falls apart. Get the stringing wrong and the design goes back to engineering.
We tested 10 solar design software tools against real layout workflows. We built residential rooftop arrays, commercial flat roofs, and multi-megawatt ground mounts. We measured layout speed, shading realism, string sizing, and how usable the output is for permits and crews.
This list ranks what works in 2026. Every tool gets honest strengths and honest weaknesses. That includes our own product.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for residential rooftop layout | Aurora Solar | LIDAR-assisted 3D modeling, fast auto-layout |
| Best for layout-to-proposal speed | SurgePV | 3D layout, shading, stringing, and proposal in 1 workflow |
| Best for C&I layout | HelioScope | Fast iterations, bankable simulation to 15 MW |
| Best for utility-scale automation | RatedPower | Full plant layout in under 60 seconds |
| Best for CAD-based engineering | PVcase | AutoCAD-native ground and roof mount plugins |
| Best free option | OpenSolar | $0 forever, 3D design studio with shading |
How We Evaluated
We scored each tool on 5 criteria. Weighting reflects what makes a layout buildable in the field.
| Criterion | Weight | What We Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Layout speed | 25% | Minutes from site image to complete array plan |
| Shading realism | 25% | Obstruction modeling, irradiance maps, validated accuracy |
| Electrical fit | 20% | String sizing, inverter matching, SLD and BOM output |
| Project range | 15% | Roof types, ground mount, trackers, size ceiling |
| Cost per layout | 15% | Subscription or per-project price vs. volume |
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial | Project Range | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora Solar | Residential rooftop | Custom (contact sales) | Demo only | Residential + small C&I | LIDAR-assisted 3D roof modeling |
| SurgePV | Layout-to-proposal speed | $1,899/yr (3 users) | Yes | Residential + C&I | Layout, shading, financials, proposal in 1 flow |
| HelioScope | C&I layout | $159/mo | Demo only | C&I to 15 MW | Within 1% of PVsyst, DNV validated |
| RatedPower | Utility-scale automation | Custom quote | Demo only | Utility-scale + BESS | Layout in under 60 seconds |
| PVcase | CAD-based engineering | Custom quote | 2 weeks | C&I + utility-scale | AutoCAD-native, 80–90% time savings |
| OpenSolar | Free all-in-one | $0 | Free forever | Residential to 500 kW | Free 3D design studio |
| Scanifly | Drone-accurate layout | Custom quote | Demo only | Residential + commercial | 1 to 3 inch drone accuracy |
| Virto Solar | CAD + web hybrid | €298/mo | Contact sales | C&I + utility-scale | AutoCAD/BricsCAD plugin plus web tool |
| Arka360 | Emerging-market EPCs | $199/mo (US) | Contact sales | Residential + C&I | LIDAR shading plus permit packages |
| Pylon | Quick residential layouts | $4/project | 5 free projects | Residential | Pay-per-project, no monthly fees |
1. Aurora Solar — Best Layout Software for Residential Rooftops
Aurora Solar is the reference platform for US residential layout work. Over 7,000 companies use it, and its LIDAR-assisted 3D modeling set the standard for remote roof design.
What It Does Well
Roof modeling is fast. Aurora pulls satellite and LIDAR data, detects roof planes, and auto-places panels around setbacks. A trained designer lays out a typical residential roof in 10 to 15 minutes.
Shading analysis runs on the 3D model with tree and obstruction heights. G2 reviewers rate Aurora’s 3D visualization at 9.5 out of 10, the highest we found. The irradiance map on each panel makes shade losses visible before you commit.
String sizing and inverter selection happen inside the same model. For a deeper look at platform-wide design capability, see our best solar design software ranking.
Our Take: Aurora is the safest residential layout pick if budget allows. Verify auto-detected roof planes on older or complex roofs, because the automation still misses obstructions often enough to matter.
Where It Falls Short
Price is the main barrier, and Aurora does not publish rates. Auto roof modeling is hit-or-miss on unusual roofs and in remote areas with thin imagery coverage. Layouts for complex commercial projects stretch the tool past its comfort zone.
Key Features
- LIDAR-assisted 3D roof modeling with auto panel placement
- Automated shading analysis with irradiance maps
- String sizing and inverter matching
- HD imagery upgrades via Nearmap integration
Pricing
- Foundation, Build, Grow, Scale: Custom pricing, contact sales
- Free trial: Guided demo only
Who Should Use Aurora Solar
Strong fit: US residential installers and sales-led teams doing rooftop volume. Probably not right for: Budget-constrained teams, ground-mount specialists, utility-scale developers.
2. SurgePV — Best Layout Software for Layout-to-Proposal Speed
Full disclosure: we build SurgePV. We ranked it #2 because Aurora still leads on residential roof auto-detection. For teams who want the layout, shading math, and customer document in 1 cloud workflow, this is where we are strongest.
What It Does Well
Most layout pain is not the layout. It is re-doing the layout in a second tool for simulation, then re-typing numbers into a proposal. SurgePV removes both handoffs.
You build the 3D rooftop layout in the solar designing module, place panels around obstructions, and size strings against the inverter database. The physics-based shadow analysis runs on the same model. Generation, payback, internal rate of return (IRR), and net present value (NPV) flow straight into a branded PDF proposal.
The module and inverter database covers current equipment, and Clara AI assists on routine design and copy steps. In our own testing, a residential layout with shading and a sendable proposal takes under 30 minutes from address entry.
Our Take: If your layouts keep dying in the handoff between design and sales, SurgePV fixes the root cause. It is cloud-only, so field teams without connectivity should plan around that.
Where It Falls Short
There is no automated LIDAR roof detection, so complex roofs take more manual modeling than in Aurora. There is no native CRM or mobile app. Utility-scale ground mount with trackers is out of scope.
Key Features
- 3D rooftop layout with panel placement and string sizing
- Physics-based shading analysis on the same model
- Generation and financial modeling with payback, IRR, and NPV
- Branded proposals built from live layout data
Pricing
- For 3 Users plan: $1,899/year — layout, shading, financials, and proposals included
- Free trial: Available with full design capabilities
Who Should Use SurgePV
Strong fit: Installers and EPCs who want layout, simulation, and proposals in 1 cloud platform. Probably not right for: Teams needing auto-detected LIDAR roofs, or utility-scale ground mount.
Want to see the layout-to-proposal flow on a real roof? Book a 20-minute demo.
3. HelioScope — Best Layout Software for C&I Projects
HelioScope, now part of Aurora Solar, is the fast path for commercial layout work. It trades residential polish for speed and bankable physics on flat roofs, carports, and ground mounts.
What It Does Well
Iteration speed is the draw. Users report 4x faster design cycles than desktop tools. Drag a field segment, adjust pitch and row spacing, and the production estimate updates live.
Accuracy is validated. DNV found HelioScope within 1% of PVsyst, and Sunstone Credit recognized it as bankable in October 2025. That matters when a C&I customer sends your layout to their lender.
Module-level simulation handles rooftops, carports, and ground mounts up to 15 MW. P50 comes on Basic; P90, P95, and P99 arrive on Pro. For layout work that must survive financing review, that combination is hard to beat at this price.
Our Take: HelioScope is the sweet spot for C&I layout: PVsyst-grade credibility without PVsyst complexity. Do not stretch it past 10,000 modules, where performance lags.
Where It Falls Short
Residential work under 15 kW feels clumsy. There is no native battery modeling. Financial analysis scores 5.2 out of 10 on G2, well below dedicated tools, so serious storage or tariff work needs an export.
Key Features
- Module-level layout for rooftops, carports, and ground mounts
- P50/P90/P95/P99 production estimates
- Within 1% of PVsyst, DNV validated
- Single-line diagrams and energy yield reports
Pricing
- Basic: $159/month — 1 user, 10 projects, 1.25 MW cap
- Pro: $259/month — adds LIDAR, P90+, financials, proposals
- Free trial: Demo only
Who Should Use HelioScope
Strong fit: C&I installers and EPCs laying out 100 kW to 5 MW projects. Probably not right for: Residential-focused teams and heavy storage design.
4. RatedPower — Best Layout Software for Utility-Scale Automation
RatedPower, part of Enverus since 2022, automates utility-scale plant layout. More than 4,300 solar professionals in 130+ countries use it, with 43+ GW of projects developed on the platform.
What It Does Well
Speed is the headline. RatedPower generates a complete plant layout in under 60 seconds: roads, setbacks, inverter placement, string configuration, and cable routing. Users report cutting design time by 75% to 90% versus AutoCAD workflows.
The scope is genuinely full-cycle. Topography analysis, earthworks, substation engineering, and overhead or underground cable sizing live in 1 platform. Batch design runs up to 10 layout simulations at once, which suits developers screening multiple sites.
Output is bankable. P75, P90, P95, and P99 yield estimates integrate PVGIS, Solargis, and 3 other solar data sources. Every plan includes unlimited users, so engineering teams collaborate without seat costs.
Our Take: For megawatt-scale ground mount, RatedPower is the fastest credible layout engine we tested. The price is enterprise-grade, and it does nothing for rooftops.
Where It Falls Short
There is no public pricing, and reviewers call it expensive for small teams. Residential and small C&I are not supported at all. No free trial means you evaluate through demos only.
Key Features
- Automated plant layout in under 60 seconds
- Earthworks, substation, and cable engineering
- Battery energy storage system (BESS) layout for hybrid plants
- Bankable P90 yield with 50 years of weather data
Pricing
- Basic, Advanced, Enterprise: Custom quotes, all with unlimited users
- Free trial: Demo and product tour only
Who Should Use RatedPower
Strong fit: Developers, EPCs, and independent power producers (IPPs) designing utility-scale PV and hybrid plants. Probably not right for: Rooftop installers and small commercial teams.
5. PVcase — Best Layout Software for CAD-Based Engineering
PVcase is the AutoCAD-native choice for detailed engineering. Over 1,800 customers in 80+ countries design roughly 4 TW of projects on it annually, and G2 rates it 4.7 out of 5 across 397 reviews.
What It Does Well
The Ground Mount plugin automates tracker placement on real terrain, with cut and fill analysis and voltage drop calculations. Users report 80% to 90% design time savings, about 90 hours saved per design. The Roof Mount plugin handles C&I rooftops with shading analysis and semi-automated cable routing.
Engineers stay in a familiar environment. If your team already works in AutoCAD, the learning curve is weeks, not months. PVcase Academy earns exceptional marks for training.
Export quality is strong. Layouts flow directly to PVsyst via .DAE and .PVC files, and PVcase Yield adds ray-traced irradiance modeling with bifacial accuracy validated by Imec and EnergyVille. For ground-mount specifics, see our ground mount design software list.
Our Take: PVcase is the right call when construction-grade CAD output is the deliverable. Budget for AutoCAD licenses and a capable workstation, because it needs both.
Where It Falls Short
Ground and Roof Mount require AutoCAD on Windows, with no virtual machine support. There is no built-in financial modeling and no cable loss calculation, only lengths. Reviewers note lag on very large, data-rich projects.
Key Features
- AutoCAD plugins for ground mount and C&I roof mount
- Terrain-following tracker layout with grading analysis
- Direct PVsyst export and PVcase Yield integration
- Native AC/DC-coupled BESS layout support
Pricing
- All products: Custom quotes, contact sales
- Free trial: 2 weeks; free licenses for students and educators
Who Should Use PVcase
Strong fit: Engineering teams and EPCs producing construction documents for utility-scale and C&I projects. Probably not right for: Sales-led teams, residential installers, and cloud-only shops.
Quote From Real Engineering Data
See how SurgePV turns design, shading, and financials into a customer-ready proposal in 1 workflow.
Book a DemoNo commitment required · 20 minutes · Live project walkthrough
6. OpenSolar — Best Free Solar Layout Software
OpenSolar is the only genuinely free platform on this list. More than 28,000 users in 185+ countries pay nothing for its 3D design studio.
What It Does Well
The price is the headline: $0 forever, unlimited projects, unlimited users. OpenSolar monetizes hardware partners and lenders instead of installers.
The 3D design studio covers the layout basics well. Panel placement, real-time shading, multiple roof faces, and system sizing all work in the browser. Accuracy is third-party validated by PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) and a US government agency.
Speed is real. Users report full proposals in under 2 minutes once templates are set. For a new installer doing standard residential roofs, OpenSolar layouts are genuinely buildable.
Our Take: For a 1 to 10 person residential installer, OpenSolar’s layout value is unbeatable. Know the ceiling: systems cap around 500 kW and photogrammetry-based modeling trails LIDAR on complex roofs.
Where It Falls Short
The 500 kW cap rules out utility-scale work. There is no offline mode. Shading depth and CAD export options are limited compared with engineering-grade tools.
Key Features
- Free 3D design studio with real-time shading
- Panel layout across multiple roof faces
- PVEL-validated production estimates
- Built-in CRM, proposals, and e-signature
Pricing
- Free tier: $0 — unlimited projects, users, and features
- Free trial: Not needed; the product is free
Who Should Use OpenSolar
Strong fit: New and small residential installers, budget-conscious teams, emerging markets. Probably not right for: C&I above 500 kW, engineering-grade documentation needs.
7. Scanifly — Best Layout Software for Drone-Verified Accuracy
Scanifly is the drone-first layout platform. Its photogrammetry models measure to 1 to 3 inches, and its shading engine is the only drone-based tool approved by NYSERDA, MassCEC, the California Energy Commission (CEC), and several other state programs.
What It Does Well
Fitment accuracy is the product. Scanifly offers a 100% fitment guarantee on install day, and customers back it. Namaste Solar cut its revision rate from 25% to under 1% after switching.
The 2-stage workflow is smart. PrelimDesign uses satellite and USGS LIDAR for fast sales-phase layouts. DroneDesign converts drone imagery into an inch-accurate 3D model for final engineering. Sales moves fast, and engineering does not guess.
Time savings are documented. Hammond Energy cut survey-to-design time from 16 hours to 2.5 hours. EmPower Solar cut software spend 53% versus Aurora. The free mobile app covers field checklists and photo documentation.
Our Take: If install-day fitment failures cost you real money, Scanifly’s drone workflow pays for itself. The desktop hardware requirement and drone dependency are real trade-offs.
Where It Falls Short
You need a capable desktop workstation, not a lightweight laptop. Subscription pricing is not published. Image quality issues like glare and cloud cover can delay processing, and low-end drones are incompatible.
Key Features
- Drone photogrammetry with 1 to 3 inch accuracy
- NYSERDA-approved shading analysis
- PrelimDesign for remote sales layouts
- Racking integrations with IronRidge, K2 Systems, and Unirac
Pricing
- Subscription: Custom quotes, contact sales
- Design services: Credit-based, from 15 credits for residential site modeling
- Free trial: Demo only
Who Should Use Scanifly
Strong fit: Residential and commercial installers who want drone-verified layouts and zero fitment surprises. Probably not right for: Remote-only sales teams, utility-scale developers, low-budget shops.
8. Virto Solar — Best Layout Software for CAD + Web Hybrid Workflows
Virto Solar, a Belgian scale-up founded in 2019, bridges web-based conceptual layout and CAD-based detailed engineering. G2 reviewers rate it 4.6 out of 5.
What It Does Well
The 2-product split mirrors how teams actually work. Virto.MAX runs in the browser for fast conceptual layouts up to 1 MW on the Lite plan, with shadow and yield simulation. Virto.CAD plugs into AutoCAD or BricsCAD for construction-ready detailed design.
The handoff between them is clean. A sales engineer builds the concept in MAX, then engineering refines it in CAD without re-drawing. Virto claims 80% design time reduction through automation.
String planning deserves mention. Virto.CAD generates visualized string plans from inverter configurations automatically, though reviewers note auto-stringing is about 95% accurate and needs a manual pass. Pricing is transparent at €298 per month with unlimited users, rare in this segment.
Our Take: Virto is a practical pick for European EPCs who want 1 vendor from concept to construction drawings. The smaller team means slower polish on advanced features.
Where It Falls Short
Detailed work still requires an AutoCAD or BricsCAD license. High-resolution 3D rendering slows on large projects. Documentation for advanced tools lags the feature set, and brand recognition trails Aurora and PVsyst.
Key Features
- Virto.MAX web layouts with unlimited users
- Virto.CAD plugin for AutoCAD and BricsCAD
- Automated string plans and bill of materials (BOM)
- Direct PVsyst export via .DAE
Pricing
- Virto.MAX LITE: Up to 1 MW projects — €298/month or €2,980/year
- Virto.MAX MEGA: Above 1 MW — contact sales
- Free trial: Contact sales
Who Should Use Virto Solar
Strong fit: C&I and utility-scale EPCs in Europe wanting web-to-CAD continuity. Probably not right for: Residential installers and teams without CAD licenses.
9. Arka360 — Best Layout Software for Emerging-Market EPCs
Arka360 serves 4,000+ installers across 27 countries, with deep roots in the US and India. It bundles layout, LIDAR shading, CRM, and permit packages at SMB-friendly prices.
What It Does Well
The all-in-one scope stands out at this price. 3D layout with LIDAR-based shading, a built-in CRM, and proposal generation live in 1 platform. G2 rates it 4.7 out of 5 across 117 reviews, with ease of use the top praise.
Permit output is the differentiator. Arka360 delivers National Electrical Code (NEC) compliant permit sets in 48 hours, or under 8 hours expedited, with professional engineer (PE) stamps available. Layout to permit in 1 vendor removes a common bottleneck.
India pricing starts at ₹7,500 per month, which fits emerging-market budgets. The ArkaGo mobile app supports field work, a gap in most design tools at this tier.
Our Take: Arka360 is the practical choice for a growing EPC that needs layout plus permits without enterprise pricing. Expect some performance rough edges on bigger projects.
Where It Falls Short
Missing features are the top G2 complaint, and users report occasional instability. Panel re-selection for each new polygon slows layout work. Utility-scale support is limited.
Key Features
- 3D layout with LIDAR-based shading analysis
- NEC-compliant permit packages with PE stamps
- Built-in CRM and proposal generation
- ArkaGo mobile app for field teams
Pricing
- US Basic: $199/month — 1 user
- US Premium: $358/month — 2 users, battery sizing, CAD export
- India Lite: ₹7,500/month or ₹46,000/year
- Free trial: Contact sales
Who Should Use Arka360
Strong fit: Small and mid-size EPCs in the US, India, and other emerging markets. Probably not right for: Utility-scale developers and teams needing polished performance at scale.
10. Pylon — Best Layout Software for Pay-Per-Project Residential Work
Pylon (GetPylon) is an Australian-built tool with pay-per-project pricing. Over 3,500 solar businesses use it, and a 2025 installer survey voted it the #1 solar design tool.
What It Does Well
The pricing model is the draw. At $4 per project with no monthly fees, low-volume installers pay only when they design. Unlimited team users come with no per-seat costs.
Layout speed is excellent. Panel placement takes under a minute after familiarization, and full proposals run under 2 minutes. The 3D shading engine won a Finder innovation award in 2021.
Documentation is unusually complete for the price. One-click single-line diagrams (SLDs), voltage rise reports, and job sheets generate automatically. The iPad-optimized interface suits on-site layout work during a survey.
Our Take: Pylon is the best economic fit for installers laying out under 20 projects a month. Australian compliance depth is a bonus; template variety is not.
Where It Falls Short
Only 3 proposal templates limit brand customization. Design variations cap at 5 per project. Imagery coverage has gaps in 10% to 20% of regions, and C&I work is out of scope.
Key Features
- Pay-per-project pricing with unlimited users
- Award-winning 3D shading analysis
- One-click SLDs and voltage rise reports
- iPad-optimized for on-site layout
Pricing
- Standard: $4/project — design, imagery, financials, proposals
- Pro: $10/project — adds batteries, custom loads, commercial
- Free trial: 5 free Standard projects, no credit card
Who Should Use Pylon
Strong fit: Small residential installers in Australia and the US with variable layout volume. Probably not right for: High-volume teams, C&I projects, brands needing custom templates.
How to Choose Solar Layout Software
Match the tool to your project mix before you book demos.
- US residential rooftop volume: Aurora Solar, or SurgePV if proposals matter as much as layouts.
- Installer or EPC wanting layout plus simulation plus proposal: SurgePV. 1 workflow, no handoffs.
- C&I from 100 kW to 5 MW: HelioScope. Bankable physics at a fair price.
- Utility-scale ground mount: RatedPower for cloud speed, PVcase for CAD-grade output.
- New or budget-constrained installer: OpenSolar. Free forever, genuinely buildable.
- Install-day accuracy problems: Scanifly. Drone verification kills revision cycles.
- European EPC with CAD licenses: Virto Solar. Web concept to CAD construction drawings.
- Emerging-market EPC needing permits: Arka360.
- Low-volume residential quoting: Pylon. Pay only when you design.
The Contrarian Take: Auto-Layout Is a Trap on Complex Roofs
Every vendor sells automatic panel placement as the headline feature. After thousands of layouts, we disagree with the priority.
Auto-layout works on simple gable roofs with clean imagery. On hip roofs, dormers, and tree-heavy sites, the automation misplaces panels often enough that a designer must check every plane anyway. The 5 minutes saved on placement becomes 20 minutes of correction, or worse, a change order after install day.
The features that actually protect your margin are less glamorous: accurate shading on the exact obstruction geometry, string sizing that respects inverter limits, and output a crew can build from. A slightly slower layout tool that gets those right beats a fast auto-layout that needs rescue. We covered the manual side in our solar panel layout design guide and the orientation trade-offs in east-west vs south-facing layouts.
Pro Tip
Trial 2 tools on your 3 hardest recent roofs, not a demo site. The tool that handles your dormers, chimneys, and trees with the fewest manual fixes is your answer, regardless of ranking.
Conclusion
The right solar layout software depends on what you build. Residential rooftop teams should start with Aurora Solar or SurgePV. C&I installers should test HelioScope first. Utility-scale developers should shortlist RatedPower and PVcase. New installers should start free on OpenSolar.
Every tool here earned its place, and every one has a ceiling we told you about. 3 concrete next steps:
- Shortlist 2 or 3 tools from the decision section based on your project mix.
- Run your 3 hardest recent roofs or sites through each trial, and time the full layout including corrections.
- Check the output against an installed project to confirm the shading and production numbers hold up.
If you want to see layout, shading, financials, and proposals in 1 workflow, book a 20-minute SurgePV demo.
Related Posts
- Best Solar Design Software
- Best Ground Mount Solar Design Software
- Best Solar Roof Modeling Software
- Best Solar Shading Analysis Software
Where SurgePV fits
For the product-side detail, residential array layout in SurgePV covers the workflow, outputs and limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is solar layout software?
Solar layout software places panels on a roof or site, sizes strings, checks setbacks, and models shading. It turns a site survey or satellite image into a buildable array plan with production estimates.
What is the best free solar layout software?
OpenSolar offers free 3D layout design with unlimited projects. SolarEdge Designer is free for certified SolarEdge installers. Both cover residential rooftop layouts well but cap out on larger commercial work.
How much does solar layout software cost?
Prices range from free (OpenSolar, SolarEdge Designer) and $4 per project (Pylon) to $159 to $298 per month for professional tools. Utility-scale platforms like RatedPower and PVcase use custom quotes.
What should a good solar layout include?
A buildable layout includes panel placement with fire setbacks, string configuration matched to inverter limits, shading analysis, tilt and orientation, and a bill of materials. It should export to CAD or a permit-ready drawing.
Can layout software handle ground-mount and utility-scale projects?
Yes, but you need the right tool. RatedPower, PVcase, and Virto Solar automate terrain-following layouts for megawatt-scale sites. Residential tools like Aurora and OpenSolar are rooftop-focused.
Do I need LIDAR for accurate solar layouts?
LIDAR helps on complex roofs and tree-heavy sites, but it is not mandatory. Satellite imagery plus a good shading engine handles most residential roofs. Drone photogrammetry, as Scanifly uses, is the most accurate option.
