Solesca Launches Solar Design Software Version 2
The Chicago company's new cloud-based platform now features 3D modeling and terrain tracking capabilities.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Software
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Solesca has released version 2 of its cloud-based design platform to support commercial and industrial solar projects. The update introduces web-based terrain tracking and 3D modeling to assist with early-stage site development.
Why it matters
Developers specifically requested realistic 3D views for stakeholder presentations and web-based terrain tracking to improve the feasibility analysis of solar projects.
The platform incorporates inverter MPPT data, DC/AC limits, and supports exporting complete PVsyst project files. It also integrates two in-house simulation models alongside the NREL System Advisor Model.
The players
Solesca
Solesca is a Chicago-based technology company that specializes in cloud-based software solutions for the solar energy industry.
NREL System Advisor Model
The System Advisor Model is a performance and financial analysis tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for renewable energy projects.
The details
The software pulls terrain data from commercial elevation services utilizing U.S. Geological Survey information to generate detailed site visualizations. The new terrain tracking feature is available as an add-on for users of the company's existing design software.
Timeline
Solesca released version 2 of its platform on October 20, 2026.
The Tech Race
The integration of the NREL System Advisor Model into Solesca v2 streamlines project bankability analysis compared to previous manual workflows. This reflects a broader industry trend toward consolidating complex engineering tools into unified web-based design environments.
Solar project managers and developers can now generate 3D site models and conduct terrain analysis directly within their browser without needing separate desktop software. These capabilities allow for more efficient early-stage development and clearer visual communication with project stakeholders.
The takeaway
Solar design firms should evaluate how these new 3D visualization capabilities can reduce the need for external mapping services. Incorporating more granular terrain data into initial planning stages can help teams avoid costly site layout errors later in the project lifecycle.
Further reading
Find more analysis of industry-leading design tools in the Software section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by pv magazine USA.
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