Valentin PV*SOL – Premium Solar Design Software
Design PV Systems quickly & with precision.
3D planning, yield simulation and comprehensive reports for professional quotes.
All in one software.
What is PV*SOL?
PV*SOL and PV*SOL Premium are the industry-leading software design tools for simulating photovoltaic system performance. They are both full-featured programs with the difference being that PV*SOL Premium allows you to use 3D to model shading and visualise landscapes.
With PV*SOL Premium you can design a PV system in as little as 30 minutes and produce comprehensive reports for yourself and your client.
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The PV*SOL software has been constantly optimised since 1998 and is at the cutting edge of the PV software market. This solar design software will not only help make solar design easier, it will make your design more precise, comprehensive and understandable to the client.
PV*SOL and PV*SOL Premium enable the planning of photovoltaic systems for very different system types – from a rooftop installation on a small family home to a large PV plant with up to 1,000 modules.
System designers are supported by clear step-by-step user guidance, constantly updated databases of climate and insolation data, as well as the data available on the market for modules and inverters.
The program gives system designers concrete configuration recommendations, but always allows the free configuration of the components.
The detailed project report generated presents the results clearly and thus provides useful support in reaching convincing decisions for all those involved in the implementation of the solar system.
Accurate Predictions
Make better design decisions based on intelligent simulation models of your PV solar system
Detailed proposals
Help clients and partners understand the specifics of their solar installation with appealing professional reports
Financial forecasting
Incorporate financial incentives and complex tariff structures resulting in better financial planning
Current databases
Make use of a comprehensive up-to-date online product database. Access data records on over 21,000 PV modules, 5,100 inverters, 1,900 battery systems and more.
Professional schematics and reports in minutes with PV*SOL premium
How does PV*SOL help your business?
Features and Benefits
- Design of grid-connected systems with full feed-in or net metering
- Determination of the possible number of modules based on a digital photo (Photo Plan)
- Freely-configurable roof forms
- Design of mounted systems with any orientation
- Interactive climate data selection from the climate database with over 8,000 global data records
- Entry of the displacement factor (cos phi) for the provision of reactive power
- Presentation of the configuration plan
- Financial analysis
- Presentation of all simulation results in a detailed project report as a compelling basis for decision-making for designers, building owners/developers and financers
Predict yield with detailed 3D Shading Analysis
Extrude buildings from floor plans, cadastral maps and map screenshots.
Import complex Time of Use (TOU) and inclined block tariffs
Who uses PV*SOL?
PV*SOL is the preferred simulation software of some of the world’s biggest and most innovative solar companies as well as smaller solar businesses. Here is some feedback from solar installers experienced in using the software in projects big and small.
Nicolaas Faure van Schalkwyk
Energy Research Engineer at SUNCybernetics
Barnie Engelbrecht
Business owner at Atlantic Solar Namibia
Willem van Schalkwyk
Managing Director Peak Power Solutions
What does it cost?
PV*SOL and PV*SOL premium user-based licenses can be accessed for periods of 3 months or 12 months at a time. A user-based license is defined as one license per user that can be used on any number of devices, as long as this does not happen at the same time. License holders receive all program and database updates and can always use the latest features.
Access PV*SOL premium 2025 today
12 Months Access – R17 745 (excl. VAT)
3 Months Access R5 985 (excl. VAT)
Pauses between access periods are possible.
Free Trial
• PV*SOL premium 2025
• Free 30-Day trial
• All features, including 3D and 2D shading analysis
• Access to full database of products
What’s the difference between PV*SOL and PV*SOL premium?
| PV*SOL Premium | PV*SOL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | R17 745 ex VAT (12 months access) | R12 285 ex VAT (12 months access) |
| Grid Connected and AC-coupled Off-Grid Systems with storage | ||
| Storage Systems | ||
| Electric Car Option | ||
| PV tracking systems and floating PV | ||
| Comprehensive component database and Meteonorm Climate Data | ||
| Feasibility with Feed-In and Net-Metering Tarrifs | ||
| Regular Database Updates | ||
| Choice of predefined or custom load profiles. Import and combine load profiles | ||
| Detailed Project Report | ||
| 2D Roof Visualization | ||
| 3D Visualization and Yield Simulation | ||
| 3D Shading Analysis | ||
| Import 3D Files from CAD Programs, Maps and Ground Plans |
Financing now available. We offer operating rental financing for PV*SOL premium over 12 months.
Financing now available. We offer operating rental financing for PV*SOL premium over 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the license work?
Users purchase one license per user for a limited period of time (12 months or 3 months) that can be used on any number of devices, as long as this does not happen at the same time.
With an active user license, you always have access to the latest software version, receive all program and database updates and have access to Valentin’s technical support via e-mail and telephone.
Is the software cloud-based?
No, the software is not cloud software. Users need to download and install the software via Valentin’s download page.
However, users need to sign in to use the software and must be online to do so.
The advantage with the user-based license is that the software can be used on any number of devices – as long as this does not happen at the same time.
What is the Valentin License Portal?
The Valentin License Portal is an online portal where License Managers can independently manage their company’s new user licenses and assign them to their License Users. License Users do not have access to the portal.
You can find step-by-step instructions on using the Valentin License Portal here: https://help.valentin-software.com/pvsol/en/licensing/licensing-in-program-user-license/
What are License Managers and License Users?
The licensing model provides for two different roles: License Manager and License User.
License Managers are responsible for independently managing your company’s new user licenses in the Valentin License Portal and assigning them to License Users. Your company needs at least one License Manager.
License Users use the licenses assigned to them to activate and work with their software. Your company can have multiple License Users.
You can find step-by-step instructions on using the Valentin License Portal here: https://help.valentin-software.com/pvsol/en/licensing/licensing-in-program-user-license/
What are the system requirements to run PV*SOL and PV*SOL Premium?
These are the current system requirements. For updates please visit Valentin Software’s product page for more information.
PV*SOL premium
Internet Access: Necessary
Processor: Intel i3 or equivalent
Memory: 4 GB
Hard Disk Drive: 850 MB
Monitor Resolution: at least 1.024 x 768 pixel
Operating System: Windows Vista, Windows 7 (latest service packs each), Windows 8, Windows 10
Graphics: DirectX- compatible (at least Vers. 9.0c), 1 GB, OpenGL – Support
Other: Microsoft .Net Framework 4.5.2 Redistributable Package
PV*SOL
Internet Access: Necessary
Processor: 1,5 GHz Pentium PC
Memory: 3 GB
Hard Disk Drive: 800 MB
Monitor Resolution: at least 1.024 x 768 pixel
Operating System: Windows Vista, Windows 7 (latest service packs each), Windows 8, Windows 10
Graphics: DirectX- compatible (at least Vers. 9.0c), 128 MB, OpenGL – Support
Other: Microsoft .Net Framework 4.0 Redistributable Package
Can I use my own company logo in the project report?
Yes, you can import the desired logo directly into the program project report options. Alternatively, the report can be exported into Microsoft Word and further customised there.
Can I run PV*SOL and PV*SOL Premium on Apple Mac computers or Linux systems?
Valentin software is developed to run on Windows operating systems. Additional software is required, such as VMWare or VirtualPC, in order to use Valentin programs on a Mac or with Linux.
Please note that Valentin Software does not provide support for Mac or Linux installations but is aware of many users who use this method. You should be able to find more information on this subject on the Valentin forum: https://forum.valentin-software.com/forum/12-pvsol/
What capabilities and limitations do the demo versions have?
The 30-day trial version of PV*SOL premium gives you access to all features; the only limitation is that you are not able to save or print the project reports generated. Note: the 30-day trial begins on the day you download the software.
Can I continue to use my existing software without switching to the new user license model?
Yes, you can use the perpetual licenses acquired before 19 November 2024 indefinitely.
PV*SOL premium delivers detailed financial modelling that helps you seal the deal.
PV*SOL premium delivers detailed financial modelling that helps you seal the deal.
Who are the people behind PV*SOL?
PV*SOL and PV*SOL Premium were developed by Valentin Software, which was established in Germany in 1988 by Dr. Ing. Gerhard Valentin. The company has gone on to become the worldwide leading provider in innovative planning software for sustainable energy supply.
Currently Valentin Software GmbH is led by the managing director Mr. Steffen Lindemann.
While the company is based in Germany, they have customers around the world in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Dr. Ing. Gerhard Valentin
Founder
Nicola Rosenkranz
Managing Director Valentin Software GmbH
Alex Hattingh
Valentin Software Salesperson in South Africa
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