Solar compliance involves two distinct software needs: design tools that create the system and generate permit documentation, and permitting tools that streamline AHJ submission and approval. Most installers need both, and the market now has specialized options for each.
This comparison covers the main tools US solar installers use for compliance-related workflows.
Design vs. Permitting: Know the Difference
Design software (SurgePV, Aurora, Helioscope): creates the system design, calculates production, generates proposals, produces permit documentation. Permitting software (SolarAPP+, Kite): manages the permit submission process, automates plan review (SolarAPP+), or standardizes permit package assembly (Kite). A complete solar workflow typically uses a design tool PLUS either SolarAPP+ (for participating AHJs) or a manual permit submission process.
Feature Comparison: Major Solar Compliance Tools
| Feature | SurgePV | Aurora Solar | Helioscope | SolarAPP+ | Kite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System design (3D/roof layout) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Shading analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Energy simulation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Financial proposals | Yes | Yes | Limited | No | No |
| NEC 690.7 calculations | Automated | Automated | Basic | Checks only | Generates |
| NEC 690.8 conductor sizing | Automated | Automated | Basic | Checks only | Generates |
| NEC 690.12 rapid shutdown docs | Yes | Partial | No | Checks | Generates |
| One-line diagram | Auto-generated | Auto-generated | Manual | No | Auto-generated |
| AHJ permit package export | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (certificate only) | Yes |
| SolarAPP+ integration | Yes | Yes | No | Native | No |
| Utility interconnection support | Yes | Partial | No | No | No |
| SREC revenue modeling | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Cost | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription | Free | Subscription |
SurgePV
Best for: End-to-end solar workflow from design to permit package, including financial modeling with full incentive stacks (ITC, SREC, state programs, NEM 3.0).
SurgePV was built to handle the full solar installer workflow: design, simulate, propose, and permit. The compliance focus means NEC calculations are automated — voltage calculations use ASHRAE data for the project location, conductor sizing applies all derating factors automatically, and permit packages export in AHJ-standard format.
Strengths:
- Complete NEC 690 automation (690.7, 690.8, 690.12) with audit trail
- Financial modeling includes SREC revenue, NEM 3.0 export rates, state incentives
- SolarAPP+ integration for participating AHJ instant approvals
- Multi-state operation — handles different NEC editions, different net metering rules
Considerations:
- Subscription-based (not free like SolarAPP+)
- Primarily US-market focused
Aurora Solar
Best for: High-quality 3D shading analysis and customer-facing sales proposals in California and other complex rooftop markets.
Aurora is one of the most widely used tools in US residential solar. Its 3D roof modeling and AI-powered shade analysis are industry-leading. Aurora generates permit packages and integrates with SolarAPP+ for California markets.
Strengths:
- Best-in-class 3D shading model (LIDAR-based where available)
- Polished customer proposal templates
- Strong California market adoption
- SolarAPP+ integration
Considerations:
- Permit packages less detailed on NEC calculations than specialist compliance tools
- Financial modeling doesn’t include SREC markets out of the box
- Higher per-user cost at enterprise scale
Helioscope
Best for: Commercial and utility-scale simulation accuracy; engineering-grade energy production models for large projects.
Helioscope (now owned by Folsom Labs) is popular for commercial solar design where precise energy simulation accuracy matters more than sales proposal polish.
Strengths:
- Very accurate energy simulation engine
- Good for complex commercial projects with multiple array segments
- Detailed irradiance and shade loss reporting
Considerations:
- Less focused on permit package generation
- Residential workflow is less optimized than Aurora or SurgePV
- No SolarAPP+ integration
- Limited financial modeling
SolarAPP+
Best for: Instant permit approval for residential systems under 15 kW in the 250+ participating AHJs.
SolarAPP+ is not a design tool — it’s an automated plan review platform. You bring a fully designed system to SolarAPP+ and it checks the design against NEC requirements, then issues an instant approval certificate.
Strengths:
- Truly instant approval for qualifying systems in participating AHJs
- Free
- Reduces permit turnaround from weeks to hours
Considerations:
- Only 250+ of 30,000+ US AHJs participate
- Covers residential only (under 15 kW)
- Requires a design tool to create the system first
- Doesn’t handle commercial, storage primary, or complex systems
Kite Compliance
Best for: Permit package standardization and AHJ submission tracking for high-volume installers with complex compliance workflows across multiple AHJs.
Kite focuses specifically on the permit documentation and submission management problem — standardizing how permit packages are assembled and submitted across different AHJ requirements.
Strengths:
- Specialized permit package assembly and management
- Tracks permit status across AHJs
- Useful for companies with dedicated permit teams
Considerations:
- Not a design tool — must integrate with design software
- Less relevant for smaller installers without dedicated permit staff
- Additional cost on top of design tool subscription
How to Choose
For residential-focused installers in CA/CO/FL SolarAPP+ markets: SurgePV or Aurora for design + SolarAPP+ for instant permit approval = fastest residential workflow
For commercial and C&I solar: SurgePV or Helioscope for design/simulation + traditional permit submission = most accurate commercial workflow
For multi-state residential volume installers: SurgePV with SREC and incentive modeling = best financial accuracy across states with different incentive programs
For smaller installers getting started: SurgePV (design + compliance in one tool) + SolarAPP+ where available = complete workflow without multiple subscriptions
See SurgePV’s Compliance Workflow in Action
Design, simulate, propose, and generate a complete AHJ permit package in one platform — then push to SolarAPP+ for instant approval in participating jurisdictions.
Book a DemoNo commitment required · 20 minutes · Live project walkthrough
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in solar compliance software?
NEC 690 calculation automation (voltage, ampacity, rapid shutdown), AHJ-ready permit package export, energy simulation accuracy, financial modeling with current incentives (ITC, net metering, SREC), and SolarAPP+ integration for participating jurisdictions.
Can I use SolarAPP+ without other design software?
No. SolarAPP+ requires a completed system design — it only performs the automated plan review check. You need a design tool (SurgePV, Aurora, or similar) to design the system before submitting to SolarAPP+.
Is Aurora or SurgePV better for California compliance?
Both generate Rule 21-compliant permit packages and integrate with SolarAPP+. SurgePV has stronger NEM 3.0 financial modeling and SREC integration. Aurora has stronger 3D shading analysis for complex rooftops. The choice depends on whether financial accuracy or shade modeling detail matters most for your typical California project mix.
