Key Takeaways
- SurgePV covers residential, commercial, and utility-scale in one cloud platform
- PVcase is a specialist tool for utility-scale ground-mount design inside AutoCAD/Civil 3D
- SurgePV includes proposals, financial modeling, and permit packages — PVcase does not
- PVcase requires an AutoCAD or Civil 3D license ($1,800+/yr additional cost)
- SurgePV is significantly cheaper and needs no desktop software dependencies
- PVcase has deeper terrain-following and civil engineering tools for large ground-mount
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
For most solar teams — especially those handling a mix of residential, commercial, and utility projects — SurgePV delivers a complete platform at a fraction of the cost, with no desktop software required. Choose PVcase only if you are a dedicated utility-scale EPC or developer with in-house AutoCAD operators working exclusively on multi-MW ground-mount projects that demand advanced civil engineering integration.
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
PVcase
Founded
2016
Headquarters
Vilnius, Lithuania
Focus
AutoCAD-integrated utility-scale design
Best For
Utility-scale ground-mount EPCs
Pricing Starts
Custom enterprise pricing
Feature Comparison
Here is a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of SurgePV vs PVcase across the capabilities that matter most to solar design and engineering teams.
| Feature | SurgePV | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based Design | ✓ | ✗ (Desktop/AutoCAD plugin) |
| Satellite Imagery | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) | Via AutoCAD add-ons |
| Residential Rooftop Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Commercial Rooftop Design | ✓ (Up to 5MW) | ✗ |
| Utility-Scale Ground-Mount | ✓ | ✓ (Best-in-class) |
| Terrain-Following Trackers | ✓ (Basic) | ✓ (Advanced) |
| Cut-and-Fill Volumes | ✗ | ✓ (Civil 3D native) |
| Cable Routing & Trenching | Basic | ✓ |
| 3D Shade Analysis | ✓ (8760-hour simulation) | Limited |
| Auto Panel Layout | ✓ (AI-powered) | ✓ |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✓ (Native) | Via AutoCAD |
| Three-Line Diagrams | ✓ (Native) | Via AutoCAD |
| Bill of Materials | ✓ (Detailed with pricing) | ✓ |
| Permit Package Generation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | ✓ (Global, multi-currency) | ✗ |
| Proposal Generation | ✓ (Web + PDF) | ✗ |
| Battery Storage Design | ✓ | Limited |
| API Access | ✓ (All plans) | Enterprise only |
| Requires AutoCAD/Civil 3D | No | Yes ($1,800+/yr) |
Design Capabilities
SurgePV and PVcase target different ends of the solar market. SurgePV is a cloud-native solar design software platform that spans rooftop to utility-scale without any desktop dependencies. PVcase is built for large-scale ground-mount engineering inside a CAD environment.
SurgePV Design Strengths
SurgePV takes a unified approach — a single cloud platform that handles residential rooftop, commercial rooftop (up to 5MW), and utility-scale ground-mount without requiring any installed software. The platform features AI-powered auto-design that generates optimized panel layouts from satellite imagery, plus 8760-hour shade simulation with monthly shade maps.
For engineering documentation, SurgePV includes native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, wire sizing, and permit package creation — all built into the platform. This eliminates the need for a separate AutoCAD license entirely. SurgePV also provides financial modeling with multi-currency support, proposal generation, and battery storage design, making it a complete workflow from site assessment to signed contract.
PVcase Design Strengths
PVcase has built a strong reputation among utility-scale developers and EPCs, with 1,500+ customers across 75+ countries and involvement in projects totaling over 4 TW of planned capacity. The platform runs as a plugin inside AutoCAD and Civil 3D, which means it inherits all of AutoCAD’s precision tools for drafting and documentation.
Where PVcase stands out is in terrain-following tracker design. The software handles complex topography with slope analysis, automatic tracker post-height adjustments, and cut-and-fill volume calculations for grading plans. Cable routing and trenching tools let engineers optimize BOS costs for large sites. For teams that live in AutoCAD and work exclusively on multi-MW ground-mount, PVcase is a specialized and capable tool.
The trade-off is clear: PVcase requires AutoCAD proficiency and a separate Autodesk license. It does not generate proposals, financial models, or permit packages. It is not built for rooftop work of any kind.
Proposal & Sales
SurgePV Proposals
SurgePV generates web-based and PDF proposals with white-label branding, detailed financial breakdowns, and system performance data. The financial modeling engine supports cash, loan, lease, and PPA structures with multi-currency, multi-tariff calculations.
Yield projections are available at P50/P75/P90 confidence levels, and the platform generates complete BOM with pricing alongside the proposal. For teams that need to go from design to signed contract in one tool, SurgePV handles the full workflow.
PVcase Proposals
PVcase does not include proposal generation. It is a design and engineering tool. Teams using PVcase typically export layouts and technical data from AutoCAD and build proposals manually in PowerPoint, Word, or a separate proposal tool. There is no built-in financial modeling, customer-facing output, or e-signature workflow.
For utility-scale developers, this may not matter — sales processes at that scale rarely involve automated proposal software. But for any team that also handles commercial or residential projects, this is a significant gap.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing is one of the largest differentiators between these two platforms. SurgePV offers transparent published pricing with no desktop dependencies. PVcase uses custom enterprise pricing and requires an AutoCAD license.
| Plan | SurgePV | PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $1,499/year (3 users) | Custom (estimated $5,000+/yr) |
| Premium | $1,299/user/year (5 users) | Custom enterprise |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
| AutoCAD/Civil 3D Required? | No | Yes (+$1,800+/yr per seat) |
| Total Year 1 Cost (1 user) | $1,499 | $6,800+ (estimated) |
| Features Included | All features, all plans | Design only (no proposals/financial) |
SurgePV $1,499 vs PVcase ≈$6,800+ — SurgePV saves ~78%Design Utility-Scale Without AutoCAD
SurgePV handles residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects in one cloud platform — no CAD license needed.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No AutoCAD needed · Full access
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
SurgePV
Pros
Cons
PVcase
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
The right choice depends entirely on what types of projects you work on. Use this decision matrix to find the best fit.
| Your Situation | Choose SurgePV | Choose PVcase |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed residential + commercial projects | ✓ | |
| Need proposals and financial modeling | ✓ | |
| Budget-conscious teams | ✓ | |
| No AutoCAD expertise on staff | ✓ | |
| International/European market | ✓ | |
| Need permit package generation | ✓ | |
| All-in-one platform (no add-ons) | ✓ | |
| Dedicated utility-scale EPC (50MW+ projects) | ✓ | |
| In-house AutoCAD/Civil 3D operators | ✓ | |
| Need cut-and-fill grading plans | ✓ |
Migration Guide: PVcase to SurgePV
Switching from PVcase to SurgePV requires recreating your design workflows in a cloud environment. Most teams complete the transition within 2-3 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 AutoCAD needed.
Export Key Project Data from AutoCAD
Export site boundaries, equipment lists, and project specifications from your PVcase/AutoCAD projects for reference during recreation.
Recreate Layouts Using AI Auto-Design
Use SurgePV’s satellite imagery and AI-powered auto-design to recreate your active project layouts. Most ground-mount designs take minutes to set up.
Generate Engineering Documentation
Create SLDs, three-line diagrams, and permit packages natively in SurgePV — no separate CAD software needed.
Cancel PVcase and AutoCAD Subscriptions
Once your team is comfortable and active projects are migrated, cancel your PVcase license and Autodesk subscriptions to start saving immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurgePV better than PVcase?
For teams that work across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects, SurgePV is the better fit. It delivers a complete cloud platform with proposals, financial modeling, and permit packages at a lower cost. PVcase is a strong specialist tool only if you exclusively design large ground-mount projects inside AutoCAD.
Can SurgePV handle utility-scale projects like PVcase?
Yes. SurgePV supports utility-scale design with terrain analysis, tracker layouts, and string sizing. It does not require AutoCAD or Civil 3D, so teams without CAD expertise can still deliver large ground-mount projects.
Does PVcase work for residential solar?
No. PVcase is designed exclusively for utility-scale and large commercial ground-mount projects. It has no residential rooftop design, proposal generation, or homeowner-facing tools.
Is PVcase worth the enterprise pricing?
For dedicated utility-scale EPCs and developers managing multi-MW ground-mount portfolios with in-house AutoCAD operators, PVcase’s terrain-following design and cable routing tools can justify the cost. For mixed-project teams, SurgePV offers far more flexibility at a lower price.
Can I migrate from PVcase to SurgePV?
Yes. SurgePV’s onboarding team helps transition utility-scale workflows. Since PVcase projects live inside AutoCAD, you would recreate layouts in SurgePV’s cloud environment rather than import DWG files directly.
Which has better terrain analysis for ground-mount?
PVcase has deeper terrain-following capabilities with cut-and-fill volume calculations and grading plans integrated directly into Civil 3D. SurgePV offers terrain analysis and slope mapping but without the full civil engineering depth of PVcase.
Does SurgePV require AutoCAD like PVcase?
No. SurgePV is fully cloud-based and does not require AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or any desktop CAD software. This removes a major cost and skill barrier compared to PVcase.
How much does SurgePV cost compared to PVcase?
SurgePV starts at $1,499 per year and includes all features. PVcase uses custom enterprise pricing, and you must also pay for an AutoCAD or Civil 3D license at $1,800 or more per seat per year. Total first-year cost for PVcase is typically $6,800 or more.
Who should choose PVcase over SurgePV?
Choose PVcase if you are a dedicated utility-scale EPC with in-house AutoCAD operators, you only work on large ground-mount projects, and you need advanced civil engineering tools such as cut-and-fill volumes and grading plans.
What does SurgePV include that PVcase does not?
SurgePV includes residential and commercial rooftop design, web and PDF proposal generation, global multi-currency financial modeling, native SLD and three-line diagrams, permit package generation, battery storage design, and API access on all plans. PVcase offers none of these.
