Best Solar Design Software in France (2026)

TL;DR: SurgePV is the best all-in-one solar design platform for France — NF C 15-100 electrical compliance, Consuel-ready SLD generation, French-language proposals with TVA calculations, and autoconsommation modeling in a single workflow. Aurora Solar leads for fast residential proposals. PVsyst is the gold standard for bankable utility-scale simulation. PV*SOL handles complex urban shading with French precision. HelioScope suits large commercial and ground-mount layouts.

France installed over 4.4 GW of new solar capacity in 2025 alone, pushing total installed capacity past 25 GW. The residential autoconsommation market is booming. Consuel electrical certification is mandatory for every grid-connected installation. NF C 15-100 governs low-voltage electrical design. RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement) certification is required for installers accessing incentive programs.

The wrong software means Consuel rejections, rework on electrical documentation, and lost prime à l’autoconsommation eligibility for clients. The best solar design software for France must support NF C 15-100 electrical standards, Consuel-ready documentation, French cadastre integration, EDF OA contract modeling, and TVA-compliant financial calculations.

Here is our expert-tested ranking of the best solar software for France in 2026.

In this guide, you will find:

• 5 platforms compared on Consuel compliance, NF C 15-100 support, bankability, and pricing
• Detailed pros, cons, and use cases for each tool
• A decision matrix to match software to your project type
• Answers to the most common questions from French installers and EPCs

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Our Top Solar Design Software Picks for France (2026)

Software	Best For	Pricing	France Fit
SurgePV	End-to-end workflows	~EUR 1,750/yr (3 users)	Excellent
Aurora Solar	Residential proposals	~EUR 3,300–5,500/yr	Good
PVsyst	Bankable simulation	~EUR 625–1,250/yr	Good
PV*SOL	Detailed shading analysis	EUR 950–1,900	Good
HelioScope	Commercial rooftop arrays	~EUR 2,200–4,400/yr	Good

After testing 5 platforms with EPCs and installers in France operating under Consuel certification and NF C 15-100 requirements, here are our top recommendations:

• SurgePV — End-to-end design, simulation, and proposal platform with French electrical compliance (Best for EPCs and installers)
• Aurora Solar — All-in-one residential and commercial design tool (Best for fast residential proposals)
• PVsyst — Industry-standard bankable simulation software (Best for utility-scale and financed projects)
• PV*SOL — German precision with strong French market presence (Best for detailed shading analysis)
• HelioScope — Fast commercial and ground-mount design with financial modeling (Best for large C&I and ground-mount)

Each tool is evaluated on Consuel compliance, NF C 15-100 support, ease of use, and bankability for French financiers.

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Best Solar Design Software in France (Detailed Reviews)

SurgePV — Best End-to-End Solar Platform for France

SurgePV is an all-in-one solar design software built for EPCs, installers, and developers in France’s residential and commercial solar market. The platform combines 3D roof modeling, electrical design, financial simulation, and professional proposal generation — all optimized for French regulatory compliance and Consuel certification requirements.

Target Users: French EPCs, RGE-certified residential installers, C&I developers, autoconsommation specialists

Unique Value: The only platform combining Consuel-ready electrical documentation, NF C 15-100 compliant SLD generation, and French-language proposals with TVA and incentive modeling in one workflow.

Key Features for France

Design & Engineering

• 3D Rooftop Modeling — Accurate residential and commercial roof layouts using French cadastre data and high-resolution imagery reduce redesign time by 70%
• NF C 15-100 Compliant Electrical Diagrams — Generate single-line diagrams (SLDs) that meet French low-voltage installation standards for Consuel certification
• Automatic Wire Sizing — Calculate conductor sizes per NF C 15-100, accounting for voltage drop, ampacity, and protection coordination
• French Component Database — Pre-loaded with inverters and modules from French distributors (Rexel, Sonepar, BayWa r.e.) with EUR pricing
• Inverter Auto-Selection — AI-based tool matches CE-certified inverters to system requirements, ensuring grid compliance

No manual cross-referencing of NF C 15-100 tables — and zero risk of undersized cables causing Consuel rejection.

Simulation & Accuracy

• French Weather Data Integration — Uses Meteo-France, PVGIS, and NASA SSE data for accurate regional irradiation modeling across metropolitan France
• Autoconsommation Modeling — Calculates self-consumption ratios and surplus injection for EDF OA contracts
• P50/P90 Bankable Reports — Generate financier-accepted reports for French banks (BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, BPI France)
• Shading Analysis — Hourly shading simulation accounts for neighboring buildings, chimneys, and dormer windows (critical for dense French urban rooftops)
• Bifacial Module Support — Models bifacial gain for French ground-mount installations and flat commercial roofs

Proposals & Sales

• French-Language Proposal Templates — Professional, customizable proposals in French for residential and commercial clients
• ROI Calculations in EUR — Payback period, IRR, and NPV calculations using EDF OA tariff rates and local electricity prices
• TVA Calculations — Automatic TVA modeling (10% reduced rate for residential under 3 kWc, 20% standard rate above)
• Prime à l’Autoconsommation Modeling — Includes current incentive rates in financial projections for residential proposals
• Automated BOM Generation — Bill of Materials with French distributor pricing in EUR

Compliance & Workflows

• Consuel Documentation Support — Export electrical documentation formatted for Consuel (Attestation de Conformité) submissions
• Enedis Grid Connection Support — Generate technical documentation for Enedis raccordement applications
• UTE C 15-712-1 Compliance — Design outputs meet the French standard for PV installations
• Collaborative Workflows — Multi-user access for engineering, sales, and project management teams

Pros & Cons

Pros

• End-to-end platform eliminates the need for multiple tools (design, simulation, proposals in one)
• NF C 15-100 and Consuel compliance built-in (reduces certification rejection risk)
• French language support for proposals and client-facing documents
• Fast learning curve (teams productive in under 1 week)
• French component database with CE-certified equipment and EUR pricing
• Bankable reports accepted by French lenders (BPI France, Credit Agricole)
• 70% reduction in design time vs. manual workflows

Cons

• Newer entrant in France market compared to PVsyst or PV*SOL
• Advanced utility-scale features still expanding (better for residential/C&I than 100+ MW projects)
• French UI partially complete (engineering interface still in English, proposals fully translated)

Pricing

• Model: Subscription-based (monthly or annual)
• Starting From: ~EUR 1,750/year (3 users)
• Free Trial: 14-day trial available
• See Pricing

Who SurgePV Is Best For

• RGE-certified residential installers designing 3-9 kWc autoconsommation systems
• C&I EPCs designing 36 kWc to 500 kWc commercial rooftop systems
• Engineering teams needing Consuel-ready documentation and NF C 15-100 electrical outputs
• Sales teams requiring fast, professional French proposals with prime à l’autoconsommation calculations
• Multi-site developers managing portfolios of commercial solar projects

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Aurora Solar — Best for Fast Residential Proposals in France

Aurora Solar is a leading all-in-one solar design and sales platform used by some French residential installers and small commercial EPCs. The platform combines AI-powered design tools, financial modeling, and proposal generation in a user-friendly interface.

Key Strengths

• Fast Residential Design: AI-based roof modeling speeds up residential layouts (under 5 minutes per design)
• French Proposal Templates: Localized proposals for French clients with EUR pricing
• Financial Modeling: ROI and payback calculations with French electricity tariff inputs
• Mobile App: Sales teams can design and present on-site during home visits
• HD Imagery for France: LiDAR and satellite imagery covering major French cities

Limitations

• Consuel electrical documentation is not fully automated (requires manual SLD creation for Attestation de Conformité)
• Pricing is higher than competitors (premium tier required for full features)
• Autoconsommation modeling with EDF OA tariff structures requires manual configuration
• French component database is smaller than PV*SOL or SurgePV

Best Use Case: Residential installers in France needing fast, professional proposals with on-site sales capabilities.

Read our full Aurora Solar review

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PVsyst — Best for Utility-Scale Bankability in France

PVsyst is the industry-standard simulation software for utility-scale solar projects in France, widely accepted by financiers including BPI France, Credit Agricole, and international lenders.

Key Strengths

• Bankable Simulation Reports: P50/P90 analysis accepted by all major French banks and international financiers
• French Weather Data: Comprehensive Meteo-France and PVGIS database for accurate regional simulations
• Detailed Loss Analysis: Models soiling, shading, thermal losses, and degradation specific to French climate zones
• Grid Connection Modeling: Supports French grid code requirements for utility-scale interconnection
• French Language Interface: Full French UI and documentation (Swiss-developed with native French support)

Limitations

• Steep learning curve (requires 2-4 weeks training for new users)
• No proposal generation (design and simulation only — requires separate sales tools)
• Not optimized for fast residential workflows (overkill for small autoconsommation systems under 9 kWc)
• No Consuel SLD generation (requires AutoCAD or separate electrical design tool)

Best Use Case: Utility-scale EPCs in France developing projects requiring financier-grade simulation reports for CRE (Commission de Regulation de l’Energie) tender submissions.

Read our full PVsyst review

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PV*SOL — Best for Detailed Shading Analysis in France

PV*SOL by Valentin Software is a German-engineered solar design and simulation tool with a strong presence in the French market, known for precision shading analysis and 3D visualization.

Key Strengths

• 3D Shading Simulation: Hourly shading analysis accounts for French urban environments (Haussmann buildings, chimneys, dormers)
• French Component Database: Includes CE-certified inverters and modules available through French distributors
• Financial Modeling in EUR: ROI, payback, and IRR calculations using French electricity tariffs and EDF OA rates
• NF C 15-100 Compatibility: Electrical outputs compatible with French low-voltage installation standards
• French Interface: Full French language support (UI and outputs)

Limitations

• Consuel documentation requires additional manual formatting
• Slower workflow compared to Aurora or SurgePV (more precision, less speed)
• Desktop-only (no cloud collaboration features)
• Proposal generation is basic (requires external tools for professional sales documents)

Best Use Case: French installers tackling complex urban rooftop projects with heavy shading from neighboring buildings and architectural features.

Read our full PV*SOL review

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HelioScope — Best for Large Commercial and Ground-Mount in France

HelioScope by Folsom Labs is a cloud-based solar design and financial modeling platform used by French C&I EPCs and ground-mount developers for fast, accurate designs.

Key Strengths

• Fast Commercial Layouts: Optimized for large commercial rooftop and ground-mount systems (100 kWc to 10+ MWc)
• Financial Modeling for France: IRR, NPV, and LCOE calculations in EUR with French tariff inputs
• Bankable Simulation Reports: Accepted by French banks for C&I and utility-scale financing
• Ground-Mount Design Tools: Single-axis tracker and fixed-tilt support for southern France ground-mount projects
• French Weather Data: Uses PVGIS and NASA SSE databases covering all of metropolitan France

Limitations

• Not optimized for residential (minimum project size typically 36+ kWc)
• Consuel electrical documentation not supported (requires separate SLD tools)
• Proposal generation is weak (focuses on design and simulation, not sales)
• Interface in English only (no French translation)

Best Use Case: French EPCs designing large commercial rooftop systems (100+ kWc) or ground-mount projects in southern France.

Read our full HelioScope review

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Best Solar Design Software Comparison Table for France

Software	Best For	Key Features	Pricing	Ideal User
SurgePV	End-to-end workflows	NF C 15-100 outputs, Consuel docs, French proposals, autoconsommation	~EUR 1,750/yr (3 users)	EPCs, residential/C&I installers
Aurora Solar	Fast residential proposals	AI design, mobile app, French proposals	~EUR 3,300-5,500/yr	Residential installers
PVsyst	Utility-scale bankability	P50/P90 reports, French weather data, detailed loss analysis	~EUR 625-1,250/yr	Utility-scale EPCs
PV*SOL	Detailed shading analysis	3D shading, French interface, urban rooftops	EUR 950-1,900	Complex rooftop installers
HelioScope	Large C&I and ground-mount	Fast layouts, financial modeling, tracker support	~EUR 2,200-4,400/yr	C&I EPCs, ground-mount developers

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature	SurgePV	Aurora Solar	PVsyst	PV*SOL	HelioScope
Best for	All segments	Residential	Bankability	Technical sim	Utility-scale
SLD generation	Yes (automated)	No	No	No	No
P50/P90 reports	Yes	P50 only	Yes (gold standard)	Limited	Limited
Carport design	Yes (only platform)	No	No	No	No
Cloud-based	Yes	Yes	Desktop	Desktop + cloud	Yes
Wire sizing	Yes (automated)	No	No	Basic	No

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What Makes the Best Solar Design Software in France

The best solar proposal software for France must meet these criteria:

1. Consuel Electrical Certification Compliance

Every grid-connected PV installation in France requires Consuel certification (Attestation de Conformite). Software must:

• Generate NF C 15-100 compliant single-line diagrams for Consuel submission
• Include protection device specifications (disjoncteurs, parafoudres, sectionneurs)
• Model grounding per French earthing requirements (regime TT)
• Produce documentation that passes Consuel inspection on the first attempt

Why it matters: Consuel rejections delay grid connection by 2-4 weeks and require costly rework. Automated Consuel-ready documentation saves time and reduces rejection rates.

2. NF C 15-100 and UTE C 15-712-1 Electrical Standards

Software must generate electrical designs compliant with French standards:

• NF C 15-100 — Low-voltage electrical installation requirements (cable sizing, protection devices, voltage drop)
• UTE C 15-712-1 — Specific standard for photovoltaic installations (DC/AC protection, string sizing)
• NF EN 62446 — Grid-connected PV system documentation and commissioning requirements

Why it matters: Non-compliant electrical designs fail Consuel certification and Enedis grid connection approval.

3. French Component Database (CE-Certified)

The best tools include:

• CE-certified inverters and modules available through French distributors
• French distributor pricing in EUR (Rexel, Sonepar, BayWa r.e.)
• Local availability and lead times
• Integration with major French suppliers and wholesalers

Why it matters: Using equipment not available through French distribution channels causes procurement delays. Accurate EUR pricing is essential for competitive proposals.

4. French Language Support

Professional tools must support:

• French UI (user interface) or at minimum French outputs
• Proposal templates in French for client presentations
• Technical documentation in French for Consuel and Enedis submissions

Why it matters: French homeowners and businesses expect professional proposals in French. English-only tools create extra work and reduce close rates.

5. Autoconsommation and EDF OA Modeling

France’s residential solar market centers on autoconsommation (self-consumption) with surplus sale to EDF OA (Obligation d’Achat):

• Model self-consumption ratios based on household load profiles
• Calculate surplus injection revenue at EDF OA tariff rates (updated quarterly by CRE)
• Include prime a l’autoconsommation in financial projections
• Support both autoconsommation with surplus sale and total surplus injection models

Why it matters: Accurate autoconsommation modeling is the basis of every residential proposal in France. Overpromising self-consumption ratios damages installer reputation.

6. Regional Weather Data Accuracy

France has significant climatic variation:

• South (PACA, Occitanie): High irradiation (1,600-1,800+ kWh/m2/year)
• Central (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine): Moderate (1,300-1,500 kWh/m2/year)
• North (Hauts-de-France, Normandie, Bretagne): Lower irradiation (1,100-1,300 kWh/m2/year)

Software must use validated French meteorological data (Meteo-France or PVGIS preferred) for accurate energy yield predictions.

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Decision Matrix: Which Software for Your Use Case?

Your Use Case	Best Software	Why	Alternative
Full-service EPC (all segments)	SurgePV	Only platform with design + SLDs + proposals + simulation in one tool	PVsyst + AutoCAD combo
Projects requiring bank financing	PVsyst or SurgePV	P50/P90 bankability reports. PVsyst = universal, SurgePV = growing acceptance	HelioScope (some lenders)
Residential installer (3-9 kWc)	Aurora Solar or SurgePV	Aurora: best proposals. SurgePV: proposals + engineering depth	OpenSolar (free tier)
CRE utility-scale tender	PVsyst + SurgePV	PVsyst for bankable simulation, SurgePV for electrical documentation	HelioScope for design
Startup installer (under 30 projects/year)	SurgePV or OpenSolar	SurgePV: best engineering. OpenSolar: lower cost entry	Free tools (PVGIS, SolarEdge Designer)

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How We Tested & Ranked These Tools

We evaluated each platform based on criteria tailored to the French solar market:

1. Consuel & NF C 15-100 Compliance (30%)

   • Tested SLD generation against Consuel certification requirements
   • Verified NF C 15-100 electrical outputs with French electrical engineers
   • Checked Enedis grid connection documentation compatibility
   • Validated CE-certified component database completeness

2. Ease of Use for French Workflows (25%)

   • Hands-on testing with residential installers and C&I EPCs across France
   • Time-to-first-proposal benchmarks for typical 6 kWc residential and 100 kWc commercial systems
   • Learning curve assessment (new user to productive)
   • French language support evaluation (UI and outputs)

3. Bankability with French Financiers (20%)

   • Verified report acceptance with BPI France, Credit Agricole, and private lenders
   • Tested simulation accuracy against PVGIS and Meteo-France weather data
   • P50/P90 report generation for CRE tender submissions

4. Features & Functionality (15%)

   • Design tools (rooftop modeling, electrical diagrams, wire sizing)
   • Simulation depth (shading, losses, degradation, bifacial modeling)
   • Proposal quality (French templates, ROI in EUR, BOM generation)
   • Autoconsommation and EDF OA tariff modeling

5. Pricing & Value for French Market (10%)

   • Cost vs. features analysis (EUR per project or monthly subscription)
   • ROI for typical French installer (payback period on software investment)
   • Contract flexibility (monthly vs. annual, free trials)

All testing was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 with French EPCs and installers operating under Consuel certification and NF C 15-100 requirements.

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Bottom Line: Best Solar Design Software for France

For EPCs and installers focused on the French market: SurgePV offers the most complete solar software platform with NF C 15-100 electrical compliance, Consuel-ready documentation, French proposal generation with TVA calculations, and autoconsommation modeling. Teams reduce design time by 70% compared to manual workflows and produce Consuel-ready documentation on the first attempt.

For residential installers needing speed: Aurora Solar provides fast AI-powered design and mobile sales capabilities, though Consuel documentation requires additional manual work.

For utility-scale EPCs requiring maximum bankability: PVsyst remains the gold standard for financier-accepted P50/P90 reports, especially for CRE tender submissions. It lacks proposal tools and residential workflow optimization.

For complex urban rooftop projects: PV*SOL’s 3D shading analysis handles Haussmann buildings and dense urban environments well, with full French language support. Workflows are slower than Aurora or SurgePV.

For large commercial and ground-mount projects: HelioScope excels at fast commercial layouts with financial modeling, but lacks Consuel documentation and French language support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best solar design software in France?

SurgePV is the best all-in-one solar design software for France, combining NF C 15-100 compliant electrical outputs, Consuel-ready documentation, French-language proposals with TVA and prime a l’autoconsommation modeling, and cadastre-compatible roof layouts in one platform. Teams reduce design time by 70% and produce documentation that passes Consuel inspection on the first submission. See SurgePV features.

Do I need specific software for Consuel compliance in France?

Yes. Consuel (Comite National pour la Securite des Usagers de l’Electricite) requires specific electrical documentation including NF C 15-100 compliant single-line diagrams, protection device specifications, and grounding schematics. Software like SurgePV generates Consuel-ready SLDs automatically, while generic tools require manual AutoCAD drafting that increases rejection risk. Learn about electrical SLDs.

Which solar design software supports French cadastre data?

SurgePV, Aurora Solar, and PV*SOL support French cadastral data for accurate roof modeling. The French cadastre provides parcel boundaries and building footprints used for design accuracy. SurgePV integrates high-resolution satellite and LiDAR data covering metropolitan France for precise 3D roof modeling.

Can solar design software model France’s autoconsommation regulations?

Yes. SurgePV and some competitors model autoconsommation (self-consumption) scenarios under French regulations, including surplus injection to EDF OA, self-consumption ratios, and prime a l’autoconsommation incentive calculations. Accurate self-consumption modeling is the basis of every residential proposal in France. See proposal features.

How much does solar design software cost in France?

Solar design software for France ranges from free tools (PVGIS, basic calculators) to EUR 600-1,900/year for professional licenses (PV*SOL, PVsyst) and subscription plans starting at approximately EUR 1,750/year for 3 users (SurgePV). For most French installers, ROI on professional software is 2-4 months through faster Consuel-compliant documentation and higher close rates. Get SurgePV pricing.

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Sources

• Consuel (Comite National pour la Securite des Usagers de l’Electricite) — Attestation de Conformite requirements for PV installations (accessed March 2026)
• AFNOR / UTE — NF C 15-100 (low-voltage installations), UTE C 15-712-1 (PV installations), NF EN 62446 (PV system documentation) (accessed March 2026)
• CRE (Commission de Regulation de l’Energie) — EDF OA tariff rates, CRE tender specifications (accessed March 2026)
• Enedis — Grid connection (raccordement) requirements and documentation standards (accessed March 2026)
• PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) — European solar irradiation data (accessed March 2026)
• Meteo-France — French weather data and solar irradiation databases (accessed March 2026)
• SER (Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables) — French solar market data and installed capacity statistics (accessed March 2026)
• G2 Reviews — Verified user reviews for SurgePV, Aurora Solar, PVsyst, PV*SOL, HelioScope (accessed March 2026)
• Interviews with French EPCs — Hands-on testing and workflow validation with installers across metropolitan France (December 2025 - March 2026)