HelioScope
HelioScope is a high-performance solar design software that combines CAD-grade layouts with industry-standard energy yield simulations to help you design, model, and sell commercial and residential solar projects.
Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a professional computer-aided design software that combines a mobile-first touch interface with a desktop-grade geometric modeling engine to help you create precise 3D models and technical drawings.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HelioScope | Shapr3D |
|---|---|---|
| Website | helioscope.com | shapr3d.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $159/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Budapest, Hungary |
Overview
HelioScope
HelioScope simplifies the complex process of solar project development by merging professional design tools with bankable performance modeling. You can create high-fidelity solar layouts directly on top of satellite imagery, allowing you to place modules, configure electrical components, and account for shading in minutes rather than hours. It eliminates the need for separate CAD and simulation tools by providing a unified workspace for your entire engineering and sales workflow.
You can generate professional proposals and detailed 8760 hourly production reports that lenders and clients trust. The platform handles everything from small residential rooftops to large-scale commercial carports and ground mounts. By automating the technical calculations for wiring, inverter loading, and shading losses, it helps you reduce design errors and accelerate your project pipeline from initial lead to final construction set.
Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a professional CAD tool designed to bridge the gap between conceptual sketching and high-fidelity manufacturing. You can start a design on your iPad using an Apple Pencil and seamlessly switch to your Mac or Windows PC to finish the job. It uses the same Siemens Parasolid engine found in high-end industrial software, ensuring your models are mathematically precise and ready for production, 3D printing, or CNC machining.
You can create complex geometries using intuitive gestures and commands without the steep learning curve typical of legacy CAD systems. Whether you are an industrial designer prototyping a new product or a mechanical engineer creating technical parts, the software provides a fluid workspace that stays out of your way. It eliminates the need to be tethered to a desk, allowing you to iterate on designs wherever inspiration strikes.
Overview
HelioScope Features
- Smart Layout Tools Draw your project boundaries on high-resolution maps and watch as the software automatically populates modules based on your specifications.
- Shading Analysis Calculate the impact of nearby trees, buildings, and obstructions on your system's energy yield with integrated 3D shading simulations.
- Electrical Design Configure your inverters, stringing logic, and wiring runs automatically to ensure your system meets technical requirements and performance goals.
- Global Weather Data Access a vast library of meteorological data sources to ensure your production estimates are accurate for your specific geographic location.
- CAD Exporting Export your completed designs to .DXF files so you can finalize construction documents in AutoCAD without starting from scratch.
- Financial Proposals Generate clean, client-ready reports that highlight expected energy production and environmental impact to help you close more solar deals.
Shapr3D Features
- Multidevice Sync. Switch between your iPad, Mac, and Windows PC instantly while your projects stay perfectly synced across all platforms.
- Parasolid Modeling Engine. Create industrial-grade models with the same mathematical precision used by the world's leading engineering firms.
- 2D Drawings. Generate professional technical drawings and documentation from your 3D models to streamline your manufacturing process.
- Direct Modeling. Manipulate faces, edges, and vertices directly with your stylus or mouse for a more intuitive design experience.
- Real-time Rendering. Visualize your designs with realistic materials and lighting to create stunning presentations for your clients.
- X-Ray View. Look through your models to inspect internal components and hidden geometries without hiding outer shells.
- Standard Exports. Export your work in industry-standard formats like STEP, IGES, and STL for seamless manufacturing integration.
- Offline Functionality. Work on your designs anywhere without an internet connection, as all processing happens locally on your device.
Pricing Comparison
HelioScope Pricing
- Unlimited projects
- Unlimited designs
- Full 3D shading analysis
- Component library access
- Financial reports
- CAD exports (.DXF)
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Discounted rate for yearly commitment
- Billed as $1,590 per year
- Full technical support
- Standard weather data access
- Automatic software updates
Shapr3D Pricing
- Up to 2 projects
- All modeling tools included
- Low-resolution STL export
- Import most file types
- Community support access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited projects
- High-resolution X_T, STEP, IGES exports
- 2D Drawings toolset
- Real-time visualization and rendering
- Priority technical support
Pros & Cons
HelioScope
Pros
- Significantly faster than traditional CAD for solar layouts
- Highly accurate shading and production simulations
- Intuitive browser-based interface requires no installation
- Excellent customer support and extensive documentation
- Professional reports help build trust with clients
Cons
- Subscription cost is high for occasional users
- Limited advanced electrical customization for complex utility-scale
- Requires stable internet connection for all design work
Shapr3D
Pros
- Incredibly intuitive interface for touch and stylus
- Fastest way to move from idea to 3D model
- Seamless transition between mobile and desktop apps
- High-quality rendering produces professional client presentations
- Works fully offline for remote design work
Cons
- Subscription cost is high for hobbyist users
- Lacks advanced simulation and stress analysis tools
- Limited history-based parametric editing compared to SolidWorks