PVcase
PVcase provides a suite of solar design and data management tools that help you automate engineering workflows and optimize the performance of utility-scale solar power plants.
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 | PVcase | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Website | pvcase.com | valentin-software.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | One_time |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $??/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No 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 | 2018 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Kaunas, Lithuania | Berlin, Germany |
Overview
PVcase
PVcase offers a specialized suite of solar engineering tools designed to help you streamline the entire lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects. By integrating directly with AutoCAD, the platform allows you to automate complex layout tasks, perform terrain analysis, and generate accurate energy yield estimates without switching between multiple disconnected applications.
You can manage everything from initial site selection and topographical assessment to final electrical design and data monitoring. The software helps you reduce manual data entry errors and significantly cuts down the time required for site iterations, ensuring your solar assets are optimized for maximum energy production and financial return.
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
PVcase Features
- Automated Layout Generation Generate optimal solar layouts instantly by defining boundaries and exclusion zones directly within your AutoCAD environment.
- Terrain Following Analysis Analyze complex topography to see how your trackers or fixed-tilt structures will interact with the actual ground surface.
- Electrical Design Automation Automate your stringing and cabling layouts to reduce copper waste and ensure your electrical systems meet project specifications.
- Yield Estimation Calculate potential energy production using integrated meteorological data to provide stakeholders with reliable financial projections.
- Civil Analysis Tools Evaluate grading requirements and earthwork volumes to minimize site preparation costs before construction begins.
- Cloud Data Management Centralize your project data in the cloud so your team can collaborate on the most recent design versions.
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
PVcase Pricing
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
PVcase
Pros
- Seamless integration with existing AutoCAD workflows
- Significant reduction in manual design time
- Highly accurate terrain and shading analysis
- Excellent technical support for complex engineering questions
Cons
- Requires an existing AutoCAD license to operate
- High learning curve for advanced civil features
- Premium pricing reflects enterprise-level capabilities
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