HelioScope vs SAM (System Advisor Model)

A side-by-side comparison of pricing, ratings, target audience, integrations, and key features to help solar businesses choose between HelioScope and SAM (System Advisor Model).

	HelioScope Commercial solar design and performance modeling	SAM (System Advisor Model) Free performance and financial modeling from NREL
Rating	4.5(189)	4.7(58)
Pricing	From $99/mo	Free
Free Trial	Yes	Yes
Target Audience	CommercialUtility	ResidentialCommercialUtility
Key Features	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	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
Integrations	Aurora SolarSolarEdge APIEnphase APIAutoCAD	PVsystSolargis API
	Visit Website	Visit Website

Quick takeaways

Rating: SAM (System Advisor Model) has the edge.
Review volume: HelioScope has the edge.
Integration breadth: HelioScope has the edge.

These takeaways summarize the data above and aren't a recommendation. See our ranking methodology for how listings and ratings are compiled.

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