GeoT*SOL

The transition to sustainable heating requires precise engineering to ensure that heat pump systems are both cost-effective and energy-efficient. GeoT*SOL addresses this need by providing designers and engineers with a specialized platform to model complex thermal systems. It solves the problem of manual, error-prone calculations by using dynamic minute-by-minute simulations to predict seasonal performance factors and operating costs.

Heating technicians, planners, and installers use GeoT*SOL to compare different system configurations and heat sources before physical installation begins. By simulating real-world conditions, users can avoid oversizing equipment, minimize electricity consumption, and provide clients with bankable performance reports. This level of technical validation is essential for securing subsidies and ensuring long-term system reliability.

What Is GeoT*SOL?

GeoT*SOL is a professional dynamic simulation program specifically engineered for the planning, design, and calculation of heat pump systems. It falls under the category of renewable energy design software and is developed by Valentin Software, a company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. The platform is used globally by engineering firms, HVAC installers, and energy consultants to model residential and commercial heating solutions.

The software works by allowing users to define a specific location and load profile, then selecting from various heat sources such as air, soil via probes or collectors, or groundwater. It uses high-resolution climate data to simulate the system’s behavior throughout a full year. Verified trust signals for GeoT*SOL include its widespread use in European markets and its alignment with VDI 4650 standards for calculating Seasonal Performance Factors (SPF), which are often required for government incentive programs.

Features

• Dynamic Minute Simulation: Calculates the energy balance and performance of the system in one-minute intervals over a full year, providing high accuracy for yield and consumption.
• Extensive Product Database: Includes thousands of up-to-date entries for heat pumps, collectors, boilers, and storage tanks from leading manufacturers, ensuring simulations reflect real-world hardware.
• Multiple Heat Source Modeling: Supports the design of systems using outdoor air, geothermal probes, horizontal collectors, or groundwater, allowing for site-specific optimization.
• Bivalent and Hybrid System Support: Enables the simulation of heat pumps working in tandem with existing boilers, solar thermal systems, or photovoltaic arrays to maximize self-sufficiency.
• Financial and Profitability Analysis: Calculates the heating price per kilowatt-hour and compares it against traditional systems, taking into account investment costs, maintenance, and local subsidies.
• Automated Project Reporting: Generates professional, comprehensive reports for clients that include system schematics, energy balance diagrams, and economic forecasts.
• MeteoSyn Climate Data: Integrates a global database with over 8,000 climate records, allowing users to simulate performance based on precise local weather patterns.

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GeoT*SOL Pricing

GeoT*SOL offers several licensing options based on the duration of use and the user’s professional status. Pricing is typically listed in euros and may vary based on regional VAT.

• Free Trial: A 30-day free trial is available with access to all features, allowing users to test the software before purchasing.
• One-Year Named-User License: Approximately €385.00 per year. This is the standard professional tier for ongoing design work.
• Three-Month Named-User License: Approximately €135.00 for short-term project needs.
• Student License: A non-transferable license for students is available for approximately €90.00 for 180 days.
• Maintenance and Updates: Annual licenses generally include software updates and database maintenance during the subscription period.

Integrations

GeoT*SOL focuses on technical simulation, and its integrations are primarily centered on data import and climate modeling.

• Solar-Computer Integration: Allows for the direct import of heating load calculations from Solar-Computer software (BS EN 12831) to avoid duplicate data entry.
• MeteoSyn: A built-in tool that provides access to global climate and location databases.
• Manufacturer Databases: Direct data feeds from HVAC manufacturers help keep technical specifications current.
• Export Capabilities: Supports the export of result graphics and project data for use in external documentation and proposals.

How to Set Up GeoT*SOL

1. Download the installer from the official Valentin Software website or access the 30-day free trial.
2. Install the software on a Windows-compatible machine with administrator rights.
3. Upon first launch, select your preferred language. The software supports multiple languages, including English, German, and Czech.
4. Enter your license key or continue with the trial version to activate the program.
5. Use the integrated MeteoSyn tool to download or select the climate data for your primary operating regions.
6. Check for database updates to ensure you have the latest heat pump and collector specifications.

How to Use GeoT*SOL

The day-to-day workflow in GeoT*SOL follows a structured progression through the program’s main pages. A user begins by defining the project data, including the building’s location and the calculated heating load. From there, they move to the system selection page to choose a heat source and a specific configuration, such as monovalent air-to-water or bivalent with a gas boiler.

Once the system is defined, the user selects specific components from the database, such as a particular model of heat pump and a buffer tank. The simulation is then run for a one-year period. After the simulation finishes, the user reviews the results, checking the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) and the energy balance. If the results are not optimal, the user can quickly swap components or adjust parameters to find a more efficient setup. Finally, the user generates a detailed project report to present the findings to the client or for use in building permit applications.

What You Can Manage with GeoT*SOL

• Heat Pump System Designs: Complete modeling of residential and commercial heating and hot water systems.
• Seasonal Performance Factors (SPF): Accurate calculation of efficiency metrics required for technical validation.
• Energy Balance Reports: Detailed breakdowns of energy input, heat output, and system losses.
• Profitability Forecasts: Long-term financial comparisons between heat pump systems and traditional fossil fuel alternatives.
• Hybrid System Configurations: Coordination between heat pumps, solar thermal collectors, and PV systems.
• Client Project Documentation: Professional PDF reports containing all technical and economic simulation results.

FAQs

What does GeoT*SOL do?

GeoT*SOL is simulation software used to plan and design heat pump systems. It calculates the expected energy yields, electricity consumption, and seasonal performance factors of a system using dynamic minute-by-minute simulations based on local climate data.

Who is GeoT*SOL best for?

The software is designed for HVAC engineers, solar designers, installers, and energy consultants. It is particularly useful for professionals who need to provide technical proof of efficiency for government subsidies or complex hybrid system designs.

Is GeoT*SOL free?

GeoT*SOL is not free, but it offers a 30-day free trial with full feature access. After the trial, users must purchase a time-limited license of three months or one year to continue using the software professionally.

What are the main limitations of GeoT*SOL?

The primary limitation is that it is a Windows-only desktop application, which lacks the flexibility of cloud-based platforms. Additionally, while it is excellent for thermal simulation, it does not provide advanced CAD or automated single-line diagram (SLD) generation.

What are the best alternatives to GeoT*SOL?

Depending on the specific focus, alternatives include Polysun for complex thermal simulations, T*SOL for solar thermal system design, or PV*SOL if the primary focus is on photovoltaic systems with heat pump integration. For general building energy modeling, tools like DesignBuilder or EnergyPlus are often considered.