Key Takeaways
- SurgePV covers residential, commercial, and utility-scale with proposals and financial modeling
- RatedPower (now part of Enverus) automates utility-scale solar and BESS engineering
- SurgePV includes proposal generation, permit packages, and SLD diagrams that RatedPower lacks
- RatedPower does not support residential or small commercial projects
- SurgePV offers transparent published pricing starting at $1,499/yr
- RatedPower has opaque license-based pricing and deeper standalone BESS design
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
For teams that work across project types — residential, commercial, and utility — or need proposals, customer-facing financial models, and electrical engineering documentation, SurgePV delivers a complete platform at a more accessible price. If you are a utility-scale developer or IPP that needs automated preliminary engineering, bankable yield estimates, and standalone BESS design for project financing, RatedPower is a strong specialist tool.
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
RatedPower
Founded
2017
Headquarters
Madrid, Spain (Part of Enverus)
Focus
Automated utility-scale solar + BESS design
Best For
Utility-scale developers & IPPs
Pricing Starts
License-based tiers (opaque)
Feature Comparison
Here’s a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of SurgePV vs RatedPower. SurgePV is a full-stack solar design software platform that covers the entire solar workflow, while RatedPower is a specialist utility-scale engineering tool.
| Feature | SurgePV | RatedPower |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based Platform | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Imagery | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) | ✓ (Topographic data) |
| Residential Rooftop Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Commercial Rooftop Design | ✓ (Up to 5MW) | ✗ |
| Utility-Scale Ground-Mount | ✓ | ✓ (Automated engineering) |
| Standalone BESS Design | Paired with solar | ✓ |
| Topographic Analysis | ✓ (Terrain analysis) | ✓ (Elevation data) |
| Gen-Tie Reports | ✗ | ✓ |
| Bankable Yield Estimates | ✓ (P50/P75/P90) | ✓ |
| 3D Shade Analysis | ✓ (8760-hour simulation) | Basic |
| Auto Panel Layout | ✓ (AI-powered) | ✓ (Automated) |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✓ (Native) | Basic schematic |
| Three-Line Diagrams | ✓ (Native) | ✗ |
| Bill of Materials | ✓ (Detailed with pricing) | ✓ |
| Permit Package Generation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Proposal Generation | ✓ (Web + PDF) | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | ✓ (Global, multi-currency) | Energy yield focused |
| Battery Storage | ✓ | ✓ (Standalone + hybrid) |
| API Access | ✓ (All plans) | Enterprise only |
Design Capabilities
SurgePV and RatedPower occupy different positions in the solar software market. SurgePV spans the full project lifecycle from residential design to utility-scale. RatedPower automates early-stage engineering for large solar farms.
SurgePV Design Strengths
SurgePV provides a cloud-based design environment that handles residential rooftop, commercial (up to 5MW), and utility-scale projects. The AI-powered auto-design engine generates layouts from satellite imagery, and the 8760-hour shade simulation produces detailed annual shading analysis.
SurgePV’s standout features are in its engineering documentation stack: native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, wire sizing, BOM with component pricing, and complete permit packages. Combined with multi-currency financial modeling and proposal generation, SurgePV covers the entire workflow from initial design to signed contract — something RatedPower was never built to do.
RatedPower Design Strengths
RatedPower, now part of the Enverus energy intelligence platform, automates the full development cycle for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. The platform ingests topographic data, applies design constraints, and generates complete preliminary engineering layouts with energy yield estimates.
Key capabilities include terrain-aware layout generation, tracker and fixed-tilt optimization, and standalone BESS design for energy storage projects. The Gen-Tie reporting feature helps developers assess grid connection costs early in the development process. RatedPower’s yield estimates are positioned as bankable, though the platform is newer to this space than established names like PVsyst.
The trade-off: RatedPower is built for large-scale early development. It does not generate customer-facing proposals, permit packages, or detailed electrical engineering documentation like SLDs. Its pricing is opaque and license-based, and it offers limited design flexibility for teams that want to fine-tune layouts manually.
Proposal & Sales
SurgePV Proposals
SurgePV’s proposal engine produces white-label web and PDF proposals with performance data, financial analysis, and company branding. The financial models support cash, loan, lease, and PPA structures across multiple currencies and tariff regimes.
Energy yield projections at P50/P75/P90 confidence levels give customers and financiers a clear picture of expected returns. The platform also generates a detailed BOM with pricing. For teams that sell to both end customers and investors, SurgePV provides the output for both audiences.
RatedPower Proposals
RatedPower does not generate customer-facing proposals. The platform produces technical reports and energy yield documents for internal use and project financing. These reports are suitable for investor presentations and due diligence, but they are not designed for retail customer sales.
For utility-scale development, this is often fine — the sales process involves direct negotiations, term sheets, and technical documentation rather than consumer proposals. But any team that also handles C&I or residential sales will need a separate proposal tool.
Pricing Comparison
SurgePV publishes its pricing with all features included in every plan. RatedPower uses opaque license-based pricing that typically requires a sales conversation.
| Plan | SurgePV | RatedPower |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $1,499/year (3 users) | License-based (estimated $4,000+/yr) |
| Premium | $1,299/user/year (5 users) | License-based (custom) |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
| Pricing Transparency | Published on website | Requires sales call |
| Total Year 1 Cost (1 user) | $1,499 | $4,000+ (estimated) |
| Features Included | All features, all plans | Utility-scale design + yield only |
SurgePV $1,499 vs RatedPower ≈$4,000+ — SurgePV saves ~63%One Platform for Every Project Type
SurgePV handles residential, commercial, and utility-scale with design, proposals, and financial modeling — all in one subscription.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No desktop software · Full access
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
SurgePV
Pros
Cons
RatedPower
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
SurgePV and RatedPower serve different segments of the solar industry. This decision matrix helps you pick the right tool.
| Your Situation | Choose SurgePV | Choose RatedPower |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed residential + commercial projects | ✓ | |
| Need customer-facing proposals | ✓ | |
| Need electrical engineering (SLDs) | ✓ | |
| Budget-conscious teams | ✓ | |
| International/multi-currency sales | ✓ | |
| Need permit package generation | ✓ | |
| All-in-one platform (no add-ons) | ✓ | |
| Utility-scale developer (100MW+ portfolio) | ✓ | |
| Need standalone BESS design | ✓ | |
| Need Gen-Tie and grid connection reports | ✓ |
Migration Guide: RatedPower to SurgePV
Transitioning from RatedPower to SurgePV is straightforward for teams ready to consolidate their software stack. Here’s 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 software installation needed.
Export Project Reports from RatedPower
Download your existing project layouts, yield reports, and design specifications from RatedPower for reference.
Recreate Active Projects in SurgePV
Use SurgePV’s satellite imagery and AI-powered auto-design to rebuild your active utility-scale projects. Add financial models and proposals that RatedPower did not provide.
Expand to Residential and Commercial
If your team handles or plans to handle rooftop projects, set up residential and commercial workflows in SurgePV — something RatedPower could not support.
Cancel RatedPower License
Once your team has transitioned all active projects, cancel your RatedPower subscription and consolidate on SurgePV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurgePV better than RatedPower?
For teams that handle residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects, SurgePV is the better choice. RatedPower is purpose-built for automated utility-scale engineering and BESS design. If you work exclusively on large ground-mount solar farms, RatedPower may be the right tool.
Can SurgePV match RatedPower for utility-scale yield estimates?
SurgePV provides 8760-hour simulation with P50/P75/P90 yield projections suitable for most utility-scale projects. RatedPower has deeper bankable yield estimation with Gen-Tie reports and standalone BESS modeling that may be required by specific lenders.
Does RatedPower work for residential solar?
No. RatedPower is designed for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. It does not support residential rooftop design, homeowner proposals, or small commercial projects.
Is RatedPower worth the licensing cost?
For utility-scale developers and IPPs that need automated preliminary engineering and bankable yield reports for financing, RatedPower can save significant time in early-stage development. For teams that also handle residential or commercial work, SurgePV offers far broader functionality.
Can I migrate from RatedPower to SurgePV?
Yes. SurgePV supports utility-scale design with terrain analysis and financial modeling. The onboarding team can help recreate your active project workflows in SurgePV’s cloud environment.
Which platform has better financial modeling?
RatedPower focuses on bankable yield and energy estimates for project finance. SurgePV offers broader financial modeling with multi-currency support, cash/loan/lease/PPA structures, and customer-facing proposal integration. The best choice depends on whether you need investor-grade yield reports or customer-facing financial proposals.
Does SurgePV support utility-scale ground-mount projects?
Yes. SurgePV supports utility-scale ground-mount design with terrain analysis, tracker and fixed-tilt layout options, 8760-hour yield simulation, and P50/P75/P90 projections. It also includes electrical engineering outputs like SLDs and three-line diagrams that RatedPower lacks.
What is the price difference between SurgePV and RatedPower?
SurgePV starts at $1,499 per year for three users with all features included. RatedPower uses opaque license-based pricing estimated at $4,000+ per year for a single user. SurgePV saves approximately 63% in total cost of ownership.
Does RatedPower generate customer proposals or permit packages?
No. RatedPower produces technical reports and energy yield documents for internal use and project financing. It does not generate customer-facing proposals, permit packages, or detailed electrical engineering documentation like SLDs and three-line diagrams.
Which tool is better for mixed project portfolios?
SurgePV. It handles residential rooftop, commercial up to 5MW, and utility-scale ground-mount in one platform. RatedPower is limited to utility-scale and BESS projects only.
