PVsyst
Swiss simulation software for grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems, with hourly and sub-hourly modelling and a published annual price
Quick Overview
| Company | PVsyst SA |
|---|---|
| Category | Solar Design and Proposal Software |
| Headquarters | Satigny, Switzerland |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Switzerland (CH) |
| Data Location | Local installation |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Desktop software, installed locally |
| Main Features | Hourly and sub-hourly simulation, component databases, profitability calculation, command-line automation (PVsystCLI), pumping module (PVsystBasic) |
| Pricing | PVsyst 8 Professional CHF 700 per year; PVsystCLI CHF 3,000 per year (checked 27 October 2026) |
| Best For | Engineers who need a yield simulation for permits, financing or technical reports |
| Replaces | HelioScope, Aurora Solar (yield side) |
Detailed Review
PVsyst is a simulation tool first. PVsyst 8 models grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems, uses large equipment databases and calculates project profitability, with hourly and sub-hourly simulation for detailed analysis.
PVsyst SA is located at Route de la Maison-Carrée 30 in Satigny, Switzerland. The company offers support by email, forum, FAQ, PDF tutorials and video in English and French.
A Published Price Ladder
The shop lists PVsyst 8 Professional at CHF 700 per year with updates included and access to PVsyst 7, with discounts of 5 percent for 2 to 4 licences, 15 percent for 5 to 9 and 20 percent for 10 or more.
Education licences are CHF 420 per year, student and classroom licences CHF 25 per year, and training or research licences CHF 560 per year.
Automation
PVsystCLI runs simulations and converts weather files from the command line, bundled in the PVsyst 8 installer, for scripts and batch work. It costs CHF 3,000 per year and PVsyst 8 is strongly recommended alongside it.
Two months of free trial and 250 simulation runs are offered for the CLI.
Off-Grid Pumping
PVsystBasic is a separate guided tool for direct solar pumping in off-grid sites, at CHF 25 per year with a 30-day trial.
Together the three products cover on-grid design, batch simulation and a narrow off-grid niche.
Limitations to Consider
PVsyst does not include a CRM, customer proposals or lead handling, so installers selling to households will need other tools next to it. Prices are in Swiss francs and per user per year. The pages describe a downloadable program, not a hosted collaborative workspace.
Who Should Use PVsyst
Engineering firms, developers and technically minded installers who must produce yield studies that financiers and authorities accept.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Published annual price in the shop
- Volume discounts on grouped licences
- Hourly and sub-hourly simulation
- Command-line automation available
- One-month free trial
Cons
- No quoting or CRM features
- Priced in CHF per user per year
- Desktop only on pages checked
- Narrow focus on simulation
Alternatives to PVsyst
Other European solar design and proposal software worth comparing before you decide:
Eturnity
Switzerland · 3D roof design, quotes and project workflow for installers
Reonic
Germany · CRM, solar design and quoting in one installer platform
Sollit
Netherlands · Inspection, PV design and quoting for Dutch installers
PV*SOL
Germany · 3D PV design and simulation with detailed shading analysis
See all European solar design and proposal software or compare them directly against HelioScope on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
PVsyst 8 Professional is listed at CHF 700 per year in the vendor shop, with grouped-order discounts up to 20 percent.
Yes, PVsyst 8 has a one-month free trial and PVsystCLI a two-month trial with 250 runs.
No. It focuses on simulation and technical analysis; pair it with a quoting platform such as <a href="/tool/eturnity">Eturnity</a> for sales.