Comparison · · 10 min read
SolarDraft vs Arka360 (2026): Price, Features and Which Solar Design Software to Choose
Arka360 is one of the most recognised solar design platforms in India. SolarDraft is a newer, India-focused suite with a free plan and LiDAR-based 3D design. If you are choosing between them, here is everything that matters to an EPC: price including GST, design depth, drawings, proposals, CRM and project limits.
SolarDraft vs Arka360 at a glance
| SolarDraft | Arka360 | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | ₹40,000/yr incl. GST (free plan to start) | ₹46,000/yr + 18% GST |
| Higher plans | ₹60,000 and ₹2,00,000/yr incl. GST | ₹70,000 and ₹1,00,000/yr + GST |
| 3D on satellite map | ✓ with LiDAR heights | ✓ |
| Shadow analysis | ✓ Advanced, all plans | ✓ Energy simulation |
| Drawings | PV array, string route, SLD, structure BOM | Layouts + CAD DXF export |
| Proposal | 3D-ready, shareable link, PM Surya Ghar subsidy | Instant proposal generator |
| CRM | Solar CRM (from ₹5,000/yr incl. GST) | Lead management |
| Ground-mount | ✓ from Pro | Check |
| Largest project | 500 kW / 1 MW / 10 MW by plan | Check |
| Mobile | Android app + web | Check |
Pricing: the biggest difference
- Arka360 entry plan incl. GST: ≈ ₹54,280 a year.
- SolarDraft Solar 3D Design Basic: ₹40,000 a year including GST.
- Difference: ≈ ₹14,280 a year (about 26% lower) — or more than ₹42,000 over three years.
SolarDraft prices its higher tiers by project size rather than seats: Pro (₹60,000) raises the limit to 1 MW and adds ground-mount, agrivoltaics, battery design and site survey; Premium (₹2,00,000) goes to 10 MW with full white-labelling. You can compare every SolarDraft plan side by side before deciding.
Design depth
Both tools design on satellite imagery. SolarDraft adds LiDAR height data and includes advanced shadow analysis on every plan, which matters on crowded Indian rooftops with stair rooms, tanks and neighbouring buildings. Arka360’s strength is its mature design studio and simulation workflow.
Drawings and documents
Arka360 exports CAD DXF files — useful if your engineers finish drawings in AutoCAD. SolarDraft generates PV array and string-route drawings, an SLD, a structure BOM and a combined design and energy report directly, without a CAD step.
Proposals and CRM
SolarDraft’s proposals include PM Surya Ghar subsidy and payback, and its Solar CRM links every lead to its proposal. Arka360 offers an instant proposal generator and lead management.
Also worth a look: Solar Designer
If you are shortlisting more than two tools, Solar Designer is a standalone Indian design app at the same ₹40,000-a-year starting price. Its drawing set goes further for DISCOM paperwork — earthing and lightning-arrester layout, cable routing and a site/key plan — and it keeps designs, proposals, CRM and site survey in one workspace.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Arka360 if you want the longest track record or need DXF exports for an in-house CAD team.
- Choose SolarDraft if you want LiDAR-based 3D, subsidy-ready proposals and a free plan to start, at a lower yearly cost.
- Consider Solar Designer if a complete DISCOM drawing set from the first design is your priority.
See all six tools side by side in our solar design software comparison.
Need the design done for you?
Send the site — get a 3D design back in 24 hours.
Instant Solar Design delivers white-labelled 3D models, shadow analysis and generation reports from ₹500 per project.
Order a design →Frequently asked questions
Is SolarDraft cheaper than Arka360?
On published entry prices, yes. SolarDraft’s Solar 3D Design Basic plan is ₹40,000 a year including GST, while Arka360’s India plans start at ₹46,000 plus 18% GST (about ₹54,280) — roughly 26% more. SolarDraft also has a free plan to start.
Is there a good Arka360 alternative in India?
SolarDraft and Solar Designer are the two closest Indian alternatives on features, both from ₹40,000 a year including GST, with 3D design, drawings, proposals and CRM.
Which has better drawings?
Arka360 offers CAD DXF export. SolarDraft includes PV array and string-route drawings plus an SLD in every plan; Solar Designer adds earthing, LA and cable-routing layouts and a site/key plan.
Can I design ground-mount projects?
SolarDraft includes ground-mount and agrivoltaics from its Pro plan (₹60,000 a year incl. GST). Check Arka360’s current plans for ground-mount support.
Can I try before buying?
SolarDraft has a free plan to start; ask Arka360 and Solar Designer about demos or trials.
