Archelios Pro
Pros
- Offers a permanent and highly functional free tier for small residential projects.
- Provides strong BIM integration through dedicated Revit and SketchUp plugins.
- Supports comprehensive electrical compliance when combined with the Archelios CALC module.
- The 3D MAP feature significantly accelerates preliminary site assessments and project budgeting.
- Scales from small residential systems to utility solar farms of 100 MWp and beyond.
- Includes advanced battery storage and self-consumption simulation capabilities.
Cons
- Total costs can become high when additional electrical modules such as Archelios CALC are required.
- Annual-only billing without a public monthly subscription option may be a barrier for smaller businesses.
- The software has a strong European focus, which may affect localized data availability in other markets.
- Its interface and comprehensive feature set have a steeper learning curve than simpler sales-focused platforms.
- Public reviews on major software directories are limited compared with some competing products.
The solar energy industry requires precision in both technical design and financial forecasting to ensure project bankability. Archelios Pro addresses these needs by providing an all-in-one web application that handles everything from initial feasibility studies to detailed 3D modeling and production simulation.
This software is primarily used by solar installers, engineering offices, and developers who need to design efficient photovoltaic systems. By centralizing design and simulation tools, it helps professionals reduce manual errors and produce high-quality reports that facilitate client decision-making and project funding.
What Is Archelios Pro?
Archelios Pro is a professional-grade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform dedicated to the design, simulation, and analysis of photovoltaic projects. Developed by Trace Software International, a company with over 30 years of experience in electrical engineering software, it is part of a broader suite that includes electrical sizing tools.
The platform serves a diverse range of users, from local installers working on residential rooftops to large-scale developers managing utility solar farms up to 100 MWp. It works by integrating geographical data with 3D modeling tools to simulate real-world conditions, allowing users to estimate energy yields and financial returns with high accuracy.
Archelios Pro is recognized for its depth in European standards and its ability to handle complex self-consumption and battery storage scenarios.
Archelios Pro Features
3D Modeling and Layout
Includes a built-in 3D modeler for creating detailed representations of buildings, terrain, and surrounding environments to support accurate shading analysis.
3D MAP Remote Modeling
Uses IGN and Google Solar data to generate site models remotely, reducing the need for physical site visits during the preliminary proposal phase.
Yield Forecasting
Provides precise P50 and P90 production calculations based on historical meteorological data and specific system configurations.
Self-Consumption Analysis
Supports the modeling of electricity load curves and energy storage systems to optimize projects for on-site energy consumption and battery usage.
Economic and Financial Reporting
Generates comprehensive reports detailing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Value (NPV), return on investment, and payback periods.
Automatic String Wiring
Provides tools for automatically configuring inverters and wiring module strings, helping speed up the technical design process.
BIM and CAD Integration
Offers plugins for SketchUp and Revit, allowing engineers to import existing architectural models directly into the simulation environment.
Meteorological Data Access
Integrates with databases such as Meteonorm to provide reliable weather and irradiation data for geographic locations worldwide.
Screenshots
Archelios Pro Pricing
Archelios Pro uses a tiered subscription model based on the maximum power capacity of the projects being designed. Subscriptions are typically billed annually.
Archelios Pro Free
Archelios Pro Free is a permanent free version for small projects up to 36 kWp. It was previously limited to 9 kWp and is suitable for residential solar installers.
Archelios Pro Silver
The Silver plan is designed for projects up to 100 kWp. Annual subscription prices have been listed at approximately €990 per year.
Archelios Pro Gold
The Gold plan supports projects up to 1 MWp and provides advanced features for commercial and industrial (C&I) solar applications.
Archelios Pro Platinum
The Platinum edition offers the full range of features without restrictive power limitations. It supports utility-scale solar projects of 100 MWp and beyond.
Archelios CALC Add-On
Archelios CALC is a separate electrical sizing application that may be bundled with or sold alongside Archelios Pro. Standard modules have been listed with prices starting at approximately €1,500.
Free Trials and Demos
Although a permanent free version is available, professional demonstrations of the higher-tier features can be requested directly from Trace Software.
Archelios Pro Integrations
Archelios Pro is designed to fit into broader engineering and architectural workflows through connections with design, BIM, electrical engineering, and manufacturer data platforms.
Design and BIM Tools
- SketchUp: Uses a dedicated plugin to import 3D geometry into Archelios Pro.
- Revit: Provides integration for BIM-compliant photovoltaic system design.
Electrical Engineering Integrations
- Archelios CALC: Supports direct data exports for cable sizing and single-line diagram creation.
- Elec Calc Solar: Enables the import of PV architecture for advanced electrical network calculations.
Hardware and Manufacturer Data
- BIM&CO: Provides access to an extensive database of photovoltaic modules and inverters.
- K2 Base: Supports the import of mounting system data.
- SMA Sunny Design: Provides access to inverter configuration data.
How to Set Up Archelios Pro
- Visit the Trace Software website and register for an account to access the web application.
- Choose a Free, Silver, Gold, or Platinum subscription based on the typical capacity of your projects.
- Install the SketchUp or Revit plugins if you plan to use external 3D modeling software.
- Configure your user profile and company branding preferences for generated reports.
- Review the manufacturer database to confirm that your preferred modules and inverters are available, or create custom entries.
- Start a new project by entering the site address or geographic coordinates.
How to Use Archelios Pro
Users typically begin a project by defining the site location, allowing the platform to retrieve relevant meteorological and terrain data. The core workflow involves creating a 3D site model using either the internal modeling tools or the 3D MAP feature.
Once the environment has been created, users place photovoltaic modules, select suitable inverters, and use the automatic wiring features to complete the technical layout.
After finalizing the design, users run a simulation to calculate expected energy production and shading losses. For self-consumption projects, electricity load profiles can be added to determine how much energy will be consumed on-site, stored in batteries, or exported to the grid.
The final step involves running the financial analysis. Archelios Pro combines system costs with local tariffs and production forecasts to generate a professional PDF report that can be presented to customers, lenders, or investors.
What You Can Manage with Archelios Pro
- 3D Site Models: Create digital representations of project locations with accurate geometry and shading conditions.
- Yield Forecasts: Produce detailed estimates of expected energy production in kWh and kWh/kWp over the system’s lifetime.
- Financial Proposals: Generate bankable documents showing LCOE, ROI, NPV, and payback periods.
- String Layouts: Create technical plans showing photovoltaic module and inverter connections.
- Storage Simulations: Analyze battery performance, self-consumption, and energy self-sufficiency ratios.
- Project Portfolios: Manage multiple project versions and sites within a centralized web dashboard.
Archelios Pro FAQs
What does Archelios Pro do?
Archelios Pro is web-based software for the professional design and simulation of photovoltaic systems. It allows users to create 3D models, analyze shading, forecast energy production, and conduct financial feasibility studies for projects of different sizes.
Who is Archelios Pro best for?
The platform is designed for photovoltaic installers, engineering offices, project developers, and energy consultants. It is particularly valuable for professionals who require high technical accuracy and compliance with European electrical standards.
Is Archelios Pro free?
Yes. Archelios Pro Free allows users to manage photovoltaic projects up to 36 kWp. Larger commercial and utility-scale projects require a paid Silver, Gold, or Platinum subscription.
How much does Archelios Pro cost?
Archelios Pro Free is available at no cost, while the Silver plan has been listed at approximately €990 per year. Gold and Platinum pricing generally depends on the required project capacity and features and should be confirmed directly with Trace Software.
Does Archelios Pro support integrations?
Archelios Pro integrates with architectural and BIM applications such as SketchUp and Revit. It also connects with Trace Software products such as Archelios CALC and Elec Calc Solar for electrical sizing, cable calculations, and single-line diagrams.
What are the main limitations of Archelios Pro?
The software generally requires an annual commitment because there is no publicly advertised monthly billing option. Additionally, some advanced electrical engineering capabilities require the purchase of separate software modules.
What are the best alternatives to Archelios Pro?
Common alternatives include PVsyst for utility-scale simulation, Aurora Solar and HelioScope for commercial solar sales and design, and OpenSolar for a free, sales-focused residential solution.
