BricsCAD
BricsCAD is a powerful CAD software platform that provides a familiar 2D and 3D design environment with native DWG support for engineers, architects, and manufacturers worldwide.
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 | BricsCAD | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Website | bricsys.com | valentin-software.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | One_time |
| Starting Price | $55/month | $??/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 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 | 2002 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Ghent, Belgium | Berlin, Germany |
Overview
BricsCAD
BricsCAD gives you a familiar workspace to create 2D drafts and 3D models without the high cost of traditional subscriptions. You can open and edit your existing DWG files directly, ensuring your legacy data remains fully accessible and accurate. The platform combines standard drafting tools with advanced features like AI-driven BIM workflows and mechanical assembly design, all within a single, unified interface that feels immediately recognizable if you have used other CAD tools.
You can choose how you want to buy and deploy the software, whether through permanent licenses or flexible subscriptions. It serves everyone from solo architects to large engineering firms across the construction and manufacturing sectors. By using a single platform for different design disciplines, you reduce the need for multiple software packages and simplify your team's collaborative workflow.
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
BricsCAD Features
- Native DWG Support Open, edit, and save your existing CAD files with 100% industry-standard compatibility to maintain your project history.
- AI-Powered Tools Automate repetitive tasks like adding BIM data or converting 2D geometry into 3D models with intelligent drafting assistants.
- Parametric 3D Modeling Create complex 3D parts and assemblies using a direct modeling approach that gives you total geometric freedom.
- BIM Integration Develop your architectural designs from concept to documentation using a familiar CAD workflow that supports open BIM standards.
- Mechanical Design Generate production-ready drawings and bills of materials for your manufacturing projects with specialized mechanical assembly tools.
- Point Cloud Processing Import and view massive point cloud datasets directly in your workspace to design accurately against as-built conditions.
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
BricsCAD Pricing
- Full 2D drafting tools
- Native DWG compatibility
- LISP routine support
- Highly customizable interface
- Perpetual license option available
- Everything in Lite, plus:
- 3D Direct Modeling
- Parametric constraints
- Civil design tools
- Point cloud visualization
- Third-party application support
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
BricsCAD
Pros
- High compatibility with existing DWG files and commands
- Perpetual licensing options provide better long-term value
- Significantly faster performance on large, complex drawings
- Unified interface for 2D, 3D, and BIM workflows
- Excellent support for custom LISP scripts and plugins
Cons
- Smaller third-party plugin ecosystem than major competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced BIM features
- Occasional stability issues with very large point clouds
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