100 founding spots open · €99 lifetime

Diaz Editor vs SketchUp + Skelion
$5,200 over 5 years — or €99 once.

Honest comparison. SketchUp + Skelion is strong for complex architecture. Diaz Editor wins on time-to-quote (~15 min vs ~45 min) + workflow simplicity — no plugin stitching. Bonus: Diaz Editor also handles electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural work in the same tool — Skelion is PV-only.

Get founding spot — €99 → Read comparison ↓

Last updated: 9 May 2026 · By Juan Diaz, founder Diaz Atlas · 6 min read

TL;DR

SketchUp + Skelion is powerful if you're already a SketchUp pro and need complex architectural geometry. Diaz Editor is faster for daily PV + battery design — all in one workflow without plugin stitching. For most residential installers, Diaz Editor saves hours per project.

When SketchUp + Skelion is the right choice

You're already a SketchUp power user and don't want to change your workflow.
You do very complex architectural geometry (heritage buildings, curved roofs).
You want photo-realistic renders with V-Ray for client presentations.
You integrate into a wider architectural workflow with IFC/BIM exchange.

When Diaz Editor fits better

You do 5-30 PV + battery installs per month and want speed.
You don't want plugin stitching: design + string sizing + BOM + permit pack in one tool.
You don't want to spend $1,040/year on SketchUp + Skelion.
You want to design battery systems — Skelion is PV-only.
You work in NL/ES and want EU permit formats + local language.

Side-by-side: features that matter

Feature	Diaz Editor	SketchUp + Skelion
Purpose-built for solar	✓	— (general 3D + plugin)
3D roof design	✓ (solar-optimized)	✓ (general)
Complex architectural geometry	— (basic)	✓ (excellent)
String sizing built-in	✓	✓ (Skelion)
Battery system design	✓	—
PDF permit pack export	✓ (one-click)	— (manual assembly)
Photo-realistic render	— (technical render)	✓ (V-Ray)
Time-to-quote (typical roof)	~15 min	~45-60 min
Local language UI (NL/ES)	✓	✓ (SketchUp), Skelion EN
Lifetime license	✓	— (yearly)

Source: SketchUp + Skelion public pricing + Diaz Editor v0.3 changelog. Updated May 2026.

Pricing over 5 years

SketchUp Studio + Skelion

~$1.040/jaar

$749 SketchUp + $290 Skelion plugin

5-year total: $5,200

Diaz Editor — Founding Beta€99
one-time · 100 spots · was €997
5-year total: €99

Beyond price: time-to-quote. SketchUp + Skelion typical ~45-60 min per residential roof. Diaz Editor ~15 min. At 50 roofs/year = ~25 hours per year saved.

Migrating from SketchUp to Diaz Editor — 3 steps

Export SketchUp models as DXF (File → Export → DXF). Save Skelion's panel layout as a reference PDF.
Import the DXF into Diaz Editor as a reference layer. Re-trace the roof in 3D — typical residential project 5-15 minutes.
Place panels + generate permit pack in one workflow. No plugin stitching needed.

Native SKP import is on the v0.5 roadmap (Q3 2026).

Honest verdict

For most solo + SMB installers

Diaz Editor wins on speed + price + workflow simplicity. No plugin stitching, no yearly renewal stress. 25 hours/year saved at 50-roof volume = ~3 extra working days of capacity.

For architect-installers and heritage work

SketchUp + Skelion remains the right choice. For complex geometry, V-Ray rendering, and BIM/IFC integration, SketchUp's flexibility is hard to replace.

Frequently asked questions

Why use Diaz Editor instead of SketchUp + a solar plugin?

SketchUp is a general-purpose 3D modeller. With plugins like Skelion or Solar Pro you can do solar work, but you're stitching tools together. Diaz Editor is purpose-built for solar: panel placement, string sizing, BOM, permit-pack, all in one workflow. Faster from sketch to permit.

What does SketchUp + Skelion cost vs Diaz Editor?

SketchUp Studio is $749/year. Skelion plugin starts at $290/year. Total ~$1,040/year per seat. Diaz Editor founding lifetime is €99 once. Even regular Pro at €997 is one-year of the SketchUp+Skelion stack.

Can I import my SketchUp models into Diaz Editor?

Diaz Editor accepts DXF/IFC imports as reference geometry. Native SKP import is on the v0.5 roadmap. For now, export from SketchUp as DXF and import as a base layer to trace over.

Is SketchUp better for unusual roof shapes?

For very complex architectural geometry that requires Boolean operations and sub-component modelling, SketchUp's flexibility is hard to beat. For 90% of residential roofs (gable, hip, flat, mono-pitch), Diaz Editor's purpose-built roof tools are faster.

What about photo-realistic rendering?

SketchUp + V-Ray gives photo-realistic renders. Diaz Editor's render is technical/clean rather than photo-real. For client presentations where photo-realism matters more than speed, SketchUp wins; for technical accuracy and quote-speed, Diaz Editor wins.

Try Diaz Editor — €99 lifetime

100 founding spots. No plugin stitching. No subscription.

Claim founding spot — €99

Other comparisons

What you get for €99

One-time. Lifetime. 3 seats. No subscription.

Diaz Editor Pro — lifetime license for your full workday ~~€997~~
3 seats — you + your foreman + your work-prep ~~+€600~~
All trades in one tool — building, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, solar 4 tools saved
DXF + IFC import — works with any architect, contractor, or installer Included
1-click PDF export — quote, work-drawing, and BOM in one pack Included
DXF + CNC export for the workshop — cut lists, sheet layouts, mill paths Included
All future updates — v0.4, v0.5, v0.6... Included
Founding-member feedback board — your voice on the roadmap Exclusive

Built for self-employed tradespeople + small teams (1-10 people). Not for architects or utility-scale engineering — AutoCAD and Aurora are better at those.

Regular price (after founding):

~~€997~~ €99 today

Become a founding member — €99 →

100 spots total. Stripe checkout. Instant download after payment.