Comparison
SolvSolar vs SketchUp
General 3D modelling that requires plugins and manual work for every solar array. SolvSolar replaces it with a $0-seat Solar Operating System that designs, prices, finances and closes in 45 seconds — on web, WhatsApp and Telegram.
Price in real currency
SketchUp: ≈ ₹30,700 per user per year, before solar plugins
SolvSolar: ₹0 per seat, ₹10 per kW designed — first 100 kW free
Proposal turnaround
SketchUp: 1–4 hours
SolvSolar: 45 seconds, end to end
India regulatory fit
SketchUp: Limited / US-only
SolvSolar: Global DISCOM & net-metering rulesets
SolvSolar differs from SketchUp because SketchUp charges $349+/yr (≈ ₹30,700 per user per year, before solar plugins), while SolvSolar charges ₹0 per seat, ₹10 per kW designed — first 100 kW free with no per-seat licence. The second measurable difference is turnaround: SketchUp typically needs 1–4 hours to produce a proposal, against 45 seconds, end to end on SolvSolar. On India-specific compliance, SketchUp provides Limited / US-only, whereas SolvSolar provides Global DISCOM & net-metering rulesets.
| Capability | SketchUp | SolvSolar OS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per seat | $349+/yr | $0 / seat — pay per kW designed |
| Cost in INR | ≈ ₹30,700 per user per year, before solar plugins | ₹0 per seat, ₹10 per kW designed — first 100 kW free |
| Proposal turnaround | 1–4 hours | 45 seconds, end to end |
| Mobile speed | Desktop only | Mobile-first PWA, sub-second loads |
| WhatsApp integration | Not supported | Native WhatsApp + Telegram bots |
| Global DISCOM / net metering | Limited / US-only | Global DISCOM & net-metering rulesets |
5 concrete differences between SolvSolar and SketchUp
- SketchUp models geometry by hand; SolvSolar auto-generates the array from a rows × columns grid with orientation and panel-count sync.
- A rooftop layout in SketchUp takes 1–4 hours including shading plugins; SolvSolar takes about 45 seconds end to end.
- SketchUp has no financial model at all; SolvSolar outputs subsidy, payback, EMI and 30-year cumulative savings.
- SketchUp costs ≈ ₹30,700 per user per year plus paid solar extensions; SolvSolar is ₹0 per seat.
- SolvSolar exports a client-ready branded four-page PDF; SketchUp exports a drawing you still have to wrap in a proposal.
SolvSolar vs SketchUp: which is better for Indian installers?
SolvSolar vs SketchUp: which is better for Indian installers? SketchUp is excellent general-purpose 3D and many installers already own it for structural visualisation, so keep it for bespoke shed geometry or unusual mounting studies. As a proposal workflow it is the most expensive option on this list in the currency that matters — time. Every roof is drawn manually, shading needs plugins, and there is no subsidy, ROI or EMI logic anywhere, so a 1–4 hour model still leaves you writing the commercial document by hand. SolvSolar generates the array grid, the financials and the branded PDF in about 45 seconds for ₹0 per seat. Use SketchUp for engineering edge cases, SolvSolar for selling.
Related reading
Before you switch tools, read the Solar Proposal Software Buyer's Guide for India (2026) for the full evaluation framework, check the exact PM Surya Ghar subsidy slabs that SketchUp does not compute for you, and compare the payback numbers in Solar ROI benchmarks by system size. Our own numbers are published in full on the pricing page, and state-level rules live on the Maharashtra and Gujarat DISCOM guides.
Migrate from SketchUp in 60 seconds
Import your panel and inverter catalogue, keep your pricing, and issue your first SolvSolar proposal on the 100 kW free trial — no card, no per-seat fees.