Key Takeaways
- Aurora uses satellite imagery; Scanifly uses drone-captured 3D models
- Scanifly delivers inch-accurate roof models; Aurora depends on LIDAR data quality
- Aurora includes proposals, CRM, and e-signature; Scanifly is survey-only
- Scanifly requires drone hardware and FAA certification (US)
- Neither tool includes native electrical engineering
- SurgePV provides a complete cloud-based workflow without drone dependency
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
Aurora Solar and Scanifly solve different problems. Aurora provides a complete design-to-proposal workflow using satellite data. Scanifly provides precise 3D site models using drone surveys. If measurement accuracy on complex roofs is your top priority, Scanifly wins. If you need a complete sales workflow without site visits, Aurora wins. If you want a complete design platform without drone dependency, SurgePV is the practical middle ground.
Company Overview
Aurora Solar
Founded
2013
Headquarters
San Francisco, USA
Focus
Cloud solar design & proposals
Best For
US residential & commercial
Pricing Starts
~$1,765/yr
Scanifly
Founded
2018
Headquarters
Portland, USA
Focus
Drone-based 3D solar site survey
Best For
Precision roof surveys & complex sites
Pricing Starts
Per-project or subscription
Feature Comparison
Aurora Solar designs from satellites; Scanifly surveys from drones. The overlap is minimal.
| Feature | Aurora Solar | Scanifly |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Source | Satellite imagery + LIDAR | Drone-captured photography |
| Measurement Accuracy | Inches (depends on LIDAR age) | Sub-inch accuracy |
| Requires Site Visit | No (remote design) | Yes (drone flight required) |
| 3D Model Generation | LIDAR-based | Photogrammetric (true 3D) |
| Panel Layout Design | ✓ (Full design tools) | Basic placement |
| Shade Analysis | ✓ (LIDAR + solar access) | ✓ (From 3D model) |
| Interactive Proposals | ✓ (Best-in-class) | ✗ |
| CRM Integration | ✓ (Salesforce native) | ✗ |
| E-Signature | ✓ (DocuSign) | ✗ |
| Single-Line Diagrams | ✗ (Needs AutoCAD) | ✗ |
| Financial Modeling | Basic (US-focused) | ✗ |
| Roof Condition Assessment | ✗ | ✓ (From HD images) |
| Requires Hardware | No | Drone + controller ($1,500+) |
| Requires Certification | No | FAA Part 107 (US) |
Design Capabilities
These tools address different stages of the solar project workflow.
Aurora Solar Design Strengths
Aurora’s strength is speed. Enter an address, get a satellite-based 3D model, place panels, generate a proposal — all without leaving the office. LIDAR data provides reasonable roof height measurements in areas with coverage. For high-volume residential teams doing remote selling, this workflow is efficient.
The trade-off is accuracy. Satellite imagery can be months or years old. LIDAR coverage varies by region. New construction, recent roof work, or complex geometries may not show up correctly. Installers sometimes arrive on site to find the roof doesn’t match what Aurora showed.
Scanifly Survey Strengths
Scanifly solves the accuracy problem by putting a drone over every project site. The photogrammetric 3D models capture actual roof conditions with sub-inch accuracy. You see the real roof — every vent, pipe, antenna, and obstacle — not a satellite approximation.
Drone imagery also serves double duty. You can assess roof condition (age, damage, ponding) before committing to a project, reducing truck rolls on unsuitable sites. The HD images can be shared with customers to build confidence.
The trade-off is operational overhead. Every project requires a drone flight, which means scheduling, travel time, weather dependency, and FAA compliance. For high-volume residential teams closing 20+ deals per week, this slows down the sales cycle.
Proposal & Sales
Aurora Solar Proposals
Aurora provides a complete sales workflow — interactive proposals, CRM integration, financing options, and DocuSign e-signature. For residential installers, this is the core value. You can close deals remotely without a site visit.
Scanifly Sales Tools
Scanifly has none. It produces accurate 3D models and measurements, not proposals. Teams using Scanifly need a separate tool for proposals, financing, and contract signing. Some pair Scanifly with Aurora or other design tools, creating a two-tool workflow.
Pricing Comparison
The cost comparison goes beyond software licenses when drones are involved.
| Cost Item | Aurora Solar | Scanifly |
|---|---|---|
| Software License | ~$1,765/year | Subscription or per-project |
| Hardware Required | None | Drone + accessories ($1,500-3,000) |
| Certification Required | None | FAA Part 107 ($175 + training) |
| Per-Project Time | 15-30 minutes (remote) | 1-2 hours (travel + flight + processing) |
| Proposals Included? | ✓ | ✗ |
| Electrical Engineering? | ✗ | ✗ |
Scanifly: Software + drone ($1,500-3,000) + pilot cert ($175) + per-project travel time vs Aurora: Software only ($1,765/yr)Looking for a Better Alternative? Try SurgePV
Cloud-based design with satellite imagery, native electrical engineering, proposals, and financial modeling — no drone required, no site visit needed.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No drone needed · Complete design-to-permit workflow
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
Aurora Solar
Pros
Cons
Scanifly
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
| Your Situation | Choose Aurora | Choose Scanifly |
|---|---|---|
| High-volume remote residential sales | ✓ | |
| Complex roofs needing precise measurement | ✓ | |
| Need proposals and sales workflow | ✓ | |
| Already have drone pilots on staff | ✓ | |
| Reducing change orders is top priority | ✓ | |
| Need complete design-to-permit workflow | Consider SurgePV | |
| Need electrical engineering (SLDs) | Consider SurgePV | |
Best Alternative: SurgePV
If neither Aurora Solar nor Scanifly fully meets your needs, SurgePV provides a complete cloud-based workflow without drone dependency. This solar design software gives you satellite-based design with AI-powered auto-layout, native electrical engineering for SLDs and permit packages, interactive proposals, and global financial modeling — all in one platform.
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. No drone, no AutoCAD, no third-party tools required.
Start your free SurgePV trial and design from satellite to permit in one platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scanifly more accurate than Aurora Solar?
For roof measurements, yes. Scanifly uses drone-captured imagery to create inch-accurate 3D models. Aurora relies on satellite imagery and LIDAR, which can have accuracy gaps of several inches depending on data age and quality.
Do I need a drone to use Scanifly?
Yes. Scanifly requires drone-captured imagery as input. You need a drone (DJI recommended), a Part 107 pilot certificate in the US, and the ability to fly each project site. This adds operational overhead compared to Aurora’s satellite-based approach.
Is Scanifly cheaper than Aurora Solar?
Scanifly claims to be 30-70% cheaper than Aurora for total project cost when you factor in design accuracy and reduced change orders. Software pricing varies by plan, but the drone hardware and pilot certification add upfront costs.
Can Scanifly generate proposals?
Scanifly focuses on 3D site modeling and measurement. It does not include interactive proposal generation, CRM integration, or e-signature capabilities. You need Aurora or another tool for the sales workflow.
What’s a better alternative to both Aurora Solar and Scanifly?
SurgePV offers cloud-based design with satellite imagery, native electrical engineering, proposals, and financial modeling in one platform. At $1,499/year, it provides a complete workflow without requiring drone flights or separate tools.
Can I use Scanifly and Aurora Solar together?
Some teams use Scanifly for accurate site surveys and then design in Aurora or another tool. This works but adds cost and complexity — you pay for two tools and manage data transfer between them.