PVsyst vs BlueSol

PVsyst8.4Visit BlueSol8.2Visit

Higher score PVsyst #6 in Solar Software 8.4/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 5 features Visit PVsyst

vs

BlueSol #7 in Solar Software 8.2/10 15-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 5 features Visit BlueSol

• PVsyst fits best

  Modelers needing detailed PV simulation and analysis

• BlueSol fits best

  Desktop users designing and documenting PV systems

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	PVsyst 8.4/10 Visit ↗	BlueSol 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.4	8.2
Ranking	#6 in Solar Software	#7 in Solar Software
Best for	Modelers needing detailed PV simulation and analysis	Desktop users designing and documenting PV systems
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	25 CHF/device/yr	—
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	15 days
Free trial length	30 days	15 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows, macOS
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Tickets, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market
Features PVsyst 2/5 · BlueSol 3/5
PV design & simulation	✓	✓
Financial modeling	✓	✓
Proposal builder	—	Not checked yet
System monitoring	—	Not checked yet
Permit documentation	—	✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment platform	Desktop	Desktop
Our review
Pros	Models grid-connected, standalone and pumping PV systems Detailed shading, storage, loss and financial analysis CLI automation plus multiple meteorological data sources	Designs grid-connected, stand-alone and AC/DC-coupled storage systems Combines shading analysis, production simulation and economic modeling Generates editable electrical schemes and project reports
Cons	Windows desktop software limits operating-system flexibility Professional license costs 700 CHF per year Reports carry watermarks or generic manufacturers on lower tiers	Desktop deployment rules out a native browser-based workflow macOS use requires a virtual machine running Windows The lifetime license applies only to the purchased version
Our verdict	PVsyst is desktop software for designing, simulating and analyzing photovoltaic systems. It serves solar professionals modeling grid-connected, standalone and pumping projects, from system sizing through annual energy, loss and economic… Read the review →	BlueSol Design is desktop software for designing and documenting photovoltaic systems, aimed at small and mid-market teams working on PV projects. It supports grid-connected, stand-alone and AC/DC-coupled storage configurations, with array… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• PVsyst — where it wins

  • Models grid-connected, standalone and pumping PV systems
  • Detailed shading, storage, loss and financial analysis
  • CLI automation plus multiple meteorological data sources

  Where it doesn't

  • Windows desktop software limits operating-system flexibility
  • Professional license costs 700 CHF per year
  • Reports carry watermarks or generic manufacturers on lower tiers

• BlueSol — where it wins

  • Designs grid-connected, stand-alone and AC/DC-coupled storage systems
  • Combines shading analysis, production simulation and economic modeling
  • Generates editable electrical schemes and project reports

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop deployment rules out a native browser-based workflow
  • macOS use requires a virtual machine running Windows
  • The lifetime license applies only to the purchased version

• PVsyst8.4/10 · 30-day trial

  Detailed PV simulation, shading, storage and financial analysis for Windows.

  Visit PVsystFull verdict →
• BlueSol8.2/10 · 15-day trial

  A desktop PV design tool spanning system simulation, financial analysis and project documentation.

  Visit BlueSolFull verdict →