Solargraf
Solargraf is a comprehensive solar design and sales software that helps you create accurate 3D models, generate professional proposals, and manage your entire project pipeline from a single platform.
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 | Solargraf | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Website | solargraf.com | valentin-software.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | 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 | 2013 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Canada | Berlin, Germany |
Overview
Solargraf
Solargraf is an all-in-one design and sales platform built to help you scale your solar business. You can generate precise 3D designs using high-resolution aerial imagery and calculate complex shading analysis in seconds. The software simplifies the entire pre-construction phase by allowing you to create customized, professional proposals that your customers can sign digitally on any device.
Beyond design, you can manage your entire sales pipeline and project workflows without switching between multiple tools. It solves the problem of inaccurate manual measurements and slow turnaround times by providing automated permit-ready plan sets and integrated financing options. Whether you are a solo installer or a large solar enterprise, you can use these tools to close more deals and reduce soft costs.
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
Solargraf Features
- 3D Design Tool Create accurate 3D solar models and roof layouts using high-resolution imagery to ensure perfect system sizing.
- Shading Analysis Calculate precise solar access values and shading reports automatically to provide guaranteed production estimates for your clients.
- Custom Proposals Generate beautiful, web-based proposals that you can customize with your branding, specific hardware, and financing options.
- E-Signatures Close deals faster by letting your customers sign contracts and documents digitally from their phone or computer.
- Permit Plan Sets Order professional, jurisdiction-specific permit stamps and plan sets directly through the platform to speed up installation.
- Financing Integration Connect with leading solar lenders to offer your customers instant credit approvals and multiple loan options.
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
Solargraf 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
Solargraf
Pros
- Extremely fast proposal generation saves hours of manual work
- High-quality aerial imagery provides superior accuracy for remote designs
- Integrated financing makes it easy to present monthly payment options
- User-friendly interface requires very little technical training for sales reps
Cons
- Occasional glitches in the 3D modeling tool during complex roof designs
- Customer support response times can vary during peak solar seasons
- Pricing can be higher than basic competitors for small installers
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