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Head-to-head · Solar Software

PVsyst vs System Advisor Model (SAM)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score PVsyst #6 in Solar Software 8.4/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 5 features Visit PVsyst
System Advisor Model (SAM) #8 in Solar Software 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit SAM

PVsyst leads on 0 checks, System Advisor Model (SAM) on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePVsyst · 8.4/10
  • Free planonly System Advisor Model (SAM)
  • Free trialonly PVsyst

PVsyst scores higher on our rubric for solar software: 8.4 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

System Advisor Model (SAM) offers free plan; PVsyst doesn't.

PVsyst is the better fit for modelers needing detailed PV simulation and analysis. System Advisor Model (SAM) is the better fit for analysts seeking free, scriptable PV and financial modeling.

  • PVsyst fits best

    Modelers needing detailed PV simulation and analysis

  • System Advisor Model (SAM) fits best

    Analysts seeking free, scriptable PV and financial modeling

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 ↗ System Advisor Model (SAM) 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.4 8.1
Ranking #6 in Solar Software #8 in Solar Software
Best for Modelers needing detailed PV simulation and analysis Analysts seeking free, scriptable PV and financial modeling
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price 25 CHF/device/yr Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features PVsyst 2/5 · System Advisor Model (SAM) 2/5
PV design & simulation ✓ ✓
Financial modeling ✓ ✓
Proposal builder — —
System monitoring — —
Permit documentation — —
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
  • Detailed PV modeling includes module, inverter, shading, and loss calculations.
  • Models cash flows across residential, PPA, community solar, and other project types.
  • Parametric and stochastic simulations, P50/P90 analysis, and an SDK/API are available.
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 software rather than a web-based platform.
  • Does not include proposal-building features.
  • Does not include monitoring portals or permit sets.
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 →

System Advisor Model (SAM) is free, open-source desktop software from the National Laboratory of the Rockies for analyzing the technical and financial feasibility of power-generation projects. It is aimed at project managers, engineers,…

Read the review →
  1. PVsystSolar Software 8.430-day trial
  2. System Advisor Model (SAM)Solar Software 8.1Free plan

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

  • System Advisor Model (SAM) — where it wins

    • Detailed PV modeling includes module, inverter, shading, and loss calculations.
    • Models cash flows across residential, PPA, community solar, and other project types.
    • Parametric and stochastic simulations, P50/P90 analysis, and an SDK/API are available.

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop software rather than a web-based platform.
    • Does not include proposal-building features.
    • Does not include monitoring portals or permit sets.
  • PVsyst8.4/10 · 30-day trial

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

    Visit PVsystFull verdict →
  • System Advisor Model (SAM)8.1/10 · Free plan

    Open-source PV and project-finance modeling for analysts who want desktop tools and scripting.

    Visit SAMFull verdict →

More comparisons

All solar software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update