DIgSILENT PowerFactory
DIgSILENT PowerFactory: A mature desktop suite for advanced power-system simulation, protection and planning studies. Ranked #14 of 41 in Electrical Design Software by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for advanced grid simulation and protection studies.
At a glance
- Editor score6.0 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forAdvanced grid simulation and protection studies
- Free planNo
- Founded1985 · Gomaringen, Germany
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Covers balanced, unbalanced, AC and DC network analysis
- Combines stability, EMT, protection, harmonics and motor studies
- Offers Python, DPL, C++ and industrial data interfaces
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop deployment limits cloud and self-hosted options
- Contact-sales pricing makes budget comparison less direct
- Its breadth may exceed the needs of narrow electrical studies
Our verdict on DIgSILENT PowerFactory
DIgSILENT PowerFactory is desktop electrical power-system analysis software for utilities, power producers, industrial operators, renewable-energy organisations and engineering teams. Its scope covers generation, transmission, distribution and industrial networks, supporting planning, design and operational studies. The product brings network modelling, diagrams, reporting and data conversion together with load-flow, short-circuit, protection, power-quality, stability and electromagnetic-transient analysis. That breadth makes it suitable for teams that need several study types in one environment rather than a tool focused on a single calculation.
The standout strength is the depth of its simulation and protection coverage. PowerFactory supports balanced and unbalanced AC and DC load-flow analysis, international-standard short-circuit calculations and multiple fault methods. It also includes quasi-dynamic, RMS stability and electromagnetic-transient simulation, alongside protection modelling, coordination and audit tools. Cable sizing, motor-starting analysis, harmonics and power-quality studies extend the workflow into common design and operational checks. For teams handling complex grid models or protection studies, this range can reduce the need to split work across narrowly focused applications.
Integration options support automation and connection to external systems. Python, the DIgSILENT Programming Language and a C++ API provide scripting and development paths, while OPC DA/UA, IEEE C37.118 and FMI 2.0 support data exchange and interoperability. The published deployment model is Windows desktop software, so organisations seeking cloud or self-hosted deployment should consider alternatives. Pricing is handled through contact sales, making the product a better fit for established engineering teams evaluating a substantial analysis environment than for buyers seeking a free plan or simple, lightweight scheduling-style software.
DIgSILENT PowerFactory pricing
DIgSILENT PowerFactory fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Schematic capture | Not verified |
| Panel design | Not verified |
| Electrical simulation | Advanced |
| Standards libraries | Yes |
| MCAD integration | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Compliance & security | GDPR |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: Python, DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL), C++ API, OPC DA/UA, IEEE C37.118, FMI 2.0 See all → |
| Pricing | Pricing on request (source) |
| Website | digsilent.de |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
DIgSILENT PowerFactory integrations
DIgSILENT PowerFactory lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- Python
- DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL)
- C++ API
- OPC DA/UA
- IEEE C37.118
- FMI 2.0
See all DIgSILENT PowerFactory integrations →
Alternatives to DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- ETAPA broad electrical engineering platform for modeling, analysis, field workflows, and automation.9.6
- Trimble Electrical DesignerA standards-focused suite for calculating, validating and reporting electrical system designs.8.1
- EPLAN Electric P8A broad ECAD tool for structured electrical documentation and production workflows.7.7
See all DIgSILENT PowerFactory alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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