Arka 360
Arka 360 is an all-in-one solar management software designed to help solar installers streamline their entire workflow from initial 3D design and financial modeling to final project execution.
PVsyst
PVsyst is a specialized solar design software used by engineers and researchers to accurately simulate, model, and analyze the energy production of photovoltaic systems for various weather conditions.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Arka 360 | PVsyst |
|---|---|---|
| Website | arka360.com | pvsyst.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $55/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 7 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2017 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Satigny, Switzerland |
Overview
Arka 360
Arka 360 provides a comprehensive platform to manage your solar business from lead to installation. You can create high-precision 3D solar designs using integrated maps and LIDAR data, allowing you to generate accurate energy production estimates and professional proposals in minutes. The platform simplifies complex financial modeling by helping you compare different financing options, incentives, and ROI scenarios for your customers.
Beyond design, you can manage your entire sales pipeline and project lifecycle within a single interface. It helps you coordinate tasks across teams, track project milestones, and maintain clear communication with homeowners. Whether you are a solo installer or a large enterprise, the software centralizes your data to reduce manual errors and accelerate your sales cycle.
PVsyst
PVsyst is a technical modeling tool designed to help you predict the energy yield of solar photovoltaic systems. You can import meteorological data from various sources and define specific system components like modules, inverters, and cabling to create a highly accurate digital twin of your project. The software handles everything from small residential setups to massive utility-scale power plants, providing you with the detailed reports needed for financial planning and technical validation.
You can perform complex shading analysis using a 3D CAD environment to see exactly how nearby objects impact your energy production. It allows you to account for thermal losses, horizon shading, and spectral effects to ensure your simulations match real-world performance. Whether you are an engineer designing a grid-connected system or a researcher studying stand-alone installations, you get the precision required for bankable solar energy assessments.
Overview
Arka 360 Features
- AI-Assisted 3D Design Create detailed 3D models of rooftops and surroundings quickly using automated tools and high-resolution aerial imagery.
- Financial Modeling Generate complex financial comparisons including PPA, lease, and loan options to show customers their exact savings.
- Automated Proposals Build professional, branded sales proposals that update in real-time as you adjust system sizes or financing terms.
- Project Management Track every installation stage with customizable workflows and automated task reminders for your field and office teams.
- Lead Management Organize your sales pipeline and store all customer documents and communication history in a centralized CRM.
- Shade Analysis Calculate precise solar access and shading losses using LIDAR data to ensure accurate energy production forecasts.
PVsyst Features
- System Simulation. Model your entire PV system by defining modules, inverters, and strings to calculate hourly energy distribution and losses.
- 3D Shading Tool. Build a 3D representation of your installation site to visualize and calculate the impact of shadows on your panels.
- Meteo Data Management. Import weather data from Meteonorm, NASA, or your own sensors to simulate performance under specific local climate conditions.
- Grid-Connected Modeling. Design large-scale solar farms and calculate the injected energy while accounting for grid limitations and ohmic losses.
- P50/P90 Analysis. Evaluate the financial risk of your project by generating probability reports that show expected yields under different scenarios.
- Bifacial Modeling. Calculate the additional energy gain from bifacial modules by simulating ground reflections and back-side irradiance accurately.
- Pumping & Stand-alone. Design off-grid systems and solar water pumping stations with specialized tools for battery storage and hydraulic needs.
- Detailed Loss Tree. Identify exactly where you are losing energy with a comprehensive breakdown of thermal, wiring, and mismatch losses.
Pricing Comparison
Arka 360 Pricing
- Unlimited 3D designs
- Basic CRM access
- Financial modeling tools
- Standard proposal templates
- Email support
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Advanced project management
- Custom proposal branding
- LIDAR data integration
- Priority customer support
- API access
PVsyst Pricing
- Full simulation capabilities
- Unlimited project modeling
- Access to PV component database
- 3D shading analysis
- Technical support included
- Software updates for one year
- Everything in Professional, plus:
- Discounted rate for educational use
- Restricted to non-commercial research
- Full feature set access
- Annual renewal required
Pros & Cons
Arka 360
Pros
- Fast and intuitive 3D modeling interface
- Highly accurate energy production estimates
- Professional proposal templates help close deals
- Consolidates multiple tools into one platform
- Responsive customer support for technical issues
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced financial settings
- Mobile app features are more limited
- Requires stable internet for high-res imagery
PVsyst
Pros
- Industry standard for bankable solar energy reports
- Extensive database of global solar modules and inverters
- Highly accurate shading and loss calculations
- Regular updates to include new solar technologies
- Detailed PDF reports ready for project investors
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Requires Windows environment or virtual machine
- 3D CAD tool can be difficult to master