HelioScope
Solar design software
CAD software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$159 per license per month
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
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What is HelioScope
HelioScope is a web-based solar PV system design and energy modeling tool used to lay out module arrays, run shading and irradiance simulations, and estimate production. It is commonly used by solar developers, EPCs, and engineering teams for early-stage design, proposal support, and preliminary engineering. The product emphasizes fast layout creation on aerial imagery and automated performance modeling with configurable equipment and losses. It is delivered as a SaaS application rather than a traditional desktop CAD package.
Fast web-based layout workflow
HelioScope provides browser-based design tools that let users create PV layouts directly on map and imagery layers without installing desktop software. This supports rapid iteration during feasibility and pre-construction design. Teams can standardize layouts using templates and repeatable configuration settings. The web delivery model also simplifies access for distributed teams.
Integrated shading and energy modeling
The platform combines array layout with simulation inputs such as shading, orientation, and system losses to produce energy estimates. Users can model multiple design variants and compare outputs within the same project context. This reduces handoffs between separate layout and yield tools for early-stage analysis. Outputs are structured for use in internal reviews and customer-facing documentation.
Design outputs for engineering handoff
HelioScope generates project documentation and exportable artifacts that support downstream engineering and estimating workflows. Typical outputs include layout visuals and system configuration summaries that can be shared with stakeholders. This helps bridge early design to detailed engineering when teams use separate CAD or electrical design tools later. The product fits well where quick concept-to-summary deliverables are required.
Not a full CAD replacement
While it supports layout creation, HelioScope does not provide the breadth of drafting, detailing, and standards control found in dedicated CAD environments. Detailed construction drawings, advanced annotation standards, and complex plan set management typically require separate tools. Organizations that expect one system to cover both concept design and full construction documentation may need additional software. This can add integration and process overhead.
Model fidelity depends on inputs
Energy estimates and shading results depend heavily on the quality of site imagery, horizon/shading assumptions, and user-entered loss factors. For complex terrain, obstructions, or atypical system designs, teams may need supplementary analysis or validation. This is common in early-stage modeling tools but can be a limitation for bankability-grade studies. Users often implement internal QA steps to manage this risk.
SaaS constraints and data governance
As a cloud application, HelioScope requires reliable internet access and may not fit workflows that mandate offline operation. Some organizations also have strict requirements around data residency, project confidentiality, and vendor access controls. These constraints can affect adoption in regulated or security-sensitive environments. Procurement may require additional review of security and compliance documentation.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $159 per license / month (monthly); $1,620 per license / year (annual — 15% discount) | Includes 1 user and 10 projects/month (120/year); foundational design & modeling tools; rooftop, carport, ground mount; accuracy within 1% of PVsyst; designs up to 1.25 MW (DC). |
| Pro | $259 per license / month (monthly); $2,640 per license / year (annual — 15% discount) | Includes 1 user and 10 projects/month (120/year); All Basic features plus LIDAR-assisted modeling, AI-based obstruction detection, Independent Tilt, parcel boundaries (select regions), financial modeling & sales proposals, P90/P95/P99 values; designs up to 5 MW (DC). |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing (contact sales) | Scale features: unlimited users, single-axis trackers, export to PVsyst, direct API access, SSO, account manager & advanced team management; designs up to 30 MW (DC); custom per-project pricing — talk to sales. |
Seller details
Folsom Labs, Inc.
San Francisco, CA, USA
2014
Private
https://www.helioscope.com/
https://x.com/HelioScope
https://www.linkedin.com/company/folsom-labs/
