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.
PolyBoard
PolyBoard is a parametric furniture design and manufacturing software that provides automatic 2D and 3D modeling, instant cutting lists, and CNC machine integration for professional cabinet makers and woodworkers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | HelioScope | PolyBoard |
|---|---|---|
| Website | helioscope.com | wooddesigner.org |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | One_time |
| 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 | 1987 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Paris, France |
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.
PolyBoard
PolyBoard is a powerful parametric design tool specifically built for furniture and cabinetry projects. You can create complex designs for cupboards, kitchens, and shelving units by simply entering dimensions and assembly rules. The software automatically updates your 3D models, cutting lists, and material costs every time you make a change, ensuring your workshop data remains perfectly accurate throughout the design process.
You can manage every technical detail of your build, from hardware positioning and groove depths to edge banding and grain direction. Because it is parametric, you don't need to draw every line manually; instead, you define how the furniture should behave. This approach eliminates manual calculation errors and significantly speeds up the transition from a client's initial concept to the final production on your workshop floor.
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.
PolyBoard Features
- Parametric Design. Change the overall dimensions of your cabinet and watch as every internal shelf, door, and hardware hole adjusts automatically.
- Instant Cutting Lists. Generate precise cutting lists in one click, including net and finished dimensions with automatic allowances for edge banding.
- 3D Photo-Rendering. Show your clients exactly what their project will look like with realistic textures, lighting, and 3D perspectives before you cut any wood.
- Hardware Management. Apply hardware brands like Blum or Hettich to your designs and automatically position the necessary drillings and machining.
- CNC Post-Processing. Export your designs directly to your CNC machine using dedicated post-processors for brands like Biesse, Homag, and Felder.
- Material Costing. Track your project costs in real-time by assigning prices to panels, edges, and hardware for instant, accurate quotes.
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
PolyBoard Pricing
- Full 2D and 3D design
- Access to all libraries
- Save your projects
- No time limit
- No manufacturing output
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Export cutting lists
- Export DXF files
- Full manufacturing reports
- Lifetime license
- Technical support access
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
PolyBoard
Pros
- Parametric engine saves hours on design changes
- Extremely accurate cutting lists reduce material waste
- Excellent integration with a wide range of CNC machines
- Free version allows for extensive pre-purchase testing
Cons
- Initial setup of assembly rules takes time
- Windows-only software limits hardware choices
- Steep learning curve for advanced hardware libraries