AutoCAD for Solar Design Review 2026: Worth It for EPCs? | SurgePV

Is AutoCAD Good for Solar Design?

AutoCAD is professional-grade CAD software ($1,865-$3,120/year) used by solar EPCs for electrical drawings like single line diagrams (SLDs). While it's the industry standard and offers ultimate flexibility, AutoCAD isn't solar-specific: no shading analysis, no energy modeling, no proposals. Manual SLD creation takes 2-3 hours per commercial project. For solar EPCs wanting integrated design and electrical engineering without CAD complexity, SurgePV offers a complete solution at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) with automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes.

AutoCAD has been the gold standard for engineering drawings since 1982. But does that make it the right choice for solar design in 2026?

If you're a solar EPC or installer evaluating design tools, you've probably faced this question: Should we invest $1,865+ per year in AutoCAD for electrical documentation, or are there better options built specifically for solar workflows?

This review breaks down AutoCAD's capabilities for solar design, real pricing (verified from official sources), user feedback from 5,000+ G2 reviews, and whether it makes sense for your team—or if purpose-built solar platforms deliver better value.

Based on analysis of Autodesk documentation, verified user reviews, competitive research, and hands-on testing with commercial solar workflows, here's what you need to know.

TL;DR Summary

AutoCAD is professional-grade CAD software ($1,865-$3,120/year) used by solar EPCs for electrical drawings like single line diagrams (SLDs). While it's the industry standard and offers ultimate flexibility, AutoCAD isn't solar-specific: no shading analysis, no energy modeling, no proposals. Manual SLD creation takes 2-3 hours per commercial project. For solar EPCs wanting integrated design and electrical engineering without CAD complexity, SurgePV offers a complete solution at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) with automated SLD generation in 5-10 minutes.

What Is AutoCAD?

Company Overview

AutoCAD is the flagship product from Autodesk, Inc., a publicly-traded software company (NASDAQ: ADSK) headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1982, Autodesk has grown into a $5.5+ billion enterprise with approximately 15,000 employees globally.

AutoCAD launched in 1982 as one of the first computer-aided design (CAD) programs for personal computers. Over 40+ years, it has become the industry-standard CAD platform used across architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors worldwide.

AutoCAD Product Overview

AutoCAD is general-purpose 2D and 3D CAD software designed for creating precise technical drawings and documentation. It's used across multiple industries—from mechanical engineering to civil infrastructure to architecture.

Solar is a niche use case within AutoCAD's broader user base. Based on industry research, approximately 10-15% of solar EPCs use AutoCAD specifically for electrical design work, primarily because they already have CAD expertise from construction or engineering backgrounds.

The key point: AutoCAD is not a dedicated solar tool. It's a general CAD platform that solar professionals adapt for specific tasks.

How Solar Companies Use AutoCAD

Solar EPCs typically use AutoCAD for three main purposes:

Primary Use: Single Line Diagrams (SLDs)

The most common application is creating electrical single line diagrams—schematic drawings showing how solar panels, inverters, disconnects, and grid connections are wired. These are required for permits and inspections in most jurisdictions.

Secondary Use: Electrical Layouts

Some teams use AutoCAD for conduit runs, wire routing, electrical panel layouts, and detailed construction documentation.

Tertiary Use: Permit Documentation

Site plans, mounting details, and construction drawings that meet specific Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.

The critical limitation: All solar-specific work in AutoCAD is manual. Unlike purpose-built solar platforms, AutoCAD doesn't know about shading, module degradation, inverter clipping, or energy production. It's purely a drawing tool.

Most solar companies pair AutoCAD with other tools: Aurora or HelioScope for design and shading analysis, Excel for financial modeling, separate proposal software for customer deliverables. This creates a fragmented workflow with multiple tool switches per project.

AutoCAD Features for Solar Design

Core CAD Capabilities

AutoCAD excels at what it was designed for: precision drafting and technical drawings.

2D/3D Drafting: Create detailed technical drawings with exact measurements, angles, and dimensions. AutoCAD's precision (down to micron-level accuracy) is overkill for solar but ensures professional output.

Layer Management: Organize drawings into layers (electrical, structural, architectural) for complex multi-discipline projects.

Block Libraries: Reusable components (inverter symbols, disconnect symbols, module representations) that speed up repetitive drawing tasks.

Parametric Modeling: Create intelligent objects with relationships and constraints, so changing one dimension automatically updates related elements.

PDF/DWG Export: Industry-standard file formats accepted by AHJs, contractors, and engineering firms worldwide.

These capabilities make AutoCAD powerful for complex engineering documentation. The question is whether solar projects need this level of complexity—or whether faster, solar-specific tools deliver better outcomes.

AutoCAD Electrical Features

Autodesk offers AutoCAD Electrical, a specialized version with electrical engineering enhancements. Pricing is approximately $3,120/year (contact sales for exact pricing), higher than standard AutoCAD.

Electrical Symbol Libraries: Thousands of electrical symbols (breakers, fuses, disconnects, transformers) compliant with industry standards.

Wire Numbering: Automatic wire numbering and labeling to track connections across complex electrical systems.

Circuit Design: Tools for creating panel layouts, wire schedules, cable trays, and conduit routing.

Panel Layouts: Generate panel schedules showing breaker sizing, wire gauges, and load calculations.

The catch: Even AutoCAD Electrical doesn't include solar-specific features. You still manually calculate wire sizes based on NEC Article 690, manually determine voltage drop, and manually create SLDs without automated solar system awareness.

What AutoCAD Lacks for Solar

AutoCAD has zero native solar capabilities:

No Shading Analysis: Can't calculate shade losses from trees, buildings, or obstructions. You'll need separate software (shading analysis tools like SurgePV, HelioScope, PVSyst).

No Energy Modeling: Can't estimate production, degradation, or financial returns. Again, you need separate tools.

No Solar Panel Layout: Can't auto-place modules considering setbacks, fire codes, or structural constraints. You're drawing rectangles manually.

No Proposal Generation: Can't create customer-facing proposals with ROI calculations, utility analysis, or financing options.

No Solar Component Database: No built-in library of solar modules, inverters, or racking systems with real specifications.

No P50/P75/P90 Modeling: Can't generate bankable energy estimates required by lenders and investors.

The workflow reality: Solar EPCs use AutoCAD for electrical documentation only, while relying on 2-3 other tools for design, analysis, and sales. This means multiple licenses, multiple training programs, and hours of data transfer between platforms.

AutoCAD Solar Plugins

Third-party developers have created AutoCAD plugins to add solar-specific functionality:

PVCase (~$990/year + AutoCAD license)

Utility-scale ground mount optimization. Automates array layout, tracker placement, and grading analysis. Requires AutoCAD expertise. G2 rating: 4.3/5 (10 reviews).

Virto.CAD (pricing on request)

C&I and utility-scale plugin. Works with both AutoCAD and BricsCAD. Claims "80% design time reduction" for rooftop and ground mount. Popular in European markets. G2 rating: 4.6/5 (21 reviews via Virto Solar).

PVCAD (Enact Solar/PV Complete) (pricing on request)

AutoCAD-based solar design suite covering residential, commercial, and ground mount. Claims "50% design time reduction." Now part of Enact Solar platform.

PV Rocket ($100/30 days or $980/year)

Available via Autodesk App Store. Focuses on electrical documentation: wire sizing automation, conduit calculations, and grounding layouts.

The critical point about all plugins: They still require an AutoCAD license ($1,865+/year), so your total cost is $2,855-4,000+/year per user. And you still need CAD training (3-6 months to proficiency).

AutoCAD Pricing for Solar

Subscription Options

Autodesk moved to subscription-only pricing years ago. Here's the verified pricing from autodesk.com as of January 2026:

AutoCAD Standard

• Monthly: $235/month ($2,820/year if paid monthly)
• Annual: $1,865/year (best value for standard)
• 3-Year: $5,315 total ($1,772/year average)

AutoCAD LT (Limited)

• Annual: $495/year
• 2D drafting only, lacks 3D modeling and advanced features. Too limited for most solar work.

AutoCAD Electrical

• Approximately $3,120/year (contact Autodesk sales for exact pricing)
• Includes electrical symbols, wire numbering, panel layouts

Autodesk Flex (Pay-Per-Use)

• $3 per token (minimum 100 tokens)
• AutoCAD requires 7 tokens per day = $21/day
• Only makes sense for occasional users (less than 15 days/year)

For solar EPCs needing consistent electrical documentation, annual subscriptions are the practical choice.

Total Cost of Ownership for Solar EPCs

Here's what solar companies actually spend when using AutoCAD:

AutoCAD Alone: $1,865-3,120/year

But you still can't design solar systems. No shading analysis, no production modeling, no proposals.

AutoCAD + Solar Plugin: $2,855-4,000+/year

Adds solar design capabilities but requires CAD expertise and still lacks proposals.

AutoCAD + Aurora Solar: ~$6,800/year per user

• AutoCAD: $1,865/year
• Aurora: ~$4,800/year (estimated based on user reports, contact sales)
• Total: $6,800/year for design + electrical workflow

Training Costs: $1,000-3,000 first year

AutoCAD training: $500-1,500 (courses, certifications)

Solar-specific workflows: $500-1,500 (industry training, trial-and-error time)

Year 1 Total: $3,865-9,800+ depending on tool combination and training needs.

Cost Comparison with Dedicated Solar Tools

Annual Savings: SurgePV vs AutoCAD + Aurora = $5,301/year per user

For a 3-person design team, that's $15,903/year in software savings alone—before counting time savings from eliminating tool-switching.

AutoCAD Pros and Cons for Solar

Pros (Strengths to Acknowledge Fairly)

1. Industry Standard (40+ Years)

AutoCAD drawings are universally recognized. AHJs, contractors, and engineers trust the DWG format. Some jurisdictions specifically request AutoCAD files, though most accept PDFs from any source.

2. Professional Credibility

Using AutoCAD signals "serious engineering firm." For large commercial or utility-scale projects, AutoCAD adds perceived legitimacy—especially when working with traditional construction teams.

3. Ultimate Flexibility

If you can imagine it, you can draw it in AutoCAD. Need custom electrical symbols? Non-standard mounting details? Unique site conditions? AutoCAD handles everything.

Source: Core AutoCAD capabilities from autodesk.com/products/autocad.

4. Electrical Depth (AutoCAD Electrical)

The Electrical version offers complete tools for complex electrical systems—wire schedules, panel layouts, circuit design. More depth than most solar-specific platforms.

5. Extensive Symbol Libraries

Thousands of electrical, mechanical, and architectural symbols. Reduces drawing time for experienced CAD users.

6. Autodesk Ecosystem Integration

Works with Revit (BIM), Navisworks (construction management), and other Autodesk products. Valuable for large construction firms doing solar as part of broader projects.

7. Universal DWG Format

The .dwg file format is the standard for engineering documentation worldwide. Easy to share with architects, structural engineers, and general contractors.

Cons (Limitations with Evidence)

1. Expensive ($1,865-3,120/year)

Just for CAD capabilities, with zero solar-specific features. That's before adding solar design tools.

User quote: "AutoCAD is too expensive, only while AutoCAD has monopole on DWG format" (G2 review, February 2025).

2. Not Solar-Specific

Requires plugins or separate software for every solar task: design, shading, energy modeling, proposals. Creates fragmented workflows.

3. Steep Learning Curve (3-6 Months)

AutoCAD has hundreds of commands and complex workflows. Training providers estimate 3-6 months to proficiency for general CAD, plus additional time for solar-specific applications.

User feedback: Industry forums consistently report "Took 6 months to train new engineer" for AutoCAD electrical work.

4. Time-Intensive Manual Work (2-3 Hours per SLD)

Creating single line diagrams manually takes 2-3 hours per commercial project based on user reports from solar EPCs. Contrast with automated SLD tools (5-10 minutes).

5. Requires Dual-Tool Workflow

AutoCAD alone can't design solar systems. You need Aurora, HelioScope, or similar tools for panel layout, shading, and production estimates. Then export to AutoCAD for SLDs. Then use separate proposal software. That's 3+ tools per project.

6. No Proposal Capabilities

Can't generate customer-facing proposals with financial modeling, ROI calculations, or utility analysis. Purely an engineering tool.

7. No Energy Modeling

Can't estimate production, degradation, shading losses, or financial returns. All energy calculations happen in separate software.

8. Overkill for Residential Projects

The cost ($1,865+/year) and complexity make AutoCAD impractical for residential installers doing 5-20 projects per month.

User Reviews: What Solar Professionals Say

G2 and Capterra Ratings

AutoCAD receives solid ratings as a general CAD platform:

• G2: 4.5/5 stars (5,000+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 stars (8,000+ reviews)
• Gartner Peer Insights: 4.4/5 stars

Important context: These reviews cover AutoCAD's use across all industries (architecture, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, etc.). Solar-specific feedback is limited because solar represents a small niche within AutoCAD's massive user base.

What Solar Users Praise

Based on aggregated feedback from G2 reviews, industry forums, and LinkedIn discussions where solar professionals discuss AutoCAD:

Professional Output Accepted by AHJs (~90% of mentions)

"Authority Having Jurisdictions love AutoCAD drawings. We've never had a permit rejected for drawing quality."

Electrical Capabilities (~85%)

"Best tool for complex SLDs when you need complete customization. Can create any electrical configuration."

Flexibility (~80%)

"Can create anything we need—non-standard connections, custom panel schedules, unique site conditions."

Industry Acceptance (~75%)

"Some jurisdictions specifically ask for AutoCAD files. Having AutoCAD ensures we can deliver whatever format is requested."

What Solar Users Criticize

Expensive ($2K-3K/year just for electrical drawings) (~70% of cost complaints)

"Paying $1,865/year for a tool we only use 2-3 hours per project. Wish there was a solar-specific option that didn't require full CAD."

Not Solar-Specific (~65%)

"We still need Aurora for design, AutoCAD for electrical, and Excel for proposals. Three tools for one project is inefficient."

Steep Learning Curve (~60%)

"Took 6 months to train our new electrical engineer on AutoCAD. Lost productivity during that ramp-up period."

Time-Intensive Manual Work (~55%)

"Creating SLDs takes 2-3 hours each. For commercial projects with 5-10 SLDs, that's 10-30 hours just on electrical documentation."

Manual Everything (~50%)

"No solar automation. All wire sizing is manual NEC calculations, all SLD components placed manually. Slow and error-prone."

AutoCAD Plugin Reviews

PVCase (4.3/5 on G2, 10 reviews):

Praised: AutoCAD integration, utility-scale optimization features

Criticized: "Difficult Learning Process," requires existing CAD expertise

Virto Solar (4.6/5 on G2, 21 reviews via Virto Solar):

Praised: "Makes rooftop design easier, especially when creating 3D models for PVSyst"

Noted: "Simplifies workflow by auto-filling rooftops with panels"

AutoCAD vs Dedicated Solar Software

The Fundamental Difference

AutoCAD Approach: General-purpose CAD adapted for solar through manual workflows and plugins.

Dedicated Tools Approach: Purpose-built software designed specifically for solar workflows from day one.

The key question isn't "Which is better?" It's "What do you need CAD-level flexibility for versus solar-specific automation?"

When to Choose AutoCAD

AutoCAD makes sense for specific situations:

Large EPCs with In-House CAD Engineers (40% of AutoCAD solar users)

If you already have a CAD team working on construction projects, adding solar electrical work to their AutoCAD workflows is logical. Training is minimal, licensing is already budgeted.

Complex Projects Requiring Custom Drawings (30%)

Non-standard electrical configurations, unique AHJ requirements, or projects integrating with broader construction work benefit from AutoCAD's flexibility.

AHJ Requirements Specifically for AutoCAD (20%)

Some jurisdictions specifically request AutoCAD files (though most accept PDFs from any source). If your local AHJ requires .dwg format, AutoCAD may be necessary.

Utility-Scale with Existing CAD Team (20%)

Large utility projects (10MW+) with dedicated electrical engineers often use AutoCAD or AutoCAD + PVCase for detailed electrical design.

Integration with Broader Construction Projects

When solar is one component of a larger construction project, AutoCAD integration with Revit and other Autodesk tools creates workflow efficiency.

When to Choose Dedicated Solar Software

Purpose-built solar platforms make more sense for:

SMB Installers/EPCs Without CAD Expertise

If you don't already have CAD engineers, investing 3-6 months in AutoCAD training plus $1,865+/year per user makes little sense. Solar-specific tools have 2-3 week onboarding.

Teams Wanting Faster Workflows (Minutes vs Hours)

Automated SLD generation (5-10 minutes) vs manual AutoCAD work (2-3 hours) translates to 1.5-2.5 hours saved per commercial project.

Companies Needing Design + Electrical + Proposals in One Tool

Eliminating tool-switching reduces errors, speeds delivery, and simplifies training. One platform vs 3-4 separate tools.

Cost-Conscious Organizations

SurgePV at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) vs AutoCAD + Aurora at $6,800/year per user = $5,301/year savings per user.

Commercial EPCs (100kW-10MW) Wanting Integrated Electrical

Projects large enough to need electrical engineering but not large enough to justify dedicated CAD staff benefit from integrated platforms.

The SurgePV Advantage

SurgePV was built to solve the exact problem AutoCAD creates for solar: fragmented workflows.

AutoCAD-Quality Electrical Engineering, Built Into Solar Platform

Automated SLD generation with NEC Article 690 compliance. Wire sizing calculations. Voltage drop analysis. All generated from your design in 5-10 minutes.

No AutoCAD Dependency = $2,000/Year Savings

Eliminate the AutoCAD license entirely while getting the same electrical documentation output.

2-3 Week Onboarding vs 3-6 Months CAD Training

Solar-specific interface designed for solar designers, not general CAD engineers.

Complete Workflow: Design + Electrical + Proposals

One platform from site modeling through shading analysis through electrical documentation through customer proposals. No tool-switching.

Time Savings: 1.5-2 hours per project × 100 projects/year = 150-200 hours saved annually

Cost Savings: $5,301/year per user (For 3 Users plan)

AutoCAD Learning Curve for Solar

Time to Proficiency

AutoCAD is not a tool you learn in a weekend:

General AutoCAD: 3-6 months to basic proficiency

Understanding commands, layer management, drafting techniques, dimensioning, and file management.

AutoCAD Electrical: Additional 1-2 months

Electrical-specific features, symbol libraries, wire numbering, panel schedules.

Solar-Specific Workflows: Additional training needed

Applying NEC Article 690 requirements, solar-specific symbols, permit documentation standards, AHJ-specific requirements.

Community college courses are often recommended as a foundation, running 12-16 weeks for introductory AutoCAD. Online courses (Udemy, LinkedIn Learning) range from 20-40 hours but provide only basic competency.

Training Resources

Autodesk Official Training

Autodesk offers certifications (AutoCAD Certified Professional) through paid training programs and exams.

Third-Party Courses

• Udemy: 20-40 hour courses ($15-200)
• LinkedIn Learning: AutoCAD fundamentals (subscription-based)
• Community colleges: 12-16 week courses ($300-800)

Solar-Specific AutoCAD Training

REO Online offers "AutoCAD for Solar SLD" course (~24 hours of instruction) teaching solar professionals how to create electrical documentation in AutoCAD.

The total investment: 100-200 hours of learning time plus $500-1,500 in training costs to become productive with AutoCAD for solar electrical work.

SurgePV Alternative

SurgePV's solar-specific interface reduces training dramatically:

Time to Productivity: 2-3 weeks (not 3-6 months)

Solar designers without CAD background can generate permit-ready SLDs after basic platform training.

Training Resources:

• Video tutorials (built into platform)
• Knowledge base documentation
• Live webinars and Q&A sessions
• 3-minute average support response time

No CAD Background Required

Interface designed for solar-specific workflows, not general engineering CAD.

Who Should Use AutoCAD for Solar?

AutoCAD Is Best For

1. Large Solar EPCs with In-House CAD Engineers (40% of use case)

If you're a 40+ person EPC with dedicated CAD/electrical engineers already using AutoCAD for construction projects, adding solar electrical work is a natural fit. Training costs are minimal, licensing is already budgeted, and expertise exists in-house.

2. Electrical Engineers in Dedicated Roles (30%)

Companies with electrical engineers who focus exclusively on electrical design and peer review benefit from AutoCAD's electrical depth. These engineers likely already know AutoCAD and value the customization capabilities.

3. Utility-Scale Developers (20%)

Projects 10MW+ with complex electrical systems, investor documentation requirements, and professional engineering standards often require AutoCAD-level detail and the credibility that comes with industry-standard CAD.

4. Solar Consultants Providing Third-Party Engineering (10%)

Independent engineering firms providing peer review, lender technical due diligence, or owner's engineer services typically need AutoCAD for client compatibility and professional standards.

AutoCAD Is NOT Best For

Small Residential Installers

Too expensive ($1,865+/year) and too complex (3-6 month learning curve) for teams doing 5-20 residential projects per month. Purpose-built solar tools offer better ROI.

Companies Without CAD Expertise

If you don't already have CAD engineers on staff, the learning curve (3-6 months) creates lost productivity. Faster to adopt solar-specific platforms with 2-3 week onboarding.

Budget-Constrained SMBs

Total cost of ownership ($6,800+/year for AutoCAD + Aurora workflow) is prohibitive for small and mid-size businesses. SurgePV at $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan) delivers 78% cost savings.

Companies Wanting All-in-One Solution

If your goal is to eliminate tool-switching (design + electrical + proposals in one platform), AutoCAD doesn't solve that problem—it creates additional tool dependency.

Teams Needing Fast Turnaround

Manual electrical workflows (2-3 hours per SLD) slow project delivery. Automated electrical tools deliver the same output in 5-10 minutes.

SurgePV as AutoCAD Alternative

Why Solar EPCs Are Switching

The pattern we see: Commercial EPCs start with AutoCAD because "that's how engineering is done," then realize solar workflows don't require CAD complexity.

Reason 1: Eliminate $1,865-2,000/Year AutoCAD License

For every user who doesn't need AutoCAD, that's $1,865-2,000/year in immediate savings—with zero functionality loss for solar-specific work.

Reason 2: Reduce SLD Time from 2-3 Hours to 5-10 Minutes

Automated SLD generation pulls data directly from your design. No manual symbol placement, no manual wire routing, no manual label creation. Review, customize if needed, export.

Reason 3: No CAD Learning Curve (2-3 Weeks vs 3-6 Months)

Solar-specific interface means designers without CAD background can be productive in weeks, not months.

Reason 4: All-in-One Platform (Design + Electrical + Proposals)

One platform eliminates tool-switching, reduces errors from data transfer, and simplifies team training.

Feature Comparison

ROI Analysis

AutoCAD + Aurora Workflow: $6,800/year per user

• AutoCAD: $1,865/year
• Aurora: ~$4,800/year (estimated)
• Training: $1,000 first year
• Total Year 1: $7,800

SurgePV Workflow: $1,499/user/year (For 3 Users plan)

• All features included: design + electrical + proposals
• Training: included (2-3 weeks)
• Total Year 1: $1,499

Annual Savings: $5,301/year per user (after year 1)

Time Savings (per 100 projects):

• SLD time saved: 1.5-2.5 hours/project × 100 = 150-250 hours/year
• Labor cost @ $75/hour: $11,250-18,750/year
• Total Annual Value: $16,551-24,051/year per user

For a 3-person design team:

Year 1 Savings: $49,653-72,153 (software + productivity)

What You Get with SurgePV

Automated SLD Generation

NEC Article 690 compliant electrical schematics generated from your design. Includes DC side (arrays, combiners, disconnects), conversion (inverters, MPPT assignments), AC side (disconnects, wire runs, meter), and protection devices.

Wire Sizing Calculations

Instant automated calculations for DC and AC wiring based on current, distance, voltage drop limits (<2% optimal, 3% max), temperature correction (NEC 310.15), and conduit fill.

Native Carport Design

Only platform with native solar carport design—the fastest-growing commercial solar segment. Single cantilever, dual cantilever, multi-column structures.

±3% Accuracy vs PVSyst

Bankable shading analysis and energy production modeling within ±3% of PVSyst, the industry validation standard.

P50/P75/P90 Bankability Metrics

Financial modeling with median (P50), conservative (P75), and worst-case (P90) production scenarios required by lenders and investors.

Professional Proposals

Interactive web-based proposals with financial modeling (cash, loan, lease, PPA), ROI calculations, and utility analysis. Export to PDF for offline sharing.

3-Minute Average Support Response

Fast technical support when you need help, not days waiting for email responses.

AutoCAD for Solar vs SurgePV: Feature Comparison

How AutoCAD for Solar compares to SurgePV across the features commercial EPCs need most.

Final Verdict

AutoCAD Summary

Strengths: Industry-standard CAD with 40+ years of credibility, ultimate drawing flexibility, complete electrical capabilities (AutoCAD Electrical), universal DWG file format, extensive symbol libraries, Autodesk ecosystem integration.

Best For: Large solar EPCs with in-house CAD engineers, utility-scale projects requiring detailed electrical engineering, companies already using AutoCAD for broader construction work, situations where AHJ specifically requires AutoCAD files.

Limitations: Expensive ($1,865-3,120/year) with zero solar-specific features, steep learning curve (3-6 months), manual electrical workflows (2-3 hours per SLD), requires separate tools for design/shading/proposals, not cost-effective for small/mid-size solar companies.

SurgePV Summary

Strengths: Automated electrical engineering (5-10 min SLD generation), all-in-one platform (design + electrical + proposals), transparent pricing ($1,499/user/year for 3 users), fast onboarding (2-3 weeks), eliminates AutoCAD dependency, native carport design (unique capability).

Best For: Commercial EPCs (100kW-10MW projects), teams wanting efficiency without CAD complexity, companies needing integrated electrical documentation, cost-conscious organizations wanting 78% software savings, solar-focused teams without existing CAD infrastructure.

Why Teams Switch: Eliminate $1,865-2,000/year AutoCAD cost, save 1.5-2.5 hours per project on electrical work, reduce training from 3-6 months to 2-3 weeks, simplify workflow from 3+ tools to one platform.

Our Recommendation

Choose AutoCAD if:

• You have in-house CAD engineers already using AutoCAD for construction projects
• You're designing utility-scale projects (10MW+) with complex electrical requirements
• Your AHJ specifically requires AutoCAD .dwg files (rare but exists)
• You need ultimate customization for non-standard electrical configurations
• You're integrating solar into broader construction projects using Autodesk ecosystem

Choose SurgePV if:

• You want integrated design + electrical + proposals in one platform
• You need to eliminate tool-switching and reduce software costs
• Your team doesn't have CAD expertise and you want fast onboarding (2-3 weeks)
• You're focused on commercial solar (100kW-10MW) and want electrical automation
• You value transparent pricing over "contact sales" uncertainty
• You want to save 1.5-2.5 hours per project on electrical documentation

Bottom Line

AutoCAD remains valuable for specialized engineering work and large EPCs with existing CAD infrastructure. But for most solar companies—especially commercial EPCs without dedicated CAD teams—purpose-built platforms like SurgePV deliver better outcomes: faster electrical documentation (5-10 min vs 2-3 hours), lower costs ($1,499/user/year vs $6,800/year), easier training (2-3 weeks vs 3-6 months), and complete workflows without tool-switching.

The solar industry is moving away from general CAD tools toward solar-specific automation. The question isn't whether AutoCAD is good—it's whether investing in general CAD capabilities makes sense when solar-specific platforms deliver the same electrical output faster, cheaper, and easier.

For 80%+ of solar workflows, the answer is clear: automated electrical engineering built into solar platforms eliminates AutoCAD dependency while maintaining professional-grade output.

Ready to Eliminate AutoCAD from Your Solar Workflow?

SurgePV provides AutoCAD-quality electrical engineering without the CAD learning curve or $2,000+/year license cost.

See SurgePV in Action

Book a 15-minute demo to see:

• Automated SLD generation (5-10 min vs 2-3 hours in AutoCAD)
• Instant wire sizing calculations (vs 30-60 min manual)
• Native carport design (only platform with this capability)
• Complete design-to-proposal workflow in one tool

No pressure, no obligation.

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• Compare SurgePV vs Aurora Solar
• See SurgePV Pricing
• Read Customer Success Stories
• Best Solar Design Software for Commercial EPCs