€197 once · 3 workstations

Diaz Editor vs SketchUp + Skelion
$5,200 over 5 years — or €197 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.

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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€197
one-time · 3 seats · lifetime
5-year total: €197

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 lifetime licence is €99 once. At €99 it is one-year of the SketchUp+Skelion stack.

Can I import my SketchUp models into Diaz Editor?

Diaz Editor exports to DXF and PDF. 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 — €197 lifetime

€197 one-time. No plugin stitching. No subscription.

Get the licence — €197

Other comparisons

What you get for €197

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

Diaz Editor Pro — lifetime license for your full workday
3 seats — you + your foreman + your work-prep ✓
All trades in one tool — building, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, solar 4 tools saved
DXF export — 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
Feedback form that reaches the developer directly Included

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

Introductory price — goes up at v0.5:

€197 today

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