Best Solar Design Software in Nepal (2026)

TL;DR: SurgePV is the best all-in-one solar design platform for Nepal — automated SLD generation for NEA compliance, bankable P50/P75/P90 simulations, and integrated proposals at $1,899/year for 3 users. Aurora Solar leads on visual presentation quality but lacks electrical engineering and Nepal-specific financial modelling. PVsyst is the gold standard for large-project bankability but does not design or propose. HelioScope suits mid-size C&I EPCs with in-house AutoCAD. PVCase handles utility-scale Terai ground-mount only.

Nepal Spent a Decade in Darkness. Solar Software Can Ensure That Never Happens Again.

If you worked in Nepal before 2017, you remember load shedding. Eighteen hours a day without electricity in some parts of Kathmandu. Factories shutting down. Hospitals running on generators. An entire economy held hostage by unreliable power supply.

That crisis drove solar adoption faster than any government programme could. Kathmandu Valley residents installed rooftop panels to keep lights on. Businesses invested in C&I systems to protect operations. And Nepal discovered something remarkable: the country receives 1,300–1,900 kWh/m² per year of solar irradiation, with the Terai plains matching India’s best solar regions and high-altitude areas benefiting from intense UV exposure at 3,000–5,000 metres elevation.

Now Nepal’s solar market is accelerating. Net metering regulations are in place. NEA accepts grid-connected solar systems. AEPC administers subsidy programmes for rural electrification. The World Bank and ADB are funding solar development across the country. C&I installations in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and the Terai industrial corridor are growing rapidly.

But the solar software most Nepali EPCs use has not kept up. AutoCAD for electrical drawings. PVsyst for simulations. Excel for proposals. That disconnected toolkit wastes 3–4 hours per project and cannot handle Nepal’s unique challenges: steep Himalayan terrain, extreme altitude variations, complex shading from mountain topography, and NEA grid connection documentation requirements.

The right solar design software handles all of it. Automated SLD generation for NEA compliance. Bankable P50/P75/P90 simulations with satellite weather data. Professional proposals with Nepal-specific financial modelling. One platform replacing three or four disconnected tools.

In this guide, you will learn:

• Which platforms handle Nepal’s extreme terrain and altitude variations for accurate design
• How simulation outputs account for high-altitude UV intensity and Himalayan shading patterns
• Which tools automate electrical SLDs required for NEA grid connection approval
• What Nepali EPCs actually pay for software (and whether premium pricing delivers ROI)
• Detailed comparisons of SurgePV, Aurora Solar, PVsyst, HelioScope, and PVCase for Nepal conditions

Quick Summary: Our Top Picks for Nepal

After testing 5 platforms with EPCs operating across Kathmandu Valley, Terai industrial zones, and regional cities in Nepal, here are our top recommendations:

• SurgePV — End-to-end design, electrical engineering, and proposals with satellite weather data integration (Best for C&I EPCs and installers needing complete workflows with NEA compliance)
• Aurora Solar — Premium all-in-one with industry-leading 3D modelling (Best for large international EPCs with budget operating in Nepal)
• PVsyst — Industry-standard simulation validation (Best for large projects needing World Bank/ADB lender acceptance)
• HelioScope — Cloud-based commercial design with strong shading analysis (Best for mid-size EPCs with separate electrical engineering teams)
• PVCase — Utility-scale layout optimisation (Best for ground-mount solar farms in Nepal’s Terai region)

Each tool is evaluated on Nepal-specific criteria: terrain and altitude handling, satellite weather data, bankability for international lenders, NEA grid compliance, and pricing in NPR context.

Best Solar Design Software in Nepal (Detailed Reviews)

Software	Best For	Pricing	Nepal Fit
SurgePV	End-to-end workflows	~$1,899/yr (3 users)	Excellent
Aurora Solar	Residential proposals	~$3,600–6,000/yr	Good
PVsyst	Bankable simulation	~$625–1,250/yr	Good
HelioScope	Commercial rooftop arrays	~$2,400–4,800/yr	Good
PVCase	Utility-scale terrain	~$3,800–5,800/yr	Good

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

About SurgePV

SurgePV is the only cloud-based platform combining AI-powered design, automated electrical engineering, bankable simulations, and professional proposals without tool-switching.

For Nepali EPCs navigating NEA grid connection requirements, AEPC subsidy programme documentation, World Bank/ADB project standards, and the physical challenges of designing solar systems across terrain ranging from sea level to 5,000+ metres — SurgePV eliminates the need for AutoCAD, separate simulation tools, and manual Excel spreadsheets. Design a 500 kW C&I rooftop in Kathmandu’s industrial district, generate permit-ready single line diagrams automatically, produce P50/P75/P90 bankable reports, and create a proposal with hydropower complementarity analysis — all in the same platform.

Target Users: C&I EPCs (50 kW–10 MW), solar installers (residential and commercial), international development project implementers, designers needing NEA-compliant electrical documentation.

Unique Value for Nepal: SurgePV is headquartered in India, Nepal’s closest major solar market. The platform integrates satellite weather data covering Nepal’s entire latitude range (26–30 degrees North) and altitude range. It handles the India-Nepal electricity trade context, NEA grid standards, and AEPC documentation requirements. For Nepali EPCs that also serve the Indian market across the border, SurgePV provides India + Nepal coverage in one platform.

Key Features for Nepal

Design and Engineering

SurgePV’s AI-powered roof modelling automatically detects roof boundaries, tilt, and azimuth from satellite imagery. Design time drops from 45 minutes (manual CAD) to 15 minutes. For Nepal’s building stock — RCC flat roofs dominate commercial buildings in Kathmandu and Terai cities, with varied roof types in hill stations and mountainous regions — the AI handles diverse geometries efficiently.

The platform supports structures growing across Nepal: commercial rooftop in Kathmandu and Biratnagar industrial zones, ground-mount systems in the Terai plains, single-axis trackers for utility-scale Terai projects, and carport solar for shopping centres and institutions. SurgePV is the only platform with native carport design.

Electrical Engineering (Critical for NEA Grid Connection)

Here is where SurgePV separates from every other tool on this list.

Single Line Diagram (SLD) generation is automated. Complete your design, click “Generate SLD,” and within 5–10 minutes you have a code-compliant electrical schematic showing DC arrays, combiners, disconnects, inverters, AC wiring, breakers, and grid interconnection. That SLD is ready for NEA grid connection submission.

The alternative? Export your design to AutoCAD and spend 2–3 hours manually drafting the SLD. That is what most Nepali EPCs do today.

Wire sizing calculations happen instantly. The platform calculates DC and AC wire gauges based on current, distance, voltage drop limits (keeping under 2% optimal, 3% maximum), and temperature correction factors for Nepal’s conditions — from the hot Terai plains (38–42 degrees Celsius summer) to cooler Kathmandu Valley (25–35 degrees Celsius). Nepal’s 400V three-phase distribution system requires appropriate wire sizing for lower voltage compared to 480V systems.

Protection device sizing, conduit fill calculations, earthing specifications, and lightning protection (important at Nepal’s higher altitudes) generate automatically. NEA grid connection applications require this complete electrical documentation.

Simulation and Bankability

International lenders (World Bank, ADB, IFC, KfW) and domestic banks (Nepal Rastra Bank-regulated lenders, NMB Bank, Global IME Bank) require credible production estimates for solar project financing. SurgePV provides P50 (median), P75 (conservative), and P90 (worst-case) estimates. The platform’s 8760-hour shading analysis achieves ±3% accuracy compared to PVsyst.

Nepal’s simulation challenges are unique:

• Altitude effects: High-altitude installations (2,000–5,000m) receive more intense UV radiation, increasing energy yield but also accelerating module degradation
• Mountain shading: Himalayan topography creates complex horizon shading that changes dramatically by season
• Monsoon impact: June–September monsoon brings 40–60% cloud cover, reducing production significantly
• Temperature variation: Terai plains (38–42 degrees Celsius peak) vs mountain regions (5–25 degrees Celsius) require different temperature derating
• Air quality: Kathmandu Valley’s poor air quality causes soiling losses of 5–8% annually on rooftop installations

SurgePV’s hour-by-hour simulation captures all these variables rather than using simplified annual averages.

Nepal Financial Modelling and Proposals

SurgePV’s proposal generation includes financial modelling relevant to Nepal:

• Net metering economics: Nepal’s net metering policy allows grid export at NEA retail tariff rates. SurgePV models the financial impact based on current NEA tariff structures (NPR 7–12/kWh depending on consumer category)
• AEPC subsidy integration: Where applicable, subsidy amounts can be factored into financial projections
• Hydropower complementarity: Nepal’s electricity generation is 90%+ hydropower, with dry season (October–May) shortages. Solar generates maximum power during dry season when hydro dips, making solar particularly valuable. SurgePV’s monthly production profiles show this complementarity clearly
• PPA modelling: Power purchase agreement structures for C&I projects
• Currency support: NPR-based financial modelling for domestic projects, USD for international development projects
• Feed-in tariff analysis: Where applicable under evolving NEA policies

Proposals are web-based, interactive, and mobile-friendly. Your C&I client in Kathmandu can review the proposal on their phone, explore financing scenarios (cash vs loan), and share it with their finance team.

Here is what this looks like in practice. A growing Kathmandu-based EPC was spending 4 hours per project: 30 minutes for design in HelioScope, 2.5 hours creating SLDs in AutoCAD, and 60 minutes building a financial proposal in Excel. After switching to SurgePV, their complete workflow dropped to 45 minutes. At 50 projects per year, that recovered 160 hours of engineering labour — the equivalent of one full month of productive work time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Only platform with integrated electrical engineering: Automated SLD generation and wire sizing. Aurora, HelioScope, and OpenSolar do not offer this. Eliminates AutoCAD licence ($2,000/year) and 2–3 hours of manual SLD work per project.
• South Asia expertise: India-headquartered with coverage across Nepal’s entire geography. Understands South Asian grid standards, building types, and market conditions.
• 4x faster workflows: Complete workflow (design + electrical + proposal) takes 30–45 minutes vs 2.5–3 hours with Aurora + AutoCAD.
• Transparent pricing: Starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (~NPR 250,000/year). All features included. No hidden tiers.
• Bankable accuracy: ±3% vs PVsyst. P50/P75/P90 metrics that World Bank and ADB accept.
• Nepal + India coverage: EPCs operating across the Nepal-India border get one platform for both markets.

Cons:

• Newer brand in Nepal: Less brand recognition than PVsyst with conservative international lenders.
• NEA portal integration: SLDs require manual upload to NEA systems. Not yet integrated with NEA online portals.

Pricing

• Individual Plan: $1,899/year for 3 users (~NPR 250,000/year)
• 3 Users Plan: $1,499/user/year (~NPR 197,000/user/year)
• 5 Users Plan: $1,299/user/year — best value for scaling EPCs
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Nepal Cost Comparison:

• SurgePV (3 users): $1,899/year — includes complete electrical engineering, design, and proposals
• Aurora + AutoCAD (per user): $4,800 (Aurora) + $2,000 (AutoCAD) = $6,800/year — still missing P75/P90 and wire sizing
• Annual savings: $4,901/year vs Aurora + AutoCAD (for 3 users)

Who SurgePV Is Best For

• C&I EPCs: 50 kW–10 MW projects in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Terai industrial zones needing NEA grid documentation and bankable simulations
• Growing installers: Residential installers expanding into commercial who need integrated workflows without juggling multiple tools
• Cross-border EPCs: Companies operating in both Nepal and India who need one platform for both markets
• International development implementers: World Bank and ADB-funded project contractors needing standardised deliverables

Not ideal for: Utility-scale developers building projects larger than 10 MW who need PVsyst validation for conservative international lender requirements (pair SurgePV for design + PVsyst for validation).

Aurora Solar — Premium Design Platform

Aurora Solar is the global market leader with industry-leading 3D modelling, polished proposals, and the most extensive component library (50,000+ modules). For large international EPCs operating in Nepal with significant budgets, Aurora delivers premium presentation quality.

The honest assessment: Aurora was built for US residential. Features for California permitting, US utility rates, and consumer financing calculators have zero relevance for Nepal. And the pricing is premium.

Key Strengths:

• Industry-leading 3D modelling with lidar integration
• Beautiful proposal presentations for stakeholder meetings
• 50,000+ module library including brands common in Nepal (Jinko, Trina, LONGi, Adani)
• Cloud-based access from Nepal
• Strong brand recognition globally

Nepal Limitation: No SLD generation or wire sizing. Requires AutoCAD ($2,000/year) for NEA electrical documentation. Only P50 estimates (no P75/P90). No Nepal-specific financial modelling (net metering, AEPC subsidies, hydropower complementarity). Premium pricing ($500–1,000+/month) is 3–6x more than SurgePV. US-focused features irrelevant for Nepal.

Best Use Case in Nepal: Large international EPCs with existing Aurora standardisation. Not cost-effective for Nepal-based mid-market EPCs.

Price: Estimated $500–1,000+/month per user.

PVsyst — Bankability Standard for Large Projects

PVsyst is the global gold standard for bankable solar simulations. World Bank, ADB, IFC, and KfW universally recognise PVsyst reports. For Nepal’s large solar projects requiring international development financing, PVsyst validation is typically required.

PVsyst is simulation-only. No design, proposals, or SLD generation. You design elsewhere, import data, run simulations, and generate bankability reports.

Key Strengths:

• Universal lender acceptance (World Bank, ADB, IFC, KfW)
• Deepest simulation detail with P50/P90/P99 and sensitivity analysis
• 20+ year track record
• Handles altitude and terrain effects on irradiation
• IEC-compliant outputs meeting international bankability standards

Nepal Use Case: Validation for large projects (5+ MW) funded by World Bank, ADB, or IFC. Not for daily design or proposal workflows.

Best Practice for Nepal: Pair PVsyst with SurgePV. Use SurgePV for operational design workflows and PVsyst for bankability validation when international lenders specifically request it. SurgePV’s ±3% accuracy vs PVsyst means C&I projects under 10 MW often do not need separate PVsyst validation.

Price: ~$1,300/year per seat (desktop licence).

HelioScope — Cloud-Based Commercial Design

HelioScope (now part of Aurora Solar) is a cloud-based commercial design platform with strong shading analysis and team collaboration features. For Nepal C&I EPCs with separate electrical engineering teams, HelioScope provides good design capability at mid-range pricing.

Key Strengths:

• Strong shading analysis (important for Kathmandu Valley mountain shading)
• Cloud-based team collaboration
• PVGIS integration for Nepal weather data
• Reasonable learning curve (3–5 days)
• Bankable energy estimates

Nepal Limitation: No SLD generation or wire sizing. You need AutoCAD ($2,000/year) plus 2–3 hours per project for NEA-compliant electrical documentation. No Nepal-specific financial modelling. No proposal automation. Mid-range pricing ($200–400/month) still significant for Nepal EPCs.

Best Use Case in Nepal: Mid-size C&I EPCs with in-house AutoCAD capability wanting cloud-based design collaboration. Not suitable as a standalone platform.

Price: Estimated $200–400/month per user.

PVCase — Ground-Mount Layout Specialist

PVCase specialises in utility-scale layout optimisation for ground-mount projects. For Nepal’s Terai region — where flat terrain supports large-scale ground-mount solar farms — PVCase accelerates layout design with topographic data integration.

But PVCase is utility-scale only. It is not suitable for the rooftop C&I projects that dominate Nepal’s current solar market, particularly in Kathmandu Valley.

Key Strengths:

• Terrain-based layout optimisation for Terai ground-mount projects
• Tracker design for flat terrain applications
• AutoCAD integration for engineering handoff
• Large-array layout efficiency

Nepal Limitation: Utility-scale only. Not for rooftop C&I (majority of Nepal market). Requires AutoCAD ($2,000/year). No simulation or proposal capabilities. Desktop-based with 6–8 week learning curve.

Best Use Case in Nepal: Utility-scale developers doing 5+ MW ground-mount projects in the Terai. Not relevant for Kathmandu rooftop EPCs.

Price: Contact PVCase. Requires AutoCAD licence ($2,000/year).

Best Solar Design Software Comparison Table for Nepal

Key Takeaway: SurgePV is the only platform combining automated electrical engineering, bankable simulations, Nepal-relevant financial modelling, and satellite data integration at pricing accessible to Nepali EPCs.

Feature	SurgePV	Aurora Solar	PVsyst	HelioScope	PVCase
Best for	All segments	Residential	Bankability	C&I design	Utility-scale
SLD generation	Yes (automated)	No	No	No	No
P50/P90 reports	Yes	P50 only	Yes (gold standard)	Limited	Yes
Carport design	Yes (only platform)	No	No	No	Limited
Cloud-based	Yes	Yes	Desktop	Yes	Desktop + plugin
Wire sizing	Yes (automated)	No	No	No	No

What Makes the Best Solar Design Software in Nepal

1. Terrain and Altitude Design Challenges

Nepal Reality: Nepal’s geography ranges from the Terai plains (60–300m elevation) through the hills (300–3,000m) to the Himalayan highlands (3,000m+). This extreme variation affects solar design fundamentally. Mountain shading from surrounding hills creates complex shadow patterns. Altitude affects air mass, UV intensity, and module temperature. Kathmandu Valley (1,400m) has different design parameters than Biratnagar (72m) or Pokhara (800m).

Software Must: Handle complex horizon shading from mountain topography. Model altitude effects on irradiation and module performance. Account for varying temperature profiles across elevation zones. Support both flat-terrain Terai installations and complex hill/mountain rooftop projects.

Why It Matters: A platform that works well for flat-terrain US suburbs may fail on Kathmandu Valley rooftops surrounded by 2,000m hills. Hour-by-hour shading analysis with accurate solar simulation software and horizon modelling is not optional in Nepal — it is fundamental to design accuracy.

2. NEA Grid Connection Compliance

Nepal Reality: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) requires IEC-compliant electrical documentation for grid-connected solar systems. Single line diagrams, protection schemes, and wire sizing calculations are mandatory for grid connection approval. Nepal follows IEC standards adapted through NEA technical regulations.

Software Must: Generate SLDs meeting IEC/NEA requirements. Calculate wire sizing for Nepal’s 400V three-phase distribution system with appropriate temperature derating. Include protection device specifications per IEC standards. Generate complete electrical packages for NEA approval.

Why It Matters: Without automated SLD generation, EPCs spend 2–3 hours in AutoCAD per project plus $2,000/year for the licence. Manual drawings also increase error risk, potentially causing NEA approval delays.

3. Hydropower Complementarity

Nepal Reality: Nepal generates over 90% of electricity from hydropower. During dry season (October–May), river flows drop and hydropower generation decreases, causing seasonal electricity shortages. Solar generation peaks during dry season when skies are clearest.

Software Must: Show monthly production profiles that demonstrate solar’s complementarity with hydropower. Model seasonal generation patterns clearly. Present this value proposition in proposals for C&I clients and NEA/government stakeholders.

Why It Matters: Solar’s dry season production premium is Nepal’s strongest value proposition for grid-connected solar. The best solar proposal software shows more than annual total production. Monthly breakdowns showing peak solar generation during Nepal’s power-deficit dry months strengthen every proposal.

4. Kathmandu Air Quality and Soiling

Nepal Reality: Kathmandu Valley has some of the worst air quality in South Asia. PM2.5 levels regularly exceed WHO guidelines by 5–10x. This particulate matter settles on solar panels, causing 5–8% annual soiling losses on rooftop installations — significantly higher than clean-air locations.

Software Must: Model soiling losses based on local air quality conditions. Adjust production estimates for Kathmandu’s high pollution versus cleaner Terai or hill station locations. Factor cleaning costs into financial models.

5. Net Metering Financial Modelling

Nepal Reality: Nepal’s net metering policy allows grid-connected solar systems to export excess electricity to NEA at retail tariff rates (NPR 7–12/kWh depending on consumer category). This policy is the primary financial driver for C&I solar in Nepal.

Software Must: Calculate net metering economics based on NEA tariff structures. Model self-consumption vs grid export ratios. Project 20–25 year financial returns including tariff escalation assumptions. Present net metering savings clearly in proposals.

6. Affordable Pricing for Nepal Market

Nepal Context: Nepal’s EPC market is growing but price-sensitive. Most EPCs are small (2–15 person teams). Software budgets are limited compared to Indian or US EPCs. Premium pricing of $6,000–12,000/year per user is simply not viable for most Nepali firms.

Software Must: Offer accessible pricing with complete features. No per-project fees. No feature gating behind expensive tiers. Demonstrate clear ROI through time savings.

Why It Matters: SurgePV at $1,899/year for 3 users (~NPR 250,000/year) is within reach for mid-size Nepali EPCs. Aurora + AutoCAD at $6,800/year per user (NPR 895,000/year) is 3.5x more expensive — prohibitive for most Nepal-based firms.

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 (<30 kW)	Aurora Solar or SurgePV	Aurora: best proposals. SurgePV: proposals + engineering depth	OpenSolar (free tier)
Utility-scale developer (>1 MW) in Nepal	HelioScope or PVCase	Fast ground-mount design. Pair with PVsyst for bankability	SurgePV for integrated workflow
Startup installer (<30 projects/year)	OpenSolar or SurgePV	OpenSolar: lower cost. SurgePV: better engineering	Free tools (PVWatts, SolarEdge Designer)

How We Tested and Ranked These Tools

We evaluated each platform based on Nepal-specific criteria weighted by importance to EPCs operating in the country:

1. Terrain and Altitude Handling (25% of score): Tested shading analysis accuracy for Kathmandu Valley (mountain horizon shading), Terai plains (flat terrain), and hill stations. Evaluated altitude correction in simulation models. Measured accuracy against PVsyst benchmark for Nepal locations.

2. Electrical Engineering Depth (25% of score): Assessed SLD generation, wire sizing for Nepal conditions (400V distribution, varying temperature zones), protection device sizing per IEC standards, and voltage drop analysis. Evaluated whether AutoCAD is required for NEA-compliant electrical packages.

3. Simulation Accuracy and Bankability (20% of score): Tested P50/P75/P90 estimates against PVsyst benchmarks. Validated monsoon modelling (June–September), soiling for Kathmandu air quality, and altitude effects on irradiation. Confirmed acceptance by World Bank, ADB, and Nepal domestic lenders.

4. Nepal Market Applicability (15% of score): Tested net metering financial modelling, NEA tariff integration, AEPC subsidy awareness, hydropower complementarity presentation, and NPR currency support. Assessed suitability for Nepal’s project mix (rooftop C&I, Terai ground-mount).

5. Workflow Efficiency and Pricing (15% of score): Compared design speed, learning curve, collaboration features, and total cost of ownership. Calculated ROI for 3–5 user Nepal EPC teams at different project volumes.

All testing conducted January–February 2026 with verified data sources: official vendor documentation, G2 and Capterra user reviews, NEA technical standards, AEPC programme guidelines, World Bank Nepal energy assessments, and hands-on project experience with EPCs in Nepal.

Bottom Line: Best Solar Design Software for Nepal

For most Nepali EPCs: SurgePV offers the most complete platform. Automated electrical engineering (SLDs, wire sizing), satellite weather data for all Nepal locations, bankable P50/P75/P90 simulations, and proposals with net metering economics — all at $1,899/year for 3 users (~NPR 250,000/year). That eliminates the $2,000/year AutoCAD cost and 2–3 hour manual workflow per project.

SurgePV saves 1.5–2.5 hours per project compared to Aurora + AutoCAD workflows. For a Nepal EPC completing 50 projects per year, that is 75–125 hours of recovered productivity annually.

For large projects needing international financing: PVsyst remains the standard for World Bank and ADB-funded projects above 5 MW. But pair PVsyst with SurgePV for operational design workflows. PVsyst validates; it does not design.

For large international EPCs: Aurora Solar provides premium presentation quality. But at $500–1,000+/month with no electrical engineering and no Nepal-specific features, it is difficult to justify for Nepal-based operations.

For C&I EPCs with existing CAD teams: HelioScope offers strong cloud-based design and shading analysis. But you need AutoCAD ($2,000/year) for NEA electrical documentation. SurgePV provides equivalent design plus integrated electrical engineering at lower total cost.

Nepal’s solar market has moved past the era of load shedding-driven emergency installations. The EPCs winning NEA approvals, ADB contracts, and C&I deals today are the ones with professional proposals, accurate BOMs, and compliant electrical documentation delivered fast. Your software determines whether you operate at that level or fall behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best solar design software in Nepal?

SurgePV is the best all-in-one solar design software for Nepal, combining design, automated electrical engineering (SLD generation, wire sizing), bankable P50/P75/P90 simulations, and proposals with net metering economics in one platform. Starting at $1,899/year for 3 users (~NPR 250,000/year).

Nepal EPCs need three capabilities: accurate design handling terrain and altitude variations, NEA-compliant electrical documentation, and proposals showing net metering savings and hydropower complementarity. SurgePV delivers all three without tool-switching, saving $4,901/year vs Aurora + AutoCAD at $6,800/year per user.

Does Nepal have net metering for solar?

Yes. Nepal has a net metering policy allowing grid-connected solar systems to export excess electricity to NEA at retail tariff rates (NPR 7–12/kWh depending on consumer category). Net metering is the primary financial driver for C&I solar in Nepal, making rooftop installations economically attractive for businesses and institutions.

Software like SurgePV calculates net metering economics automatically, modelling self-consumption vs grid export ratios and projecting 20–25 year financial returns. This analysis is critical for proposal generation and client decision-making.

How does altitude affect solar design in Nepal?

Nepal’s extreme altitude range (72m in Terai to 5,000m+ in Himalayas) significantly affects solar design. Higher altitudes receive more intense UV radiation (increasing energy yield by 5–15% vs sea level), but also experience greater temperature swings, higher wind loads, and unique shading from mountain topography.

Design software must model altitude corrections for irradiation, temperature derating for each elevation zone, and complex horizon shading from Himalayan terrain. SurgePV’s 8760-hour shading analysis captures these altitude-specific effects through satellite weather data integration.

What electrical standards does Nepal follow for solar installations?

Nepal follows IEC standards (IEC 61215, IEC 61730, IEC 62446) for solar installations, administered through NEA’s technical standards. Grid-connected systems require complete electrical documentation including single line diagrams, protection schemes, wire sizing calculations, and earthing specifications for NEA approval.

SurgePV generates IEC-compliant SLDs automatically in 5–10 minutes, compared to 2–3 hours of manual AutoCAD work. This is particularly valuable for Nepal EPCs who need to submit NEA grid connection applications efficiently.

Why does solar complement hydropower in Nepal?

Nepal generates over 90% of electricity from hydropower, which decreases during dry season (October–May) when river flows drop. Solar generation peaks during this exact period when skies are clearest and irradiation is highest. This natural complementarity means solar fills Nepal’s seasonal electricity gap.

Proposal software should present monthly production profiles showing peak solar generation during Nepal’s power-deficit dry months. SurgePV’s seasonal analysis clearly demonstrates this hydropower complementarity, strengthening C&I proposals by showing solar’s value beyond simple tariff savings.

How does Kathmandu’s air quality affect solar panel performance?

Kathmandu Valley’s poor air quality (PM2.5 regularly 5–10x WHO guidelines) causes significant soiling on solar panels, reducing performance by 5–8% annually. This is substantially higher than clean-air locations and must be factored into production estimates and financial projections.

SurgePV models soiling losses based on local conditions, preventing overestimated production that leads to disappointed clients and financial shortfalls. The software also factors panel cleaning costs into financial models, giving Kathmandu C&I clients realistic ROI projections.

How much does solar design software cost for Nepal EPCs?

Solar design software ranges from free tools (PVWatts for basic estimates) to $6,800+/year per user for premium stacks (Aurora + AutoCAD). SurgePV starts at $1,899/year for 3 users (~NPR 250,000/year) with all features included.

For Nepal EPCs, total cost of ownership is the key metric. SurgePV at $1,899/year includes design, electrical engineering, simulation, and proposals. Aurora + AutoCAD costs $6,800/year per user and still requires separate proposal and financial modelling tools. The $4,901/year savings per user makes SurgePV the clear value choice for Nepal’s price-sensitive market.

Can Nepal EPCs use the same software for India projects?

Yes. SurgePV provides India + Nepal coverage in one platform, supporting both NEA (Nepal) and DISCOM (India) electrical standards, Indian financial modelling (accelerated depreciation, MNRE subsidy), and Nepal-specific features (net metering, AEPC integration). For Nepali EPCs serving the cross-border India market, one SurgePV subscription covers both countries.

This dual-market coverage eliminates the need for separate software for India operations. EPCs in border towns like Biratnagar and Bhairahawa who serve Indian clients benefit from standardised workflows across both markets using the same platform and training.

Sources

• Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) — https://www.nea.org.np — Grid connection standards, net metering policy, tariff schedules (accessed February 2026)
• Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) — https://www.aepc.gov.np — Solar subsidy programmes, rural electrification data (accessed February 2026)
• World Bank Nepal Energy Assessment — https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nepal — Solar market analysis, energy access statistics, project financing (accessed February 2026)
• Asian Development Bank Nepal — https://www.adb.org/countries/nepal/economy — Energy sector development, solar programme funding (accessed February 2026)
• IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics — https://www.irena.org/Statistics — Nepal solar capacity data, regional comparisons (accessed February 2026)
• PVGIS — https://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/ — Nepal solar irradiation data (accessed February 2026)
• IEA Nepal Energy Profile — https://www.iea.org/countries/nepal — Electricity generation mix, hydropower data (accessed February 2026)
• SurgePV Product Documentation — Official feature specifications, pricing, proof points (accessed February 2026)
• G2 Reviews — Verified user reviews for Aurora Solar, PVsyst, HelioScope (accessed February 2026)