The System Advisor Model (SAM) by NREL is a widely‑used tool for performance and financial modeling of renewable energy projects. Below is a curated list of 20 alternative solar‑software platforms that offer comparable or complementary capabilities for PV system design, simulation, and analysis.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
Industry‑standard PV design and simulation software offering detailed shading analysis, performance prediction, and financial reporting.
Cloud‑based solar design tool that combines layout optimization with performance modeling and rapid proposal generation.
All‑in‑one platform for 3‑D site modeling, shading analysis, energy production estimates, and proposal creation.
Hybrid optimization model for renewable energy systems, enabling techno‑economic analysis of PV‑plus‑storage or micro‑grid configurations.
Comprehensive clean‑energy management software for feasibility, performance, and financial analysis of solar projects.
High‑resolution solar resource data combined with PV system design tools for accurate yield estimation.
3‑D simulation software for designing and analyzing PV systems, with built‑in shading, inverter, and battery modeling.
Design suite focused on SolarEdge inverter and optimizer solutions, offering layout, performance, and financial analysis.
Web‑based solar design tool that automates layout, shading, and energy production calculations for residential and commercial projects.
Free, open‑source solar design platform that provides site‑specific layout, shading analysis, and proposal generation.
End‑to‑end solar design software with CAD integration, shading analysis, and detailed financial modeling.
User‑friendly online tool for quick PV system sizing, performance simulation, and financial analysis.
AI‑driven solar design platform that automates site layout, shading analysis, and production forecasting.
European Commission’s solar resource database and simulation tool offering hourly irradiation data and PV yield estimates.
NREL’s web‑based calculator for estimating the energy production of grid‑connected PV systems.
Whole‑building energy simulation engine that includes detailed photovoltaic system modeling for integrated analysis.
Online solar design suite offering layout creation, shading analysis, and performance reporting for installers.
Cloud platform for solar PV performance monitoring, data analytics, and financial reporting.
Financial modeling software for solar and storage projects, integrating performance data with cash‑flow analysis.
Simple yet powerful calculator for PV system sizing, energy yield, and payback estimation.