System Advisor Model (SAM)
Solar design software
CAD software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
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What is System Advisor Model (SAM)
System Advisor Model (SAM) is a techno-economic modeling tool used to estimate the performance, energy production, and financial metrics of renewable energy projects, including solar PV and solar thermal. It is used by project developers, analysts, researchers, and educators to compare system configurations, incentives, and financing structures. SAM emphasizes bankability-oriented energy and cash-flow modeling with configurable component models and weather data inputs, rather than detailed CAD-based layout design.
Integrated performance and finance modeling
SAM combines energy simulation with project finance cash-flow modeling in one workflow. Users can evaluate LCOE, IRR, payback, and other metrics alongside modeled generation. This supports early-stage feasibility and sensitivity analysis without exporting to separate financial tools.
Broad technology and scenario coverage
SAM supports multiple renewable technologies and PV configurations (e.g., residential/commercial/utility-scale variants) with selectable performance models and loss assumptions. It includes options for incentives, tariffs, and financing structures that vary by project type. This makes it suitable for comparing scenarios across different project contexts.
Transparent, research-oriented toolset
SAM is widely referenced in academic and public-sector analysis and provides visibility into many modeling assumptions and inputs. It supports batch runs and parametric analysis features that help with sensitivity studies. The tool is available at no cost, which lowers barriers for evaluation and education use cases.
Limited CAD and layout design
SAM is not a CAD tool for detailed site layout, racking geometry, or construction-ready drawings. It does not replace specialized design platforms for roof/ground-mount layout, shading scene creation, or plan set generation. Users typically need separate tools for detailed engineering and permitting deliverables.
Learning curve for non-analysts
The interface exposes many technical parameters (performance models, losses, financial structures) that can be difficult for new users to configure correctly. Results depend heavily on input quality and assumption choices, which may require domain expertise to validate. Teams may need internal modeling standards to ensure consistency across projects.
Workflow integration constraints
SAM’s outputs and data exchange are oriented to analysis rather than end-to-end design-to-procurement workflows. Integration with CRM, proposal automation, and construction management systems is not a primary focus. Organizations may need custom scripting or manual steps to connect SAM results to downstream processes.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAM (Desktop) | $0 (free) | Full-featured, open-source desktop application for techno-economic analysis of energy technologies (PV, CSP, wind, storage, etc.); distributed for Windows, macOS, and Linux; BSD-3 license; registration provides a free software key. |
Seller details
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), U.S. Department of Energy
Golden, Colorado, USA
1977
Non-profit
https://sam.nrel.gov/
https://x.com/nrel
https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-renewable-energy-laboratory/
