Solarius PV
Pros
- Integrated BIM workflow improves coordination between engineering and architecture teams.
- Comprehensive shading analysis capabilities.
- Automatic generation of electrical diagrams reduces manual drafting work.
- Built-in financial modeling supports project feasibility analysis.
- Extensive and regularly updated equipment databases.
- User-friendly design wizards simplify complex engineering tasks.
- Strong IFC support enables long-term interoperability.
Cons
- Primarily optimized for grid-connected photovoltaic systems.
- BIM workflows may require additional training for new users.
- Ongoing subscriptions are generally required for software updates and database maintenance.
- Large 3D projects may require higher-performance hardware.
- Desktop deployment limits accessibility compared to fully cloud-based platforms.
Designing photovoltaic systems requires balancing technical performance, energy production, electrical engineering requirements, and financial feasibility. Managing these processes across multiple software platforms can introduce inefficiencies and increase the risk of design errors. Solarius PV addresses these challenges by providing a BIM-integrated environment that combines photovoltaic design, energy simulation, electrical calculations, and project documentation within a single platform.
Developed for solar designers, electrical engineers, architects, consultants, and EPC professionals, Solarius PV enables users to create detailed 3D models, perform shading and energy analyses, generate electrical schematics, and prepare professional reports for permitting, client presentations, and project approvals.
What Is Solarius PV?
Solarius PV is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software application developed by ACCA Software for the design, simulation, and economic evaluation of photovoltaic systems.
The platform supports residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale solar projects by combining 3D modeling, photovoltaic system sizing, energy yield analysis, electrical design, and financial evaluation tools. Solarius PV is built around open BIM standards and supports IFC interoperability for collaboration across engineering and architectural disciplines.
Features
- 3D BIM Modeling: Create detailed building and site models for accurate photovoltaic system placement.
- Advanced Shading Analysis: Evaluate shading impacts from buildings, trees, terrain, and architectural features.
- Automatic Wiring Diagrams: Generate single-line electrical schematics with cable sizing and protection devices.
- Climate Data Integration: Utilize meteorological data from sources such as Meteonorm and PVGIS.
- Component Libraries: Access extensive databases of solar modules, inverters, batteries, and related equipment.
- Financial Analysis Tools: Calculate installation costs, savings, payback periods, and return on investment.
- Design Validation: Automatically identify technical issues and provide optimization recommendations.
- Photorealistic Visualizations: Create realistic renderings and photo simulations of proposed installations.
Screenshots
Solarius PV Pricing
Solarius PV is available through subscription-based licensing with options suitable for individual professionals and larger organizations.
- Free Trial: Trial versions are available for software evaluation.
- Annual Subscription: Pricing generally starts around €99 per year depending on region and package selection.
- Monthly Subscription: Flexible monthly plans are available, typically starting around €14 per month.
- Enterprise Licensing: Custom pricing is available for organizations requiring multiple licenses and advanced BIM workflows.
- Technical Support: Most subscriptions include software updates and access to ACCA support resources.
Integrations
Solarius PV integrates with industry-standard BIM, CAD, and solar engineering platforms.
- IFC Support: Open BIM compatibility for data exchange across multiple software platforms.
- AutoCAD Files: Import and export DXF and DWG drawings.
- Revit Compatibility: Exchange project information within BIM workflows.
- ArchiCAD Integration: Support collaborative architectural and engineering projects.
- Meteonorm: Access global climate and solar resource datasets.
- PVGIS: Integrate European solar irradiation and meteorological data.
- ENF Solar Database: Utilize extensive equipment libraries and technical specifications.
How to Set Up Solarius PV
- Download and install the software from ACCA Software.
- Activate the license or start a trial using an ACCA account.
- Configure regional preferences, units, and climate data settings.
- Update equipment libraries through the library manager.
- Import CAD drawings, BIM models, or site photographs.
- Create a new photovoltaic project and begin system design.
How to Use Solarius PV
Users typically begin by creating or importing a building model and defining the installation area. The platform automatically retrieves local climate data and allows designers to place photovoltaic modules using guided design tools.
After selecting modules, inverters, and optional battery systems, Solarius PV performs energy simulations and validates the electrical configuration. The software then generates wiring diagrams, technical documentation, shading reports, and financial analyses. Final outputs can be exported for permitting, engineering review, or client presentations.
What You Can Produce with Solarius PV
- Technical Reports: Comprehensive photovoltaic design documentation.
- Single-Line Diagrams: Electrical schematics with protection devices and cable calculations.
- 3D BIM Models: Detailed project representations integrated into building models.
- Shading Studies: Reports evaluating solar access and energy losses.
- Financial Business Plans: ROI calculations, savings estimates, and project economics.
- Photorealistic Renderings: Visualizations for client presentations and approvals.
FAQs
What does Solarius PV do?
Solarius PV is a BIM-based photovoltaic design platform that combines system modeling, energy simulation, electrical engineering, and financial analysis within a single software environment.
Who is Solarius PV best for?
It is designed for solar engineers, electrical designers, architects, consultants, EPC contractors, and professionals working within BIM-based project workflows.
Is Solarius PV free?
No, Solarius PV is a commercial software solution, although trial versions are available for evaluation.
What are the main limitations of Solarius PV?
Main limitations include its focus on grid-connected systems, desktop-based deployment, BIM learning requirements, and the need for subscriptions to maintain access to updated features and databases.
How much does Solarius PV cost?
Pricing generally starts at approximately €99 per year for annual subscriptions, with monthly and enterprise licensing options available depending on user requirements.
What are the best alternatives to Solarius PV?
Popular alternatives include HelioScope, Aurora Solar, PVsyst, PVcase, OpenSolar, and other photovoltaic design and engineering platforms depending on project scale and workflow requirements.
