Key Takeaways
- OpenSolar is free forever; Aurora Solar starts at ≈$1,765/year
- Aurora has far superior proposals, LIDAR data, and CRM integration
- OpenSolar’s AI design works for residential but struggles above 500kW
- Neither platform includes native electrical engineering
- OpenSolar has 25,000+ users; Aurora has a much larger enterprise install base
- SurgePV offers professional features at a price point between the two
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
OpenSolar is the right choice for startups and small teams that need a free design tool to get started. Aurora Solar is the right choice for enterprise teams that need polished proposals and CRM workflows. Neither is a complete platform — both lack electrical engineering, and OpenSolar hits a ceiling on larger projects. SurgePV sits in the middle: professional-grade features at $1,499/year without the limitations of free or the premium of enterprise.
Company Overview
Aurora Solar
Founded
2013
Headquarters
San Francisco, USA
Focus
Cloud solar design & proposals
Best For
US residential & commercial enterprises
Pricing Starts
≈$1,765/yr
OpenSolar
Founded
2016
Headquarters
Melbourne, Australia
Focus
Free solar design & proposals
Best For
Startups & small installers
Pricing Starts
Free forever
Feature Comparison
The free vs paid dynamic shapes every feature comparison between these two platforms.
| Feature | Aurora Solar | OpenSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pricing | ≈$1,765/year | Free |
| Satellite Imagery | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) | ✓ (Google) |
| LIDAR Data | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI Auto-Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shade Analysis | ✓ (LIDAR + solar access) | Basic |
| Interactive Proposals | ✓ (Best-in-class) | ✓ (Functional) |
| CRM Integration | ✓ (Salesforce native) | Basic lead management |
| E-Signature | ✓ (DocuSign) | ✓ |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✗ (Needs AutoCAD) | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | Basic (US-focused) | Basic (global) |
| Commercial >500kW | ✓ | Performance degrades |
| Battery Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Financing Partner Integration | ✓ | ✓ (Core monetization) |
| Global Market Coverage | US-focused | ✓ (Global) |
| Customer Support | ✓ (Dedicated) | Community + email |
Design Capabilities
Aurora Solar is a polished, professional design platform. OpenSolar is a capable free alternative that gets the job done for simpler projects.
Aurora Solar Design Strengths
Aurora’s design workflow is refined from years of enterprise use. LIDAR data gives you accurate roof heights without manual measurement. NearMap imagery lets you zoom in to see individual shingles. The auto-layout engine handles complex roofs — including obstructions, setbacks, and fire pathways — with minimal manual intervention.
For residential projects, the speed and accuracy are hard to match at any price. Aurora’s 3D model lets homeowners see exactly what their roof will look like, which strengthens the sales conversation. The gap shows on larger projects: Aurora’s commercial capabilities exist but feel secondary to the residential focus.
OpenSolar Design Strengths
OpenSolar’s AI design engine can produce a residential panel layout from just an address. The platform supports basic 3D modeling, satellite imagery, and automatic panel placement. For small residential projects, the design quality is adequate — not as polished as Aurora, but functional.
The real advantage is cost: $0. For a new installer doing 2-5 projects per month, OpenSolar provides enough capability to design systems and generate proposals without any software overhead. The platform also has global coverage, which Aurora’s US-centric approach doesn’t match.
The limitations surface on larger projects. Above 500kW, OpenSolar’s performance degrades noticeably. Shade analysis is basic compared to Aurora’s LIDAR-powered engine. And the lack of LIDAR data means roof measurements depend entirely on satellite imagery quality.
Proposal & Sales
Aurora Solar Proposals
Aurora delivers the best visual proposals in the solar software market. Interactive, mobile-optimized, with 3D system views and real-time financing toggles. Combined with Salesforce CRM and DocuSign e-signature, Aurora gives enterprise sales teams a complete close-the-deal workflow. This is Aurora’s primary competitive moat.
OpenSolar Proposals
OpenSolar generates functional proposals with system specifications, energy production estimates, and financing options. The proposals include e-signature capability. Visual quality is a step below Aurora — less interactive, less polished — but they get the job done for installers who aren’t competing on proposal aesthetics.
OpenSolar’s financing partner integrations are a strength. The platform connects to financing providers, which is how OpenSolar monetizes the free product. For installers who use those financing partners, the integration adds real value.
Pricing Comparison
This comparison is straightforward: one costs money, one doesn’t. But “free” always has trade-offs.
| Cost Item | Aurora Solar | OpenSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Annual License | ≈$1,765/year | $0 (Free) |
| Premium Tier | ≈$2,875/year | Premium add-ons available |
| AutoCAD for SLDs? | Yes (+$1,800/yr) | Yes (+$1,800/yr) |
| Customer Support | Included | Limited (community-based) |
| Proposal Quality | Best-in-class | Functional |
| LIDAR Data | Included | Not available |
Is Aurora’s $1,765/yr premium over OpenSolar’s $0 justified by your sales volume and project complexity?Looking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
Professional-grade design with native electrical engineering, proposals, and financial modeling — at a fraction of Aurora’s cost, with none of OpenSolar’s limitations.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · Native SLDs included · All features on every plan
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
Aurora Solar
Pros
Cons
OpenSolar
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Situation | Choose Aurora | Choose OpenSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Startup with zero software budget | ✓ | |
| Enterprise with 500+ projects/year | ✓ | |
| Need best-in-class proposals | ✓ | |
| Small team (1-3 people) | ✓ | |
| Salesforce CRM workflow | ✓ | |
| International market | ✓ | |
| Commercial projects above 500kW | ✓ | |
| Need electrical engineering (SLDs) | Consider SurgePV | |
| Professional platform at fair price | Consider SurgePV | |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
If neither Aurora Solar nor OpenSolar fully meets your needs, SurgePV fills the gap. This solar design software has the professional-grade design accuracy and proposal quality that OpenSolar’s free tier can’t match, plus the native electrical engineering and global financial modeling that Aurora doesn’t include. You don’t have to choose between “free but limited” and “expensive but incomplete.”
SurgePV delivers design, simulation, proposals, electrical engineering, and financial modeling in one cloud platform starting at $1,499/year — with all features included on every plan. That’s less than Aurora and infinitely more capable than OpenSolar for commercial work.
Start your free SurgePV trial and get professional tools without the enterprise price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenSolar really free?
Yes. OpenSolar offers a free-forever plan with design, proposals, and basic simulation. The company monetizes through financing partner integrations and premium add-ons. But free comes with trade-offs — limited commercial support and performance issues above 500kW.
Is Aurora Solar worth paying for over free OpenSolar?
For teams doing high-volume residential sales, Aurora’s polished proposals, LIDAR accuracy, and Salesforce CRM integration justify the cost. For small teams or startups, OpenSolar’s free tier covers the basics adequately.
Can OpenSolar handle commercial projects?
OpenSolar supports commercial design, but performance degrades significantly above 500kW. The platform was built for residential and small commercial. For larger C&I projects, you need a different tool.
How many users does OpenSolar have?
OpenSolar reports over 25,000 users globally. The free pricing model has driven adoption, particularly among small installers and startups who need design tools without upfront software costs.
What’s a better alternative to both Aurora Solar and OpenSolar?
SurgePV offers professional-grade design with native electrical engineering, proposals, and financial modeling at $1,499/year. It has the polish that OpenSolar lacks and the value that Aurora’s pricing doesn’t deliver.
Does OpenSolar have electrical engineering tools?
OpenSolar does not include native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, or permit package creation. Like Aurora, you need separate tools for electrical engineering documentation.