Key Takeaways
- Aurora Solar excels in visual proposal quality and US market coverage
- SurgePV offers better value with all features included at lower pricing
- Aurora requires AutoCAD license ($1,800+/yr) for electrical engineering
- SurgePV includes native SLD generation, BOM, and permit packages
- Aurora is stronger for large US enterprises; SurgePV is better for global teams
- Both offer cloud-based design with satellite imagery
Quick Verdict
Our Verdict
If you’re a large US enterprise doing 500+ residential projects/year and need best-in-class visual proposals with Salesforce CRM integration, Aurora Solar is the better fit. For everyone else — especially teams that need design, simulation, proposals, electrical engineering, and financial modeling in one platform at a lower price — SurgePV delivers significantly more value.
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
SurgePV
Founded
2025
Headquarters
London, UK (Global)
Focus
All-in-one solar platform
Best For
Global residential, commercial & utility
Pricing Starts
$1,499/yr
Feature Comparison
Here’s a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of Aurora Solar vs SurgePV across the capabilities that matter most to solar design teams.
| Feature | Aurora Solar | SurgePV |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-Based Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Imagery | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) | ✓ (Google & Nearmap) |
| 3D Shade Analysis | ✓ (LIDAR + solar access) | ✓ (8760-hour simulation) |
| Auto Panel Layout | ✓ | ✓ (AI-powered) |
| String Sizing | ✓ | ✓ (Auto-stringing) |
| Single-Line Diagrams (SLD) | ✗ (Needs AutoCAD) | ✓ (Native) |
| Three-Line Diagrams | ✗ | ✓ (Native) |
| Bill of Materials | Basic | ✓ (Detailed with pricing) |
| Permit Package Generation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Financial Modeling | Basic (US-focused) | ✓ (Global, multi-currency) |
| Proposal Generation | ✓ (Best-in-class visual) | ✓ (Web + PDF) |
| CRM Integration | ✓ (Native Salesforce) | API-based |
| E-Signature | ✓ (DocuSign) | Coming soon |
| Battery Storage Design | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commercial Projects (>100kW) | ✓ | ✓ (Up to 5MW) |
| Utility-Scale Design | ✗ | ✓ |
| API Access | Enterprise only | ✓ (All plans) |
| White-Label Proposals | ✓ | ✓ |
Design Capabilities
Both Aurora Solar and SurgePV are cloud-based platforms that enable solar professionals to design systems using satellite imagery. However, they differ significantly in their design workflow depth and engineering capabilities.
Aurora Solar Design Strengths
Aurora Solar has established itself as a leading design tool for the US residential market. Its strengths include deep integration with LIDAR data for accurate roof modeling, access to NearMap HD aerial imagery for precise panel placement, and one of the best shade analysis engines in the industry using solar access data.
Aurora’s design workflow is intuitive for residential projects — you can go from satellite image to a complete panel layout in minutes. However, a notable limitation is the absence of native electrical engineering tools. If you need Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs), three-line diagrams, or detailed electrical documentation for DSO/utility approvals, Aurora requires a separate AutoCAD license ($1,800+/yr).
SurgePV Design Strengths
SurgePV takes a more comprehensive approach to solar design software. The platform features AI-powered auto-design that automatically generates optimized panel layouts, along with an 8760-hour shade simulation that provides monthly shade maps for granular analysis throughout the year.
Where SurgePV truly differentiates is in its native electrical engineering capabilities. The platform includes built-in SLD generation, three-line diagrams, and automatic wire sizing — all without requiring any additional software. SurgePV also supports carport solar design, commercial projects up to 5MW, and utility-scale design, making it a more versatile tool for teams working across multiple project types.
Proposal & Sales
Aurora Solar Proposals
Aurora Solar produces what many consider the best-looking interactive proposals in the industry. Their proposal builder is highly visual, mobile-optimized, and designed to impress homeowners. Aurora integrates natively with Salesforce and HubSpot CRM, and offers built-in DocuSign e-signature integration, making it a complete sales workflow tool for US residential teams.
The limitation is that Aurora’s financial models are US-centric — they rely on US utility rate databases, US tax credits (ITC), and US-specific financing models. International teams will find the financial modeling restrictive.
SurgePV Proposals
SurgePV generates both web-based and PDF proposals with flexible financial modeling that supports cash, loan, lease, and PPA structures. The platform offers multi-currency support, global tax and incentive modeling, and detailed yield projections at P50/P75/P90 confidence levels.
While SurgePV’s proposal visuals are less polished than Aurora’s best-in-class interactive proposals, the financial content is significantly more comprehensive. For teams selling internationally or working on commercial projects with complex financing, SurgePV’s proposal engine delivers more actionable content.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing is one of the most significant differentiators between Aurora Solar and SurgePV, especially when you factor in Aurora’s AutoCAD dependency for electrical engineering work.
| Plan | Aurora Solar | SurgePV |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | ~$1,765/year | $1,499/year (3 users) |
| Premium | ~$2,875/year | $1,299/user/year (5 users) |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
| AutoCAD Required? | Yes (+$1,800/yr) | No (native SLDs) |
| Total Year 1 Cost (1 user) | $3,565+ | $1,499 |
| Features Included | Tiered (some locked) | All features, all plans |
Aurora $3,565+ vs SurgePV $1,499 — SurgePV saves ~58%See Why Teams Are Switching to SurgePV
Design, simulate, propose, and generate permit packages — all in one platform, starting at $1,499/year.
Start Free TrialNo credit card required · No AutoCAD needed · Full access
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
Aurora Solar
Pros
Cons
SurgePV
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose What?
The right choice depends on your team’s specific situation. Use this decision matrix to find the best fit.
| Your Situation | Choose Aurora | Choose SurgePV |
|---|---|---|
| Large US enterprise (500+ projects/yr) | ✓ | |
| Need Salesforce CRM integration | ✓ | |
| Budget-conscious teams | ✓ | |
| Need electrical engineering (SLDs) | ✓ | |
| International/European market | ✓ | |
| Commercial + utility-scale projects | ✓ | |
| Best visual proposal quality | ✓ | |
| All-in-one platform (no add-ons) | ✓ | |
| Small team (1-5 people) | ✓ | |
| Need permit package generation | ✓ |
Migration Guide: Aurora Solar to SurgePV
Switching from Aurora Solar to SurgePV is straightforward. Most teams complete the transition within 1-2 days. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Sign Up for SurgePV Free Trial
Create your SurgePV account with full access to all features. No credit card required, no feature limitations during the trial.
Import Project Data and Customer Information
Transfer your existing project data and customer records into SurgePV. The onboarding team can assist with bulk imports.
Recreate Active Projects Using AI Auto-Design
Use SurgePV’s AI-powered auto-design to quickly recreate your active project layouts. Most designs take minutes to regenerate.
Generate Proposals with Your Branding
Set up your company branding, upload your logo, and generate professional proposals with SurgePV’s white-label proposal builder.
Cancel Aurora Subscription After Transition
Once your team is comfortable with SurgePV and all active projects are migrated, cancel your Aurora Solar and AutoCAD subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SurgePV better than Aurora Solar?
It depends on your needs. Aurora Solar excels for large US enterprises needing CRM integration and visual proposals. SurgePV offers better value with all features included, native electrical engineering, and global financial modeling at 58% lower cost.
Can SurgePV replace Aurora Solar and AutoCAD?
Yes. SurgePV includes native SLD generation, three-line diagrams, and permit package creation that Aurora requires a separate AutoCAD license ($1,800/yr) to accomplish.
Which has better shade analysis?
Both offer excellent shade analysis. Aurora uses LIDAR and solar access data. SurgePV provides 8760-hour simulation with monthly shade maps. For most projects, both deliver comparable accuracy.
Is Aurora Solar worth the higher price?
For large US enterprises with 500+ projects/year and existing Salesforce workflows, Aurora’s CRM integration and visual proposals may justify the premium. For most other teams, SurgePV delivers more features at lower cost.
Can I migrate from Aurora Solar to SurgePV?
Yes. SurgePV offers guided onboarding for teams switching from Aurora. Most teams are fully transitioned within 1-2 days.
Which is better for commercial projects?
SurgePV supports commercial projects up to 5MW with native electrical engineering. Aurora handles commercial design but lacks native SLD generation and requires AutoCAD for engineering documentation.