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Top 7 SAM (System Advisor Model) Alternatives

Compare the top solar design competitors to SAM (System Advisor Model) on pricing, ratings, target audience, integrations, and key features.

 
SAM (System Advisor Model)

Free performance and financial modeling from NREL

Sponsored
Aurora Solar

Remote solar design & sales software

PVsyst

The industry-standard PV simulation engine

Sponsored
OpenSolar

Free end-to-end solar sales platform

PVcase

AutoCAD-based design software for utility-scale solar

Solargis

Bankable solar resource data and analysis

Scanifly

AI and drone-based solar design and verification

HelioScope

Commercial solar design and performance modeling

Rating4.7(58)4.8(312)4.7(156)4.6(245)4.6(98)4.6(73)4.6(71)4.5(189)
PricingFreeCustom QuotePerpetual LicenseFreemiumCustom QuoteCustom QuotePer Seat / MoFrom $99/mo
Free Trial Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
Target Audience
ResidentialCommercialUtility
ResidentialCommercial
CommercialUtility
ResidentialCommercial
UtilityCommercial
UtilityCommercial
Residential
CommercialUtility
Key Features
  • Free and open-source performance modeling
  • Detailed financial modeling for PV and storage
  • Weather data integration for accurate yield estimates
  • Widely used standard in academic and government analysis
  • Remote LiDAR-based site modeling with no in-person survey required
  • Automated shade analysis and production estimates
  • Permit-ready design packages generated in minutes
  • Branded, interactive proposals for faster customer sign-off
  • Detailed loss diagram and shading simulation
  • Extensive database of modules, inverters, and trackers
  • Bankable P50/P90 energy yield reporting
  • Support for grid-tied, off-grid, and pumping systems
  • Free core platform with no per-seat licensing cost
  • Built-in CRM for lead and pipeline management
  • Integrated financing and incentive calculators
  • 3D satellite-based design tools
  • Automated ground-mount and tracker layout generation
  • AutoCAD-native workflow for engineering teams
  • Automatic cabling and electrical BOM output
  • Terrain-aware grading and civil design tools
  • 20+ years of satellite-derived solar irradiance data
  • Bankable site assessment reports
  • Global coverage with high spatial resolution
  • API access for integration into design tools
  • AI-assisted preliminary design from satellite imagery
  • Drone-based on-site verification and 3D modeling
  • Real-time shading analysis from captured data
  • Seamless handoff from sales to install-ready design
  • 3D shading and irradiance modeling for C&I rooftops
  • Automatic stringing and electrical layout
  • Bankable energy yield simulation reports
  • Component database with real inverter and module specs
Integrations
PVsystSolargis API
SalesforceHubSpotSolarEdge APIEnphase APIDocuSignQuickBooks
MeteonormPVGISSAM
SalesforceStripeSolarEdge APIEnphase APIXeroZapier
AutoCADSketchUpRevit
API AccessPVsystSAMHelioScope
Aurora SolarOpenSolarSolarEdge API
Aurora SolarSolarEdge APIEnphase APIAutoCAD
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Direct comparisons

SAM (System Advisor Model) vs Aurora SolarSAM (System Advisor Model) vs PVsystSAM (System Advisor Model) vs OpenSolarSAM (System Advisor Model) vs PVcaseSAM (System Advisor Model) vs SolargisSAM (System Advisor Model) vs ScaniflySAM (System Advisor Model) vs HelioScope

Listings marked “Sponsored” include paid placement. See our ranking methodology for details.