How does SolarScope compare to HelioScope?

SolarScope focuses on AI-powered solar site analysis and feasibility assessment using real-time NREL and NASA data, starting at $99/year. HelioScope specializes in detailed commercial PV system performance simulation and layout design at $95–259/month. SolarScope is better for early-stage site analysis; HelioScope is better for detailed performance modeling of final system designs.

Is SolarScope cheaper than HelioScope?

Yes. SolarScope starts at $99/year versus HelioScope's pricing from $95–259/month. The annual cost of HelioScope ($1,140–$3,108/year) is 11–31x more than SolarScope. For teams primarily doing site screening and analysis rather than detailed performance simulation, SolarScope provides strong value.

Which is better for commercial solar design: SolarScope or HelioScope?

For detailed commercial PV system layout, string sizing, shading analysis, and energy yield simulation, HelioScope's design tools are industry-leading. For commercial solar site analysis — evaluating irradiance, grid capacity, environmental constraints, and AI-driven feasibility — SolarScope provides fast, accurate results. The two tools are complementary in a typical commercial solar workflow.

Does SolarScope have simulation features like HelioScope?

SolarScope provides production estimates based on NREL irradiance data and industry-standard performance ratios for systems ranging from 5 kW to 5 MW, but does not offer the same level of component-level energy yield simulation as HelioScope. HelioScope's simulation engine models individual module, inverter, and wiring behavior. SolarScope is optimized for rapid screening rather than final-design simulation.

Can I switch from HelioScope to SolarScope?

If your primary workflow is site screening, feasibility analysis, and project planning rather than detailed system design, SolarScope can replace or supplement HelioScope at a significantly lower cost. SolarScope does not replace HelioScope's detailed performance simulation capabilities. Many users benefit from using SolarScope for early-stage analysis and HelioScope for final design.

What data does SolarScope use compared to HelioScope?

SolarScope uses NREL's Solar Resource API, NASA POWER API, ArcGIS Living Atlas, and FEMA flood data. HelioScope uses its own satellite-derived irradiance database alongside TMY (Typical Meteorological Year) weather data for simulation. Both platforms draw on high-quality solar resource data, though their processing and simulation methodologies differ significantly.

Is SolarScope a good alternative to HelioScope for small businesses?

Yes. For small solar companies, independent consultants, and project developers who need accurate site analysis without the cost of HelioScope's full simulation suite, SolarScope is an excellent alternative. At $99/year with AI-powered analysis, irradiance data, grid mapping, and financial estimates, SolarScope provides strong value for teams doing fewer large-scale projects.

solarscope.io vs HelioScope: Complete 2026 Comparison

Comparing solar analysis approaches for commercial and industrial projects.

Note: HelioScope was acquired by Aurora Solar in 2022 and now operates as part of the Aurora platform. This comparison reflects HelioScope's continued availability as a standalone commercial solar design tool.

Quick Verdict: HelioScope is a detailed commercial solar design tool with CAD-style layouts and performance modeling. solarscope.io focuses on fast AI-powered site analysis and feasibility. Choose HelioScope for final system design; choose solarscope.io for rapid site screening at 95% lower cost.

Overview

HelioScope is a web-based solar design tool focused on commercial and industrial (C&I) projects. Originally an independent company, it was acquired by Aurora Solar in 2022. HelioScope is known for its detailed system design capabilities, including layout optimization, stringing, and production modeling. Pricing ranges from $95-259 per user per month.

solarscope.io is an AI-powered solar site analysis platform that delivers feasibility assessments in minutes. It combines NREL/PVGIS data, infrastructure mapping (transmission lines, flood zones), and AI analysis to evaluate sites quickly. Pricing starts at $99/year.

Who Should Use Each Tool?

Choose HelioScope if:

You need detailed commercial system design with exact panel layouts
You require precise production modeling for project financing
You need CAD-style design tools with stringing optimization
Your clients expect detailed technical documentation
You're designing systems for construction and permitting

Choose solarscope.io if:

You need to quickly assess if a site is viable before detailed design
You're screening multiple sites for development opportunities
You want AI-powered analysis with natural language interaction
You need infrastructure data (grid, transmission, flood zones)
You want professional feasibility reports at minimal cost

Feature Comparison

Feature	solarscope.io	HelioScope
Primary Purpose	Site analysis & feasibility	System design & engineering
AI Analysis	✓ Full AI agent with natural language	Not included
Time to Results	Minutes	Hours (detailed design)
Panel Layout Design	Not included	✓ Detailed CAD-style
String Sizing	Not included	✓ Automatic optimization
Production Modeling	Solar potential estimates	✓ Detailed PVsyst-comparable
Grid Infrastructure	✓ Transmission lines, substations	Not included
Flood Zone Data	✓ FEMA data integrated	Not included
Utility-Scale Support	✓ Any scale	C&I focused (limited utility)
Learning Curve	Low — intuitive	Medium — CAD familiarity helps
3D Visualization	Map-based with data layers	✓ 3D system view

Pricing Comparison

Plan	solarscope.io	HelioScope
Entry Level	$99/year ($8/month)	~$95/user/month
Professional	$299/year ($25/month)	~$259/user/month
Annual Cost (1 user)	$99 - $299	$1,140 - $3,108
Team of 5 (annual)	$495 - $1,495	$5,700 - $15,540

solarscope.io's Pro plan for an entire year costs less than one month of HelioScope Pro.

Different Stages of the Solar Workflow

solarscope.io and HelioScope serve different stages of project development:

Stage	Best Tool	Why
Site Discovery	solarscope.io	Fast screening, infrastructure data, AI analysis
Feasibility Assessment	solarscope.io	Quick solar potential, grid access, constraints
Go/No-Go Decision	solarscope.io	AI-powered recommendations, minutes not hours
System Design	HelioScope	Detailed layouts, stringing, exact production
Permit Documentation	HelioScope	Engineering drawings, technical specs
Financial Modeling	Both	solarscope.io for estimates, HelioScope for bankable

The Smart Workflow: Use Both

Many commercial solar developers use this approach:

Screen 10 sites with solarscope.io (30 minutes total, $99/year)
Identify 3 viable candidates using AI analysis and infrastructure data
Design the best 1-2 in HelioScope for client proposals

This workflow saves significant time and money — you're only doing detailed design work on pre-qualified sites.

What solarscope.io Does Better

Speed: Full site assessment in minutes, not hours
AI Analysis: Ask questions in natural language, get detailed answers
Infrastructure Data: Transmission lines, substations, flood zones built-in
Price: 95% lower cost for site analysis phase
Scale Flexibility: Works for utility-scale, not just C&I

What HelioScope Does Better

Detailed Design: Exact panel placement, row spacing, setbacks
Production Modeling: Bankable energy estimates for financing
String Optimization: Automatic inverter and string sizing
Technical Documentation: Engineering-ready outputs
Industry Standard: Widely accepted by financiers and EPCs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solarscope.io a replacement for HelioScope?

Not exactly — they serve different purposes. solarscope.io excels at fast site analysis and feasibility. HelioScope excels at detailed system design. Many users use solarscope.io to screen sites quickly, then HelioScope for final engineering on qualified projects.

Can solarscope.io generate bankable production estimates?

solarscope.io provides solar potential estimates using authoritative data (NREL, PVGIS). For bankable production estimates required by project financiers, tools like HelioScope or PVsyst are typically expected.

Does solarscope.io work for commercial rooftop projects?

Yes. solarscope.io can assess any site for solar feasibility, including commercial rooftops. However, it doesn't provide the detailed roof layout and design tools that HelioScope offers.

Is HelioScope still independent from Aurora?

HelioScope was acquired by Aurora Solar in 2022 but continues to operate as a separate product focused on commercial solar. Some integration exists between the platforms.

Why use solarscope.io when HelioScope is industry-standard?

Cost and speed. solarscope.io costs $99/year vs $1,000+/year for HelioScope. For early-stage site screening when you're evaluating many potential locations, solarscope.io's AI-powered analysis is faster and more affordable. Use HelioScope when you need detailed design.

The Bottom Line

HelioScope is the industry standard for commercial solar design. When you need detailed engineering, production modeling, and documentation for financing, HelioScope delivers.

solarscope.io is the smart first step. Screen sites in minutes with AI-powered analysis, infrastructure data, and feasibility assessment. Qualify projects before spending design time.

The winning approach: Use solarscope.io ($99/year) to find the right projects, then HelioScope for final design. You'll save time and money while improving project selection.

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