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RETScreen

by RETScreen International · Since 1997
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ActiveAvailable globallyOn-premise
Quick facts
VendorRETScreen International
Year launched1997
StatusActive
LocationVarennes, Québec, Canada
Countries servedGlobal
Languages5
Integrations
Free tier
Free trial
Contact sales

About RETScreen

RETScreen is a clean energy management software platform from RETScreen International that provides tools for assessing the viability of renewable energy projects. It includes features for data analysis, energy performance modeling, and project feasibility assessment, so users can make informed decisions regarding clean energy investments. RETScreen supports various renewable energy technologies and offers a comprehensive database of climate data and project case studies. Users can easily navigate the platform with language selection options and dedicated search functions. Key capabilities: data analysis energy performance modeling project feasibility assessment climate data access case study repository Best for: energy professionals and project developers that need to evaluate renewable energy projects efficiently.

RETScreen Expert, developed by Natural Resources Canada, is a comprehensive Clean Energy Management Software enabling global professionals to quickly identify, assess, and optimize the technical and financial viability of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. It functions as an intelligent decision support tool, offering detailed feasibility analysis, performance measurement and verification, and portfolio management capabilities, all integrated with extensive global climate, cost, and product databases. The software is designed as a downloadable desktop application, requiring a stable Microsoft Windows environment (8.1, 10, or 11) and the .NET Framework 4.8 for deployment. It operates in two modes: the free Viewer mode, which provides substantial access for analysis and learning; and the Professional mode, which is mandatory for essential functions like saving, printing, exporting reports, and accessing the complete suite of premium analytical features. Access to the full Professional mode is based on a renewable 12-month subscription. The annual cost is currently $869 CAD, charged per subscription key, with volume licensing available for organizations. This structure ensures users who need commercial, deliverable reports must subscribe.

Pros & Cons

What users like
  • +Comprehensive platform covering the full lifecycle of energy project analysis from feasibility to monitoring.
  • +Extensive global climate, hydrology, and equipment databases reduce the need for local data collection.
  • +Portfolio-level analysis allows efficient management and comparison of multiple facilities simultaneously.
  • +Backed by the Government of Canada, providing credibility, long-term stability, and trusted support.
  • +Free Viewer mode enables access to core functionality, lowering the barrier for entry-level users.
What users flag
  • Full access to advanced modules and professional features requires a paid subscription, limiting free usage.
  • No official in-app marketplace, restricting the ability to add third-party plugins or extensions.
  • Windows-only application with .NET dependency prevents native use on Mac or Linux systems.
  • Steep learning curve due to the complexity and variety of modules and features.
  • Limited documentation or support for live integration with real-time systems or IoT devices.
  • Viewer mode restricts exporting, reporting, and advanced analysis capabilities.

Features

Key features

Integrated global climate & resource databases
Provides satellite and ground station data for accurate energy modeling without requiring local instruments.
Decision intelligence modules
Includes Virtual Energy Analyzer, Smart Project Identifier, and Risk Assessor to guide users with data-driven recommendations.
Portfolio-level analysis
Allows users to manage and compare energy performance across multiple facilities and locations.
Benchmarking tools
Enables users to evaluate facility performance against reference benchmarks to identify efficiency gaps.
Performance tracking / M&V
Monitors and verifies actual energy performance versus predicted outcomes to ensure accuracy and savings.

Additional features

Benchmark Analysis module
Establishes reference performance levels for facilities to compare energy efficiency.
Feasibility Analysis
Evaluates energy, cost, emissions, and sensitivity/risk for planned projects.
Performance Analysis / M&V
Monitors and verifies facility actual performance over time for continuous optimization.
Portfolio Analysis
Aggregates multiple facilities for overall energy management and comparison.
Virtual Energy Analyzer
Provides a preliminary analysis to quickly identify project potential and feasibility.
Smart Project Identifier
Algorithmically pre-screens projects for feasibility, financial impact, and environmental benefits.
Financial Risk Assessor
Performs sensitivity and risk analysis to assess project viability and investment security.
Climate / Hydrology databases
Supplies accurate environmental data for modeling energy systems under real-world conditions.
Product / Equipment database
Offers manufacturer data and specifications for energy systems to support design and simulation.
Archetype / Template / Case Study libraries
Provides prebuilt examples and references for various facility types and projects.
Data onboarding services
Assists in importing, structuring, and managing large datasets for portfolio-scale analysis and benchmarking.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
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Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
5
Interface languages
4
Billing currencies

Interface languages

EnglishFrenchSpanishChinese (Simplified)Russian

Billing currencies

🇨🇦CAD🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP

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