Still juggling spreadsheets, outdated CAD tools, or painfully slow proposal generators—while your competitor sends a close-ready quote in under 30 minutes?
In today’s solar world, speed isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. You need instant answers, crystal-clear visuals, and spot-on financials, all without adding more software to your toolbox.
That’s why we love Aurora Solar. Built for installers, EPCs, designers, and clean-energy pros, Aurora brings 3D modeling, shade analysis, live utility rates, and proposal generation into one seamless, cloud-based workspace.
In this 2025 review, we’ll give you:
- Core features and why they matter
- Real pros & cons from verified users
- A clear look at pricing vs. ROI
- A side-by-side comparison with OpenSolar, HelioScope, PVsyst, and SurgePV
If you’re ready to cut hours from your workflow, boost your close rates, or scale your operations, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
Aurora Solar vs Alternatives
Why SurgePV Wins
✅ LIDAR + AI layouts tuned for EU rooftops
✅ EEG feed-in + KfW loan modeling built-in
✅ Proposal + yield + BOM all exportable in German
✅ Works on any device — no desktop limits
✅ Cuts total proposal time by 50–70%
👉 Book a Live SurgePV Demo to see how you can simulate, quote, and export a compliant PV proposal in under 15 minutes.
What Is Aurora Solar?
Have you ever wondered why solar design still feels like a patchwork of CAD files and spreadsheets? Back in 2013, two Stanford grads—Christopher Hopper and Samuel Adeyemo—asked themselves the same thing: Why is this process so manual, fragmented, and slow?
At the time, teams spent days stitching together proposals that were often riddled with errors. Hopper and Adeyemo saw a chance to change the game. Today, Aurora Solar powers over 7,000 solar companies—ranging from national installers and top EPCs to independent consultants—by bringing everything into one cloud-based hub.
Here’s what makes Aurora tick:
- All-in-one workspace: 3D modeling, shade analysis, utility rates, and proposals live under one roof.
- Global trust: Used across the U.S. and beyond by installers, commercial developers, and EPC managers.
- Speed & accuracy: Close deals faster with fewer mistakes—no more error-prone, multi-day quoting.
Whether you’re running a small residential install or overseeing nationwide projects, Aurora helps you work smarter—not harder. It’s solar design and sales, streamlined.
Key Features: Design Smarter & Sell Faster
Have you ever wished your solar design software could handle everything from roof scans to client sign-off? With Aurora Solar, you get a true end-to-end platform that turns complex site modeling and shading analysis into polished solar proposals—all in under an hour.
1. 3D Design & Site Modeling with LIDAR
Build pixel-perfect layouts in full 3D using HD satellite imagery, LIDAR, or your own blueprints:
- AI-powered roof detection finds edges, faces, and obstructions in seconds.
- Model rooftops, trees, and terrain remotely—no ladder needed.
- Skip truck rolls and trust bank-grade shade reports backed by industry validation.
Imagine designing a complete residential PV system from your laptop—without ever stepping on the roof.
2. Precision Shading Analysis
Simulate 8,760 hourly irradiance points to capture shading, tilt, and terrain losses:
- LIDAR-based models deliver results within a few percent of on-site measurements.
- Generate lender-approved shade reports in minutes for financial peace of mind.
3. Auto-Stringing & Electrical Design
Let Aurora handle the heavy lifting of NEC-compliant wiring:
- Auto-string panels, select inverters, and configure rapid-shutdown circuits automatically.
- Export single-line diagrams (SLDs) that engineers love—no manual redraws required.
4. Interactive Proposal Generation
Turn interest into signed contracts with fully branded, web-ready proposals:
- Embed energy savings projections and financing scenarios.
- Offer side-by-side system comparisons and live review links.
- Export to PDF or share a link so clients can review and sign online in minutes.
5. Dynamic Incentive & Utility Database
Build location-specific financial models that maximize ROI:
- Pull real-time utility rates, TOU schedules, and local incentives.
- Tailor rebates and rate structures to each customer’s address for accurate proposals.
6. Smarter with AI & Automation
From roof recognition to layout optimization, automation cuts design time:
- AI-driven features eliminate repetitive tasks so you can focus on closing deals.
- Minimize errors and speed up approvals by letting the platform work for you.
7. API & Third-Party Integrations
Keep your CRM and design tools in sync:
- Connect with Salesforce, HubSpot, Nearmap, SolarAPP+, and more via open APIs.
- Eliminate manual data entry—updates flow automatically between systems.
With Aurora Solar’s powerful feature set, you’re not just designing systems—you’re running a scalable solar business engine.
User Experience & Interface: Clean, Cloud-Based, Collaborative
When you log into Aurora Solar, you’ll notice instantly how intuitive everything feels. As a leading cloud-based solar platform, it’s designed to get you up and running—no headaches, no long installs.
No Installation Required
- Zero downloads or updates—just open your browser and go.
- Access your projects from anywhere: office, home, or even on-site.
- Say goodbye to software conflicts and version mismatches.
Why waste time on setups when you could be designing?
For Beginners and Power Users Alike
- Drag-and-drop tools and AI helpers make first-time use a breeze.
- Advanced designers can tweak auto-stringing, generate shade reports, or export CAD-compatible files.
- Tutorials and tooltips guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, Aurora Solar adapts to your pace.
Built for Team Collaboration
- Sales reps, designers, and managers all work in the same workspace—no more emailing files back and forth.
- Real-time updates mean everyone sees the latest version, every time.
- Comment on designs, assign tasks, and track progress in one place for seamless solar collaboration.
Collaboration has never been this smooth.
Learning Curve
- Most users feel confident after 1–2 days of hands-on practice.
- Complete the Aurora Academy onboarding to speed up your ramp-up time.
- For larger teams, you can schedule 1:1 training or custom workshops.
We’re here to help you master the platform fast.
With its clean interface and powerful features, Aurora Solar removes the bottlenecks that slow down solar professionals—so you can focus on designing, selling, and scaling your business.
Pros & Cons
When you evaluate Aurora Solar, you want honest insights—so let’s dive into what real users love and where they see challenges.
Pros
Design Turnaround Time That Drives Sales
Aurora Solar’s auto-stringing, drag-and-drop layouts, and LIDAR-powered 3D modeling cut your design and proposal time from hours to minutes. One lead designer shared, “What used to take us 3–4 hours in CAD and spreadsheets is now done in 30 minutes—accurately.” Faster quotes mean more closed deals—and happier customers.
Bankable Accuracy for Confident Projections
With 8,760 hourly irradiance data points and shading analysis accurate to within 2–3%, Aurora delivers lender-approved performance forecasts. That reliability helps commercial and industrial teams win more bids, knowing their numbers will stand up under financial scrutiny.
Interactive, Sales-Ready Proposals
Forget static PDFs. Aurora generates fully branded, web-based proposals complete with energy savings projections, financing scenarios, and side-by-side system comparisons. Clients can review, compare, and sign off with a single click, accelerating your sales cycle by up to 30%.
Seamless Integrations
Your CRM, design tools, and proposal platform finally speak the same language. Aurora connects with Salesforce, HubSpot, Nearmap, SolarAPP+, Mosaic, EnergyToolbase, and more—eliminating manual data entry and keeping your pipeline flowing smoothly.
Strong Support & Resources
Between the Aurora Academy, live webinars, on-demand tutorials, and priority chat for Pro and Enterprise users, you’ll never feel stuck. Comprehensive training means your team ramps up in days, not weeks.
Cons
Pricing Transparency
Aurora doesn’t publish a standard rate card—costs vary by team size and feature set. For budget-conscious buyers, that means you’ll need to request a custom quote before you can plan accurately.
Learning Curve for Beginners
Powerful features bring complexity. New users often spend a week mastering layout tools, stringing logic, and financial modeling. As one reviewer noted, “It took us about a week to get our junior staff comfortable. Aurora’s support helped, but it’s a lot to absorb at first.”
Performance Lag on Very Large Projects
Complex commercial layouts can slow down on older hardware. If you’re tackling multi-megawatt arrays, be prepared to upgrade your workstation or break the project into smaller sections to keep things smooth.
Not Ideal for Part-Time or Low-Volume Users
Because Aurora is priced per user and optimized for high-throughput teams, seasonal contractors or solo installers (fewer than five installs per month) may find lighter, more affordable options—like SurgePV—offer a better balance of cost and functionality.
Aurora Solar Pricing (2025)
Aurora offers a tiered subscription model, though exact pricing is not listed publicly. Here's what we know from verified user feedback and partner sources:
Real User Feedback & Reviews
When it comes to choosing Aurora Solar, nothing beats hearing from people who use this solar design tool every day. Overall, reviewers applaud its speed and accuracy, even as smaller teams sometimes worry about costs and complexity.
Overall Ratings Snapshot
On G2, Aurora Solar scores an impressive 4.6 out of 5, while Capterra users give it 4.5. Trustpilot reviewers rate it 4.4, and discussions on Reddit and LinkedIn tend to be positive—though a few small outfits mention pricing and UX as sticking points.
What Users Love
Many pros rave that their proposals look sharper and more professional than ever before. One installer told us, “Proposals that look better than anything we used before,” while another praised Aurora’s shading analysis, noting it actually passes lender reviews. Sales teams also celebrate not having to juggle a separate CRM—Aurora’s cloud-based platform keeps everything under one roof.
Common Critiques
Of course, no tool is perfect. Smaller firms often say, “Great tool, but not budget-friendly for small shops.” Several reviewers remind newcomers that training is essential—“can’t just jump in without help,” as one put it. And for those doing on-site design work, better tablet functionality would be a welcome addition.
With feedback this balanced—4.6 stars, robust praise, and thoughtful critiques—you get a clear picture of how Aurora Solar performs in the real world. If you value professional proposals, bank-grade analysis, and seamless CRM integration, it’s hard to beat.
Final Verdict: Is Aurora Solar Worth It in 2025?
Aurora Solar remains one of the most complete solar design software platforms for solar professionals in 2025. It delivers impressive value through bankable simulations, 3D layout tools, sales-ready proposals, and seamless CRM/ERP integrations—so you can close faster and work smarter.
If your team needs precision, automation, and professional-grade design at scale, Aurora is a top-tier choice. It can help you build trust with customers and financiers alike. But of course, it isn’t for everyone.
Smaller shops, part-time contractors, and teams focused purely on quick quoting may find its pricing and depth unnecessary. In these cases, tools like SurgePV or OpenSolar offer faster setups and more accessible pricing—without compromising usability.
Still weighing your options? If you’re part of a large team handling high volumes of designs and proposals, Aurora Solar is a solid, all-in-one platform that offers accuracy, speed, and integration at scale. But if you’re looking for something faster to adopt, easier to use, and more cost-effective—especially for mixed-use portfolios or growing teams—then SurgePV may be a better fit for your business.
See how SurgePV compares live. Book a personalized demo and discover how you can design, quote, and close deals faster—with a simpler, more agile platform tailored to real-world solar workflows.
👉 Book your free SurgePV demo today
No pressure. No obligation. Just answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora Solar free to use or trial?
You can absolutely try Aurora Solar risk-free. You get a 7-day free trial to explore all the features, from 3D site modeling to interactive proposals. After that, you’ll choose a paid plan—there’s no permanent free tier.
Can Aurora Solar be used effectively without a dedicated sales team?
Yes! Solo installers and technical designers often use Aurora from start to finish on their own. We hear from many individuals who love handling design, shading analysis, and proposal generation without ever touching a separate CRM. Larger teams simply unlock extra collaboration and automation perks.
Does Aurora Solar support international users or non-U.S. utilities?
Aurora Solar is optimized for the U.S. and Canada, with up-to-date utility rates, TOU schedules, and local incentives. If you’re outside North America, you can still design and model systems—but you may need to upload rate data manually or confirm incentive details on your own.
How accurate are Aurora Solar’s energy simulations and forecasts?
Aurora’s simulation engine models 8,760 hourly irradiance points each year and factors in shading, pitch, and terrain. That level of detail typically lands you within 2–3% of on-site measurements, making your proposals bankable and investor-ready.
What are the key differences between Aurora Solar and cheaper alternatives?
While lower-cost tools can help you knock out quick quotes, Aurora shines when you need deep engineering functionality, advanced proposal customization, and robust CRM/ERP integrations. If you prioritize speed and professional polish at scale, Aurora pays for itself. If you just need occasional estimates, platforms like SurgePV or OpenSolar can be lighter on the wallet and faster to learn.
How much does Aurora Solar cost?
Plans start at around $159 per user per month for core design tools and branded proposals, rising to about $259 for full LIDAR, 3D modeling, and API access. Enterprise quotes are custom, based on team size and integration needs.
Where is Aurora Solar located?
Aurora Solar’s main headquarters sits at 434 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, placing it right in the heart of the Bay Area innovation scene.
Who is the founder of Aurora Solar?
Aurora Solar was co-founded in 2013 by Stanford alumni Christopher Hopper and Samuel Adeyemo, who set out to streamline solar design and sales workflows from day one.
Where is Aurora Solar’s headquarters?
The company’s central office is at 434 Brannan Street in San Francisco, California, where the team develops and refines the platform that thousands of solar professionals rely on.
