Key Takeaways
- SurgePV is an all-in-one cloud platform covering design, simulation, proposals, and engineering
- EasyPV is a UK-focused desktop tool built around MCS compliance and SAP calculations
- EasyPV offers zero proposal or electrical engineering capabilities — it is design and compliance only
- SurgePV is fully cloud-based; EasyPV is desktop-only (Windows)
- SurgePV costs less when you factor in the additional software EasyPV users need
- Teams needing built-in MCS paperwork may still use EasyPV alongside SurgePV
Quick Comparison
Our Verdict
For most UK and European solar installers who need to design, simulate, generate proposals, and create permit packages, SurgePV delivers far more value in a single platform at a lower total cost. If your primary need is producing MCS-compliant paperwork with built-in SAP calculations for residential projects in the UK, EasyPV remains a practical choice.
Company Overview
SurgePV
Founded
2025
Headquarters
London, UK (Global)
Focus
All-in-one solar platform
Best For
Global residential, commercial & utility
Pricing Starts
$1,499/yr
EasyPV
Founded
2015
Headquarters
United Kingdom
Focus
UK solar design & MCS compliance
Best For
UK residential installers
Pricing Starts
~GBP 300-600/yr
Feature Comparison Table
Here is a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of SurgePV vs EasyPV across the capabilities that matter most to solar professionals.
| Feature | SurgePV | EasyPV |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based | ✓ | ✗ (Desktop only, Windows) |
| Panel Layout / Design | ✓ (AI-powered auto-design) | ✓ (Manual layout) |
| Satellite Imagery | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) | Limited |
| Energy Yield Simulation | ✓ (8760-hour simulation) | ✓ (Basic simulation) |
| MCS Compliance | Supported via export | ✓ (Built-in MCS paperwork) |
| SAP Calculations | Supported via export | ✓ (Integrated SAP) |
| Shade Analysis | ✓ (8760-hour shade maps) | ✓ (Basic shading) |
| Auto Panel Layout | ✓ (AI-powered) | ✗ |
| String Sizing | ✓ (Auto-stringing) | ✓ (Manual) |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✓ (Native) | ✗ |
| Three-Line Diagrams | ✓ (Native) | ✗ |
| Bill of Materials | ✓ (Detailed with pricing) | ✓ (Basic) |
| Permit Package Generation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Proposal Generation | ✓ (Web + PDF) | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | ✓ (Global, multi-currency) | Basic |
| Battery Storage Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial Projects (>100kW) | ✓ (Full workflow, up to 5MW) | Limited (primarily residential) |
| Utility-Scale Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| API Access | ✓ (All plans) | ✗ |
| Mac / Linux Support | ✓ (Any browser) | ✗ (Windows only) |
| Team Collaboration | ✓ (Multi-user cloud) | ✗ (Single-user desktop) |
Design Capabilities
SurgePV Design Strengths
SurgePV provides the complete design workflow in one solar design software platform. Teams can draw roof outlines on high-resolution satellite imagery, use AI-powered auto-design to generate optimized panel layouts, and run an 8760-hour shade simulation — all without leaving the application.
The platform also includes native electrical engineering: automatic string sizing, SLD generation, three-line diagrams, wire sizing calculations, and permit package creation. For teams that currently use EasyPV for design alongside a separate proposal tool and a separate CAD tool, SurgePV replaces all three.
SurgePV handles residential rooftops, commercial projects up to 5MW, ground-mount arrays, carport solar, and utility-scale design. The shadow analysis engine produces hour-by-hour shade maps that most installers find sufficient for accurate production estimates.
EasyPV Design Strengths
EasyPV provides a straightforward design environment for UK residential solar projects. The software includes MCS-compliant design tools with built-in SAP calculations, which simplifies paperwork for UK installers who need to meet Microgeneration Certification Scheme requirements.
The platform allows manual panel layout on roof plans, basic shading analysis, and system sizing. For UK residential installers who primarily need to produce MCS paperwork quickly, EasyPV offers a focused toolset.
The downsides are significant for modern workflows. EasyPV is desktop-only, Windows-only software with no cloud access, no team collaboration, and no remote work capability. There are no proposals, no SLDs, no permit packages, and no commercial-scale support — you need separate tools for everything beyond basic residential design and MCS paperwork.
Compliance and Standards
SurgePV Compliance
SurgePV supports global compliance standards including IEC, IEEE, and local regulations. For UK projects, the platform produces accurate simulation reports, design documentation, and technical specifications that can be adapted for MCS submissions. While SurgePV does not have built-in SAP calculations, the platform’s detailed energy yield data and system specifications support compliance workflows.
SurgePV’s multi-currency financial modeling and global meteorological data make it suitable for projects across Europe and beyond, not just the UK market.
EasyPV Compliance
EasyPV’s primary strength is built-in MCS compliance. The software generates MCS paperwork, integrates SAP calculations for energy performance ratings, and produces documentation formatted for UK regulatory requirements. For installers who need to process many residential MCS applications, this integration saves time.
However, EasyPV’s compliance features are UK-only. If you work outside the UK or need to meet other national standards, the software offers limited support. There is no provision for commercial project compliance, utility-scale standards, or international regulations.
Pricing Comparison
SurgePV and EasyPV occupy different price points, but the real comparison is total cost of ownership when you factor in the additional software EasyPV users need for a complete workflow.
| Plan | SurgePV | EasyPV |
|---|---|---|
| Annual License | $1,499/year (3 users) | ~GBP 300-600/yr |
| Premium / Multi-User | $1,299/user/year (5 users) | Separate license per user |
| Proposal Software Needed? | No (built-in) | Yes (+GBP 600-1,500/yr) |
| CAD for SLDs Needed? | No (native SLDs) | Yes (+GBP 1,200-1,800/yr) |
| Commercial Capability | Up to 5MW | Not supported |
| Total Year 1 Cost (1 user) | $1,499 | GBP 2,100-3,900+ |
| Features Included | All features, all plans | Design + MCS compliance only |
SurgePV $1,499 vs EasyPV + proposals + CAD: GBP 2,100-3,900+ — SurgePV saves 40-60%Replace 3 Tools With One Platform
Design, simulate, propose, and generate permit packages — all in one platform, starting at $1,499/year.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No desktop install · Full access
Best For
The right choice depends on what you actually need from your software stack. Use this decision matrix to find the best fit.
| Your Situation | Choose SurgePV | Choose EasyPV |
|---|---|---|
| Need built-in MCS paperwork and SAP | ✓ | |
| UK-only residential work | ✓ | |
| Need design + simulation + proposals in one tool | ✓ | |
| Need customer-facing proposals | ✓ | |
| Commercial projects (any size) | ✓ | |
| Need electrical engineering (SLDs) | ✓ | |
| Cloud access and team collaboration | ✓ | |
| Work outside the UK | ✓ | |
| Budget-conscious teams | ✓ | |
| Mac or Linux users | ✓ | |
| Want to eliminate multiple software subscriptions | ✓ |
Switching from EasyPV to SurgePV
Switching from EasyPV to SurgePV is straightforward. Most teams complete the transition within 1-2 days. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Sign Up for SurgePV Free Trial
Create your SurgePV account with full access to all features. No credit card required, no feature limitations during the trial. Works on any device — no Windows install needed.
Export Your EasyPV Project Data
Save your existing EasyPV project files, system configurations, and MCS paperwork templates for reference during the transition.
Design Projects Using AI Auto-Design
Unlike EasyPV’s manual layout, SurgePV handles design with AI-powered auto-design on satellite imagery. Most teams find this faster than EasyPV’s workflow.
Run Simulations and Compare Results
Run SurgePV’s 8760-hour simulation on a few reference projects and compare energy yield results with your existing EasyPV outputs. Most teams see results within acceptable variance.
Cancel Redundant Software Subscriptions
Once validated, cancel your EasyPV license along with any separate proposal and CAD tools. SurgePV replaces the entire stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurgePV better than EasyPV for UK solar installers?
For most UK installers, yes. SurgePV is cloud-based with design, simulation, proposals, and engineering in one platform. EasyPV is a UK-focused desktop tool built around MCS compliance and SAP calculations, but it lacks proposals, SLDs, and cloud access.
Can SurgePV replace EasyPV?
Yes, for most workflows. SurgePV covers everything EasyPV does for design and simulation, and adds proposals, electrical engineering, and commercial-scale support. The exception is teams that rely exclusively on EasyPV’s built-in MCS paperwork and SAP integration.
Does EasyPV include proposal generation?
No. EasyPV generates technical designs and MCS compliance documents but does not produce customer-facing sales proposals. You need a separate tool for proposals. SurgePV includes both simulation and proposal generation in a single platform.
Which is easier to learn, SurgePV or EasyPV?
SurgePV is easier for most users. EasyPV has a simpler interface than some legacy tools, but it is still desktop software with limited collaboration. SurgePV’s cloud-based interface with AI auto-design lets most teams start producing designs within hours.
How does SurgePV pricing compare to EasyPV?
SurgePV starts at $1,499/year for three users and includes design, simulation, proposals, and engineering. EasyPV starts around GBP 300-600/year for design and MCS compliance only, and the total software stack typically reaches GBP 2,500-4,000/year once proposals and CAD tools are added.
Does EasyPV work on Mac?
No. EasyPV is Windows-only desktop software. SurgePV is cloud-based and works in any browser on Mac, Windows, Linux, and tablets.
Which tool is better for MCS compliance?
EasyPV has MCS compliance features built in, including SAP calculations and paperwork generation. SurgePV supports UK projects with accurate simulation and design, but teams needing native SAP integration may prefer EasyPV for that specific workflow.
Can I use SurgePV and EasyPV together?
Yes. Some UK teams use EasyPV for MCS paperwork and SAP calculations while using SurgePV for design, proposals, and commercial projects. This hybrid approach works during transition.
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See SurgePV vs EasyPV for Yourself
Run your next project through SurgePV and compare it side by side with your current EasyPV workflow. No credit card required.
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