Payaca vs SimPRO
Focused clean tech platform vs comprehensive trades software
SimPRO offers powerful features for general contractors. But solar and heat pump installers have specific needs that generic software wasn't built for.
Payaca
Purpose-built for solar, heat pump, battery, and EV charger installers with compliance tools and design integrations.
- DNO applications via ENA Connect
- MCS compliance documentation
- EasyPV, OpenSolar, Heatpunk integrations
- 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 DNO or MCS support
- Complex - significant training needed
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Payaca | SimPRO |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Built for clean tech: solar, heat pumps, batteries, EV chargers | General trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security |
| DNO Applications | Direct ENA Connect integration for G98/G99 applications | No DNO application support - manual process needed |
| MCS Compliance | Built-in MCS certificate generation and documentation | No specific MCS features - requires manual workarounds |
| Design Tool Integration | EasyPV, OpenSolar, Heatpunk for system design | No solar or heat pump design integrations |
| Complexity | Designed for installation workflows - focused and intuitive | Comprehensive but complex - steep learning curve |
| Quoting | Multi-option clean tech 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, Xero integration | QuickBooks, Xero, MYOB, Sage integration |
| API & Extensibility | Full OpenAPI with MCP server for AI integrations | API available with extensive customisation options |
Industry Focus
Built for clean tech: solar, heat pumps, batteries, EV chargers
General trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security
DNO Applications
Direct ENA Connect integration for G98/G99 applications
No DNO application support - manual process needed
MCS Compliance
Built-in MCS certificate generation and documentation
No specific MCS features - requires manual workarounds
Design Tool Integration
EasyPV, OpenSolar, Heatpunk for system design
No solar or heat pump design integrations
Complexity
Designed for installation workflows - focused and intuitive
Comprehensive but complex - steep learning curve
Quoting
Multi-option clean tech 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, Xero integration
QuickBooks, Xero, MYOB, Sage 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, heat pumps, or EV chargers
- You need DNO applications and MCS documentation
- You want a platform your team can learn quickly
- You use EasyPV, OpenSolar, or Heatpunk for designs
Consider SimPRO if:
- You're a general electrical or plumbing contractor
- You need complex warehouse inventory management
- You don't need renewable energy compliance tools
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the main difference between Payaca and SimPRO?
- Payaca is built specifically for clean tech installers with industry-specific features like DNO applications via ENA Connect, MCS compliance documentation, and design tool integrations (EasyPV, Heatpunk). SimPRO is a comprehensive field service platform for general trades like electrical and plumbing. For renewables work, Payaca understands your specific compliance needs and workflows.
- 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 clean tech essentials like DNO applications and MCS documentation. Many installers find SimPRO's complexity adds overhead without solving their specific challenges. Payaca is focused on what clean tech businesses actually need.
- Does SimPRO handle DNO applications?
- No, SimPRO doesn't have DNO application support. You'd need to handle G98/G99 submissions manually or through separate tools. Payaca integrates directly with ENA Connect to submit DNO applications from within your workflow.
- Can SimPRO generate MCS certificates?
- SimPRO doesn't have MCS-specific features. You'd need to create certificates and compliance documentation manually. Payaca has built-in MCS documentation that pulls job data automatically to generate compliant certificates.
- Which has better inventory management?
- SimPRO has more comprehensive inventory features including warehouse management and detailed stock control. However, for most installation businesses, Payaca's catalogue management with supplier pricing integration 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 clean tech installation with compliance tools and design integrations.