[3] "Viewer mode" in RETScreen Expert is free and permits access to significant functionality of the software.

Unlike past versions of RETScreen, however, a new "Professional mode" (which allows users to save and print, as well as to access premium features) is now available on an annual subscription basis.

[22] An independent impact study [23] estimated that by 2013, the use of the RETScreen software had been responsible, worldwide, for over $8 billion in user transaction cost savings, 20 MT per year of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and has enabled at least 24 GW of installed clean energy capacity.

[36] RETScreen is also used as a teaching and research tool by well-over 1,400 universities and colleges worldwide, and is frequently cited in academic literature.

The use of RETScreen is mandated or recommended by clean energy incentive programs at all levels of government worldwide, including the UNFCCC and the EU; Canada, New Zealand and the UK; numerous American states and Canadian provinces; cities and municipalities; and utilities.

[38] National and regional RETScreen training workshops have been conducted upon the official request of the Governments of Chile,[39] Saudi Arabia,[40] 15 countries in West and Central Africa,[41] and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE).

[43] An International Energy Agency review of the beta release of the hydropower part of the software described it as "very impressive".