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Solar site software: what landowners and developers use

Updated September 26, 2026 · About 4 minutes

You do not need expensive software to understand your own land. Here is what each tier is for, and what it costs where prices are published.

Free: enough for most landowners

ToolWhat it is good for
Quicksand CheckOne-page, cited screen of any spot: flood, wetlands, power lines, soils, survey location, rules, and the standout test. Texas parcel acreage built in. No account.
FEMA Flood Map Service CenterOfficial flood maps.
USFWS Wetlands MapperNational wetland map (a screen, not a legal determination).
USDA Soil Data AccessOfficial soil survey, including farmland class.
LandApp (free tier)Parcel data and property reports. It is also a marketplace where developers view landowner listings (LandApp), so listing your land markets it to buyers.

Low cost: agents and active landowners

LandApp Pro advertises ownership data and unlimited property reports for about $6 per month with an annual subscription (LandApp features). Parcel apps such as LandMap run about $10 to $20 per month (App Store listing).

Professional: developers with a pipeline

ToolWhat it doesPrice
TransectSite selection, environmental screening, local permits and setbacks, and Critical Issues Analysis reportsQuote
PVcase ProspectParcel search, buildable-area analysis, interconnection studiesQuote; one industry estimate is about $2,990 per user per year for bundles (Solar Apps Directory)
Glint SolarProspecting and early design with preloaded market dataQuote
PacesAutomated site search and shortlistingQuote

Mapping and design

General GIS tools such as QGIS (free) and ArcGIS (paid) handle custom maps. Once a site is under control, engineering tools such as PVcase Ground Mount or RatedPower produce detailed layouts (SourceForge overview).

Check a spot

Click your land on the map to get its free land report: flood zone, wetlands, nearest power line, soils, survey location, and the half-mile, 500-acre standout test. In Texas, parcel acreage fills in automatically.

Prices change; confirm with each company. Quicksand Check has no business relationship with any company listed here.

Start with: Is your Texas land usable for solar? A site checklist →