There are a lot of light simulation tools going from free professionnal softwares to IOS or Android apps, including expensive solutions for general or specific needs. Here’s a first list of the most common solutions that can be used.
Free tools
Scene Design and Stage Lighting
Specific softwares
On line studio lighting simulator
Blender
Rhino and Grasshopper
Autodesk’s Max, Ecotect and Vasary
Solar tools and rendering softwares for Skechup
Light and energy evaluation
Specific lab tools
On line tools, for sun position
Smartphones or tablet tools, mainly aimed for photographs
More to come….