HelioScope and PVsyst are the two tools most engineering teams compare when bankable yield is required. PVsyst owns lender acceptance. HelioScope owns browser-based productivity. This guide compares them honestly and introduces the third option: SurgePV ships browser-based bankable simulation plus the full stack.
Browser-based bankable simulation, plus the rest of the stack
A SurgePV engineer rebuilds one of your real HelioScope or PVsyst projects in 20 minutes, including the 8,760-hour run and bankable yield report.
Book a Free Demo20 minutes · Bring a real project · No credit card
HelioScope vs PVsyst at a Glance
| Capability | HelioScope | PVsyst | SurgePV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser / cloud | Yes | No (Windows desktop) | Yes |
| 8,760-hour module-level shading | Mid + higher tier | Yes | Included all plans |
| Bankable P50 / P75 / P90 | Yes | Industry standard | Yes |
| Pricing | $99 to $300+ / user / mo | ~€500 / user / yr | $1,299 to $1,899 / user / yr |
| Lender acceptance | Most lenders | Industry standard | Most lenders |
| AI design assistant | Not in published scope | Not in published scope | Clara AI included |
| Native proposals | Not a positioned use case | Not a positioned use case | Included |
| Financial modelling | Energy-focused outputs | Energy-focused outputs | Full proposal-grade model |
| AutoCAD DXF / DWG | Available | Available | Included |
| Mac / Linux / iPad | Yes | No (VM required) | Yes |
Rows reflect each vendor’s published feature set and pricing at time of writing. Confirm current scope and price with each vendor before deciding.
Where PVsyst Wins
Where HelioScope Wins
HelioScope’s browser workflow and C&I layout flexibility are more productive day-to-day for engineering teams that ship a lot of projects. The simulation engine is widely respected for residential, C&I, and small utility.
Why SurgePV Is the Third Option
SurgePV ships browser-based solar simulation software that mirrors PVsyst’s bankable methodology, included on every paid plan. The platform adds:
- AI 3D roof modeling from satellite
- Clara AI natural-language design assistant
- Solar financial modeling with country tariffs
- DXF/DWG export for AutoCAD handoff
- Branded solar proposals with e-signature in 9 languages
- QuickEstimate as the sister CRM
Pricing: HelioScope + PVsyst vs SurgePV
1-engineer solo
- HelioScope Entry + PVsyst Standard: ~$1,700 per year
- SurgePV Individual: $1,899 per year (all included, no Windows VM)
3-engineer team
- HelioScope Mid + PVsyst Standard x 3 + proposal tool: ~$9,000 to $12,000 per year
- SurgePV 3-User Team: $4,497 per year (all included)
5-engineer team
- HelioScope Mid + PVsyst Standard × 5 + proposal tool + CRM: $15,000 to $20,000 per year
- SurgePV 5-User Team: $6,495 per year (all included)
One license replaces HelioScope plus PVsyst plus proposal tool
SurgePV ships browser-based bankable simulation plus the rest of the stack at $1,299 to $1,899 per user per year.
Compare PlansAnnual billing · Cancel anytime · Includes Clara AI
Who Should Choose Each
- Choose PVsyst if a specific lender insists on a PVsyst report by name on first-of-its-kind projects.
- Choose HelioScope if browser-based engineering productivity is your single biggest constraint and you have a separate proposal tool.
- Choose SurgePV if you want browser-based bankable simulation plus the proposal stack plus financials in one license.
For most engineering teams in 2026, SurgePV consolidates the HelioScope plus PVsyst plus proposal stack into one workflow. See the full HelioScope vs PVsyst comparison for the complete breakdown.
Ready to bring the full stack into one browser tool?
SurgePV combines browser-based bankable simulation, AI 3D roof modeling, Clara AI, financial modelling, and white-label proposals in one platform.
Book a Free DemoFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, HelioScope or PVsyst?
Are HelioScope and PVsyst yield reports equivalent?
Is HelioScope or PVsyst cheaper?
Can I use HelioScope and PVsyst together?
Why would I consider SurgePV instead?
Which works on Mac, HelioScope or PVsyst?
How do I switch from HelioScope plus PVsyst to one tool?
Nirav Dhanani CEO, Qbits Energy
Co-founder & CEO driving Qbits Energy's product strategy and growth across India.