Why Use an Online Solar Simulator?
Online solar simulators are revolutionizing how we approach renewable energy projects. These tools allow you
to obtain an accurate estimate of your roof's solar potential without immediately needing to call a
professional. They provide an accessible first approach to evaluate the feasibility of a solar
project.
The main advantage of an online solar simulator lies in its ability to provide personalized data based on geographic location, roof orientation, and local climate conditions. This personalization delivers much more accurate results than generic estimates.
Furthermore, these tools enable comparison of different installation scenarios, evaluation of various solar panel types, and calculation of potential return on investment. This flexibility proves particularly useful for making informed decisions before investing in a solar installation.
The main advantage of an online solar simulator lies in its ability to provide personalized data based on geographic location, roof orientation, and local climate conditions. This personalization delivers much more accurate results than generic estimates.
Furthermore, these tools enable comparison of different installation scenarios, evaluation of various solar panel types, and calculation of potential return on investment. This flexibility proves particularly useful for making informed decisions before investing in a solar installation.
Essential Criteria for a Good Solar Simulator
Accuracy of Meteorological Data
The quality of meteorological data forms the foundation of any effective solar simulator. The best tools rely on comprehensive, regularly updated weather databases. This data includes solar irradiation, average temperatures, cloud cover, and seasonal variations.
A quality simulator uses data from official weather stations and satellites, ensuring precise geographic accuracy. This precision is crucial because solar potential can vary significantly even over short distances.
The quality of meteorological data forms the foundation of any effective solar simulator. The best tools rely on comprehensive, regularly updated weather databases. This data includes solar irradiation, average temperatures, cloud cover, and seasonal variations.
A quality simulator uses data from official weather stations and satellites, ensuring precise geographic accuracy. This precision is crucial because solar potential can vary significantly even over short distances.
Intuitive User Interface
The ergonomics of an online solar simulator largely determine its adoption by users. A clear and intuitive interface allows users, even beginners, to easily navigate through the different calculation steps. The best simulators offer visual guides, explanatory tooltips, and logical progression through configuration stages.
The interface must also be responsive, adapting perfectly to different devices (computers, tablets, smartphones). This multi-platform accessibility has become essential in 2025.
The ergonomics of an online solar simulator largely determine its adoption by users. A clear and intuitive interface allows users, even beginners, to easily navigate through the different calculation steps. The best simulators offer visual guides, explanatory tooltips, and logical progression through configuration stages.
The interface must also be responsive, adapting perfectly to different devices (computers, tablets, smartphones). This multi-platform accessibility has become essential in 2025.
Flexible Usage Options
A good simulator should offer different access levels according to users' needs and budget. The ideal approach is to start free to test the tool, then have paid options for advanced features based on project requirements.
This approach allows individuals to perform an initial assessment without commitment, while professionals can access more sophisticated tools through subscriptions adapted to their activity.
A good simulator should offer different access levels according to users' needs and budget. The ideal approach is to start free to test the tool, then have paid options for advanced features based on project requirements.
This approach allows individuals to perform an initial assessment without commitment, while professionals can access more sophisticated tools through subscriptions adapted to their activity.
Essential Features for 2025
Precise Geographic Analysis
Modern simulators integrate advanced geolocation technologies and high-resolution satellite maps. This approach allows automatic analysis of the building's environment, identification of potential shading areas, and calculation of available surface area for installation.
Geographic analysis also includes evaluation of surrounding obstacles such as trees, neighboring buildings, or terrain features that could affect solar exposure throughout the year.
Modern simulators integrate advanced geolocation technologies and high-resolution satellite maps. This approach allows automatic analysis of the building's environment, identification of potential shading areas, and calculation of available surface area for installation.
Geographic analysis also includes evaluation of surrounding obstacles such as trees, neighboring buildings, or terrain features that could affect solar exposure throughout the year.
Comprehensive Financial Simulations
Beyond energy production estimates, a good simulator must offer several types of financial analysis. This includes simulations for total resale, self-consumption with surplus sales, and complete energy independence.
The best tools also integrate projected tariff changes, inflation, and maintenance costs to provide realistic financial projections over 20 to 25 years.
Beyond energy production estimates, a good simulator must offer several types of financial analysis. This includes simulations for total resale, self-consumption with surplus sales, and complete energy independence.
The best tools also integrate projected tariff changes, inflation, and maintenance costs to provide realistic financial projections over 20 to 25 years.
Multi-Section Analysis Capability
For complex rooftops with different orientations or inclinations, the ability to analyze multiple roof sections separately constitutes an essential feature. This capability allows installation optimization while considering the specificities of each roof area.
For complex rooftops with different orientations or inclinations, the ability to analyze multiple roof sections separately constitutes an essential feature. This capability allows installation optimization while considering the specificities of each roof area.
Export and Documentation Features
The ability to export results as professional PDF reports greatly facilitates subsequent procedures. These documents are essential for presenting projects to installers, financing organizations, or building administrative files.
The ability to export results as professional PDF reports greatly facilitates subsequent procedures. These documents are essential for presenting projects to installers, financing organizations, or building administrative files.
Comparison of Main Available Simulators
PVGIS: European Scientific Excellence
PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) stands out as an essential reference for solar simulation in Europe. This scientific tool benefits from exceptional meteorological databases and particularly accurate calculation algorithms.
PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) stands out as an essential reference for solar simulation in Europe. This scientific tool benefits from exceptional meteorological databases and particularly accurate calculation algorithms.
PVGIS 5.3: The Free Classic Version
The PVGIS 5.3 version represents the reference free tool for solar potential calculations. This version offers excellent accuracy for energy production estimates and perfectly suits initial project evaluations.
Although results cannot be exported in PDF format, the reliability of calculations makes it a tool of choice for users seeking accurate estimates without advanced features.
The PVGIS 5.3 version represents the reference free tool for solar potential calculations. This version offers excellent accuracy for energy production estimates and perfectly suits initial project evaluations.
Although results cannot be exported in PDF format, the reliability of calculations makes it a tool of choice for users seeking accurate estimates without advanced features.
PVGIS24: The Modern Evolution
PVGIS24 represents the modern evolution of PVGIS with a completely redesigned user interface and advanced features. Accessible directly from the homepage, this PVGIS24 solar calculator offers a modular approach adapted to all needs.
The free version of PVGIS24 allows analysis of one roof section and PDF export of results, providing an excellent compromise for simple projects. This version also includes direct access to PVGIS 5.3 for users wanting to compare results.
PVGIS24 represents the modern evolution of PVGIS with a completely redesigned user interface and advanced features. Accessible directly from the homepage, this PVGIS24 solar calculator offers a modular approach adapted to all needs.
The free version of PVGIS24 allows analysis of one roof section and PDF export of results, providing an excellent compromise for simple projects. This version also includes direct access to PVGIS 5.3 for users wanting to compare results.
Premium, Pro, and Expert Plans
For more complex projects or professional users, PVGIS24 offers three paid plans:
For more complex projects or professional users, PVGIS24 offers three paid plans:
- Premium (€9/month): Ideal for individuals with simple projects requiring a few calculations per month
- Pro (€19/month): Designed for craftsmen and solar installers with 25 monthly project credits
- Expert (€29/month): Intended for solar independence professionals with 50 monthly credits
Google Project Sunroof
Google Project Sunroof uses Google Earth data to analyze rooftop solar potential. The tool offers attractive visualization but its availability remains geographically limited and doesn't cover French territory homogeneously.
Google Project Sunroof uses Google Earth data to analyze rooftop solar potential. The tool offers attractive visualization but its availability remains geographically limited and doesn't cover French territory homogeneously.
Installer-Developed Simulators
Many installers offer their own simulators. These tools are generally free and simple to use, but may lack neutrality and scientific accuracy compared to specialized tools.
Many installers offer their own simulators. These tools are generally free and simple to use, but may lack neutrality and scientific accuracy compared to specialized tools.
The Importance of Advanced Financial Simulation
Multi-Scenario Calculation
Modern solar financial simulation must offer several economic scenarios. The three main models are total electricity resale, self-consumption with surplus sales, and energy independence pursuit.
Each scenario presents specific advantages depending on consumption profile and owner objectives. A good simulator allows easy comparison of these different approaches.
Modern solar financial simulation must offer several economic scenarios. The three main models are total electricity resale, self-consumption with surplus sales, and energy independence pursuit.
Each scenario presents specific advantages depending on consumption profile and owner objectives. A good simulator allows easy comparison of these different approaches.
Integration of Aids and Subsidies
Advanced simulators automatically integrate available support schemes: self-consumption premiums, EDF purchase tariffs, tax credits, and regional aids. This integration ensures complete and realistic financial evaluation.
Advanced simulators automatically integrate available support schemes: self-consumption premiums, EDF purchase tariffs, tax credits, and regional aids. This integration ensures complete and realistic financial evaluation.
Long-term Projections
Financial analysis must cover the complete installation lifespan (20–25 years) integrating predictable electricity tariff evolution, inflation, and gradual panel degradation.
Financial analysis must cover the complete installation lifespan (20–25 years) integrating predictable electricity tariff evolution, inflation, and gradual panel degradation.
Tips for Optimizing Your Simulation
Data Preparation
To obtain accurate simulation, gather your electricity bills from the past 12 months, precise roof characteristics (surface, orientation, inclination), and identify potential shading sources.
Input data quality directly determines result accuracy.
To obtain accurate simulation, gather your electricity bills from the past 12 months, precise roof characteristics (surface, orientation, inclination), and identify potential shading sources.
Input data quality directly determines result accuracy.
Comparing Multiple Tools
Using at least two different simulators to validate results is recommended. Comparing PVGIS 5.3 and PVGIS24, for example, ensures estimate consistency.
Using at least two different simulators to validate results is recommended. Comparing PVGIS 5.3 and PVGIS24, for example, ensures estimate consistency.
Professional Validation
While simulators offer excellent initial approaches, having results validated by a qualified installer remains advisable for refining estimates and identifying potential technical constraints.
While simulators offer excellent initial approaches, having results validated by a qualified installer remains advisable for refining estimates and identifying potential technical constraints.
When to Choose Free or Paid Versions?
Free Version Advantages
Free tools like PVGIS 5.3 perfectly suit initial project evaluation. They offer excellent accuracy for basic calculations and allow quick feasibility determination.
Free tools like PVGIS 5.3 perfectly suit initial project evaluation. They offer excellent accuracy for basic calculations and allow quick feasibility determination.
Situations Requiring Subscription
Paid versions become essential for:
Paid versions become essential for:
- Complex rooftops requiring multiple section analysis
- Professional projects needing detailed reports
- Comparative analysis of multiple scenarios
- Specialized technical support needs
- Managing client project portfolios
Evolution of Solar Simulators
Artificial Intelligence and Optimization
Simulators progressively integrate artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically optimize installation configurations. These technologies identify the best combinations of panels, inverters, and positioning.
Simulators progressively integrate artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically optimize installation configurations. These technologies identify the best combinations of panels, inverters, and positioning.
Energy Storage System Integration
The rise of home batteries drives simulators to integrate calculation modules for storage systems. This evolution allows evaluation of battery impact on energy independence and overall profitability.
The rise of home batteries drives simulators to integrate calculation modules for storage systems. This evolution allows evaluation of battery impact on energy independence and overall profitability.
Real-time Weather Data
Progressive integration of real-time meteorological data enables refined production forecasting and optimized energy management for installations.
Progressive integration of real-time meteorological data enables refined production forecasting and optimized energy management for installations.
How to Choose According to Your Profile?
Beginner Individuals
For initial approach, start with free PVGIS 5.3 to evaluate basic potential. If the project interests you, move to PVGIS24's free version for PDF reports and more detailed analysis.
For initial approach, start with free PVGIS 5.3 to evaluate basic potential. If the project interests you, move to PVGIS24's free version for PDF reports and more detailed analysis.
Advanced Project Holders
For complex projects or multi-orientation rooftops, PVGIS24's Premium or Pro plans offer necessary features for complete analysis.
For complex projects or multi-orientation rooftops, PVGIS24's Premium or Pro plans offer necessary features for complete analysis.
Solar Professionals
Installers and engineering firms benefit from Pro or Expert plans offering sufficient monthly credits for handling multiple client files with complete professional features.
Installers and engineering firms benefit from Pro or Expert plans offering sufficient monthly credits for handling multiple client files with complete professional features.
Maximizing Simulation Accuracy
Using Precise Local Data
Integrate electricity tariffs specific to your region, local climate conditions, and current regulations. This personalization significantly improves financial projection accuracy.
Integrate electricity tariffs specific to your region, local climate conditions, and current regulations. This personalization significantly improves financial projection accuracy.
Regular Updates
With constantly evolving economic conditions, update simulations every 6 months, particularly electricity tariffs and available support schemes.
With constantly evolving economic conditions, update simulations every 6 months, particularly electricity tariffs and available support schemes.
Sensitivity Analysis
Test different scenarios (consumption variations, tariff evolution, different panel technologies) to evaluate project robustness against uncertainties.
Test different scenarios (consumption variations, tariff evolution, different panel technologies) to evaluate project robustness against uncertainties.
The Future of Solar Simulators
Augmented Reality and Immersive Visualization
Future simulator generations will integrate augmented reality technologies allowing direct installation visualization on roofs via smartphones or tablets.
Future simulator generations will integrate augmented reality technologies allowing direct installation visualization on roofs via smartphones or tablets.
IoT Integration and Connected Homes
Evolution toward smart homes will enable simulators to analyze real-time consumption data for personalized optimization proposals.
Evolution toward smart homes will enable simulators to analyze real-time consumption data for personalized optimization proposals.
Energy Digital Twins
Digital twin development will enable continuous simulation and optimization of existing installation performance.
Digital twin development will enable continuous simulation and optimization of existing installation performance.
Conclusion
Choosing an online solar simulator in 2025 depends closely on your specific needs and project complexity.
The recommended strategy involves starting with free tools for initial evaluation, then evolving toward paid
solutions if projects require in-depth analysis.
PVGIS 5.3 and PVGIS24's free version offer excellent starting points for most residential projects. For complex projects or professional needs, PVGIS24's paid plans provide advanced features at competitive prices.
The important thing is choosing a tool based on reliable meteorological data, offering necessary project flexibility, and providing good balance between ease of use and result accuracy. Don't hesitate to combine multiple approaches to validate estimates and have conclusions confirmed by qualified professionals.
PVGIS 5.3 and PVGIS24's free version offer excellent starting points for most residential projects. For complex projects or professional needs, PVGIS24's paid plans provide advanced features at competitive prices.
The important thing is choosing a tool based on reliable meteorological data, offering necessary project flexibility, and providing good balance between ease of use and result accuracy. Don't hesitate to combine multiple approaches to validate estimates and have conclusions confirmed by qualified professionals.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What's the main difference between PVGIS 5.3 and PVGIS24?
A: PVGIS 5.3 is entirely free with precise calculations but no PDF export, while PVGIS24 offers a modern interface, free version with PDF export (1 section), and paid plans for advanced features. - Q: How much do PVGIS24 paid versions cost?
A: PVGIS24 offers three plans: Premium at €9/month, Pro at €19/month, and Expert at €29/month, with advantageous annual rates available. - Q: Can we trust online simulator accuracy?
A: Simulators based on scientific data like PVGIS offer 85–95% accuracy for production estimates, which is largely sufficient for project evaluation. - Q: Must you pay for PDF reports?
A: No, PVGIS24's free version allows PDF report export for one roof section. Only multi-section analysis requires paid subscription. - Q: Do simulators integrate government aids?
A: PVGIS24's advanced versions automatically integrate main French aids (self-consumption premiums, purchase tariffs, tax credits) in financial calculations. - Q: How long does a simulation remain valid?
A: A simulation remains relevant for 6–12 months, but updating before installation is recommended to integrate tariff and regulatory changes. - Q: Can multiple roof orientations be analyzed?
A: Yes, PVGIS24 allows analysis of up to 4 roof sections with different orientations and inclinations, but this feature requires a paid plan. - Q: Can results be used for financing applications?
A: PVGIS24's detailed reports are sufficiently professional for financing applications, though installer validation may be required by some organizations.