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.
PV*SOL
PV*SOL is a dynamic simulation program for the design and optimization of photovoltaic systems, allowing you to calculate yields and perform high-precision financial analysis for solar energy projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Arka 360 | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Website | arka360.com | valentin-software.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | One_time |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $??/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 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Berlin, Germany |
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.
PV*SOL
PV*SOL provides you with a comprehensive environment for designing and simulating photovoltaic systems of all sizes. You can create detailed 3D models of buildings, visualize shading from nearby objects, and accurately predict energy yields based on global climate data. The software handles everything from small rooftop installations to large-scale solar farms, helping you determine the most efficient module coverage and inverter configurations for any site.
You can generate professional reports that include technical specifications and detailed economic forecasts to present to your clients. By simulating battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging integration, you can optimize self-consumption and prove the long-term viability of solar investments. It simplifies complex engineering calculations into a manageable workflow, ensuring your solar projects are both technically sound and financially profitable.
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.
PV*SOL Features
- 3D Visualization. Create detailed 3D models of buildings and terrain to visualize exactly how your solar modules will fit on any surface.
- Shading Analysis. Calculate the specific impact of shadows from trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings on your system's annual energy yield.
- Climate Data Integration. Access high-quality global climate data to ensure your simulations reflect the actual weather conditions of your project site.
- Battery Storage Simulation. Model lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems to calculate how much solar energy you can store and use later.
- Electric Vehicle Charging. Integrate electric vehicles into your system design to see how solar power can meet modern transportation energy demands.
- Financial Forecasting. Generate detailed economic reports including pay-back periods, cash flow, and return on investment for your solar projects.
- Extensive Component Database. Choose from over 20,000 solar modules and 5,000 inverters that are updated regularly by the software manufacturers.
- BIM Export. Export your 3D models and technical data to BIM-compatible formats for seamless integration into larger construction projects.
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
PV*SOL Pricing
- 2D design and simulation
- Climate data for any location
- Detailed economic efficiency analysis
- Battery storage system modeling
- Electric vehicle integration
- Professional project reports
- Everything in PV*SOL, plus:
- Full 3D visualization and modeling
- Detailed 3D shading analysis
- Import of 3D floor plans and maps
- BIM interface for data export
- Automatic module coverage on 3D objects
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
PV*SOL
Pros
- Extremely accurate shading calculations for complex roofs
- Massive database of modules and inverters updated regularly
- Professional reports that help close sales with clients
- Reliable simulation of battery and EV charging systems
Cons
- Significant learning curve for the 3D modeling interface
- High upfront cost for the permanent license
- Requires a powerful computer for smooth 3D rendering