Payaca vs SimPRO
Focused solar platform vs comprehensive trades software
SimPRO offers powerful features for general contractors. But solar installers have specific needs that generic software wasn't built for.
Payaca
Purpose-built for solar, battery, and EV charger installers with permit tracking and design integrations.
- Permit tracking and AHJ compliance
- OpenSolar and Aurora integrations
- Solar-specific proposal templates
- Intuitive - quick team onboarding
SimPRO
Comprehensive field service management for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and security contractors.
- Powerful job costing and tracking
- Comprehensive inventory management
- No permit tracking or solar compliance
- Complex - significant training needed
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Payaca | SimPRO |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Built for solar, batteries, EV chargers | General trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security |
| Permit Tracking | Built-in permit tracking and AHJ compliance | No permit-specific features - manual process needed |
| Design Tool Integration | OpenSolar and Aurora for system design | No solar design integrations |
| Complexity | Designed for installation workflows - focused and intuitive | Comprehensive but complex - steep learning curve |
| Quoting | Multi-option solar proposals with system specs | Detailed quoting with cost tracking and markup |
| Job Management | Project-based for multi-stage installations | Detailed job costing with timesheet tracking |
| Inventory | Catalogue management with supplier pricing | Comprehensive inventory with warehouse management |
| Accounting Integration | QuickBooks integration | QuickBooks, Xero integration |
| API & Extensibility | Full OpenAPI with MCP server for AI integrations | API available with extensive customisation options |
Industry Focus
Built for solar, batteries, EV chargers
General trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security
Permit Tracking
Built-in permit tracking and AHJ compliance
No permit-specific features - manual process needed
Design Tool Integration
OpenSolar and Aurora for system design
No solar design integrations
Complexity
Designed for installation workflows - focused and intuitive
Comprehensive but complex - steep learning curve
Quoting
Multi-option solar proposals with system specs
Detailed quoting with cost tracking and markup
Job Management
Project-based for multi-stage installations
Detailed job costing with timesheet tracking
Inventory
Catalogue management with supplier pricing
Comprehensive inventory with warehouse management
Accounting Integration
QuickBooks integration
QuickBooks, Xero integration
API & Extensibility
Full OpenAPI with MCP server for AI integrations
API available with extensive customisation options
Which is right for you?
Choose Payaca if:
- You primarily install solar or clean energy systems
- You need permit tracking and AHJ compliance
- You want a platform your team can learn quickly
- You use OpenSolar or Aurora for designs
Consider SimPRO if:
- You're a general electrical or plumbing contractor
- You need complex warehouse inventory management
- You don't need solar-specific compliance tools
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the main difference between Payaca and SimPRO?
- Payaca is built specifically for solar and clean energy installers with features like permit tracking, design tool integrations (OpenSolar, Aurora), and solar-specific proposals. SimPRO is a comprehensive field service platform for general trades like electrical and plumbing. For solar work, Payaca understands your specific workflows and compliance needs.
- Is SimPRO overkill for a solar installation business?
- SimPRO is powerful but built for general trades, which means solar installers often pay for features they don't need while lacking solar essentials like permit tracking and design tool integrations. Many installers find SimPRO's complexity adds overhead without solving their specific challenges.
- Does SimPRO handle solar permit tracking?
- No, SimPRO doesn't have built-in permit tracking or AHJ compliance features. You'd need to track permits manually or through workarounds. Payaca has built-in permit tracking that integrates with your installation workflow.
- Which has better inventory management?
- SimPRO has more comprehensive inventory features including warehouse management and detailed stock control. However, for most solar installation businesses, Payaca's catalogue management with supplier pricing is sufficient. Consider whether you need warehouse-level inventory tracking.
- Can I migrate from SimPRO to Payaca?
- Yes, we help businesses migrate from SimPRO. Our team can import your customer data, job history, and product catalogue. Many installers find the transition simplifies their operations while gaining industry-specific features. Book a demo to discuss your migration.
Software built for your industry
See how Payaca simplifies solar installation with permit tracking and design integrations.