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.
OpenSolar
OpenSolar is a comprehensive solar design and sales software providing installers with high-definition 3D modeling, accurate shading analysis, and integrated financing tools to streamline the entire project lifecycle.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HelioScope | OpenSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Website | helioscope.com | opensolar.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Free |
| Starting Price | $159/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No 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 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Sydney, Australia |
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.
OpenSolar
OpenSolar provides you with a complete end-to-end toolkit to design, sell, and manage solar projects from a single interface. You can create high-definition 3D site models using advanced imagery and conduct precise shading analysis to ensure system accuracy. The platform allows you to generate professional, interactive proposals that include multiple system options and integrated financing, helping you close deals faster while providing a modern experience for your customers.
Beyond sales, you can manage your entire workflow from lead capture to installation using the built-in CRM and project management features. Because the software is supported by hardware and finance partners, you get access to a sophisticated suite of tools without paying monthly subscription fees. It is an ideal solution for solar installation businesses of all sizes looking to scale their operations and reduce overhead costs.
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.
OpenSolar Features
- 3D Design & Modeling. Create accurate 3D solar designs with high-resolution imagery and automated shading calculations to ensure peak system performance.
- Interactive Proposals. Send digital, mobile-ready proposals that allow your customers to select options and sign contracts online in real-time.
- Integrated Financing. Access various financing products directly within your proposals so your customers can get instant credit approvals.
- Built-in CRM. Track your leads and manage customer relationships throughout the entire sales funnel without needing external database tools.
- OpenApi & Webhooks. Connect your existing business tools and automate data flow between OpenSolar and your other critical software systems.
- Mobile App. Manage your projects and update site details from the field using native apps for your smartphone or tablet.
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
OpenSolar Pricing
- Unlimited users and seats
- Unlimited projects and designs
- High-definition 3D modeling
- Interactive digital proposals
- Integrated CRM and lead tracking
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Direct financing integrations
- Manufacturer-verified exhibits
- Automated hardware ordering
- Custom branding options
- Priority partner 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
OpenSolar
Pros
- Completely free to use with unlimited user seats
- Highly accurate 3D modeling and shading analysis
- Professional interactive proposals impress potential customers
- Frequent software updates and new feature releases
- Excellent mobile functionality for field sales teams
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration takes significant time
- Steep learning curve for advanced design features
- Occasional slow loading times with high-res imagery