Aurora Solar
Aurora Solar is a comprehensive design and sales software platform that helps solar professionals create accurate 3D models, perform remote shading analysis, and generate precise financial proposals to close more residential and commercial solar deals.
PV*SOL
PV*SOL is a dynamic simulation program for the design and optimization of photovoltaic systems, allowing you to calculate yields and perform high-precision financial analysis for solar energy projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL |
|---|---|---|
| Website | aurorasolar.com | valentin-software.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | One_time |
| Starting Price | $135/month | $??/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2013 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Berlin, Germany |
Overview
Aurora Solar
Aurora Solar provides you with a unified platform to handle everything from initial lead intake to final contract signature. You can create detailed 3D site models using high-resolution aerial imagery and perform LIDAR-based shading analysis without ever visiting the property. This allows you to generate accurate energy production estimates that banks and homeowners trust, reducing the need for expensive truck rolls and manual site audits.
The software streamlines your entire sales workflow by integrating financial modeling, contract generation, and automated plan sets. You can present real-time financing options to your customers and make design adjustments on the fly during sales consultations. Whether you are a local installer or a national solar enterprise, the platform helps you lower customer acquisition costs and accelerate project timelines through automation and precision.
PV*SOL
PV*SOL provides you with a comprehensive environment for designing and simulating photovoltaic systems of all sizes. You can create detailed 3D models of buildings, visualize shading from nearby objects, and accurately predict energy yields based on global climate data. The software handles everything from small rooftop installations to large-scale solar farms, helping you determine the most efficient module coverage and inverter configurations for any site.
You can generate professional reports that include technical specifications and detailed economic forecasts to present to your clients. By simulating battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging integration, you can optimize self-consumption and prove the long-term viability of solar investments. It simplifies complex engineering calculations into a manageable workflow, ensuring your solar projects are both technically sound and financially profitable.
Overview
Aurora Solar Features
- AI Auto-Designer Generate optimal solar layouts instantly with AI that accounts for roof obstructions, setbacks, and local code requirements.
- Remote Site Analysis Perform accurate shading analysis and site modeling using LIDAR data and aerial imagery without leaving your office.
- Sales Mode Engage homeowners with interactive 3D walkthroughs and real-time pricing updates during your sales presentations.
- Contract Manager Send and sign legally binding documents directly through the platform to close deals faster and reduce paperwork.
- Battery Storage Modeling Design complex backup systems and show customers exactly how storage impacts their energy independence and savings.
- Automated Plan Sets Convert your designs into permit-ready CAD files automatically to speed up the engineering and approval process.
PV*SOL Features
- 3D Visualization. Create detailed 3D models of buildings and terrain to visualize exactly how your solar modules will fit on any surface.
- Shading Analysis. Calculate the specific impact of shadows from trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings on your system's annual energy yield.
- Climate Data Integration. Access high-quality global climate data to ensure your simulations reflect the actual weather conditions of your project site.
- Battery Storage Simulation. Model lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems to calculate how much solar energy you can store and use later.
- Electric Vehicle Charging. Integrate electric vehicles into your system design to see how solar power can meet modern transportation energy demands.
- Financial Forecasting. Generate detailed economic reports including pay-back periods, cash flow, and return on investment for your solar projects.
- Extensive Component Database. Choose from over 20,000 solar modules and 5,000 inverters that are updated regularly by the software manufacturers.
- BIM Export. Export your 3D models and technical data to BIM-compatible formats for seamless integration into larger construction projects.
Pricing Comparison
Aurora Solar Pricing
- Unlimited residential projects
- High-resolution imagery
- Basic financial modeling
- Standard proposal templates
- Integrated financing options
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- AI-powered roof modeling
- Advanced shading analysis
- Customizable sales proposals
- Contract e-signatures
- Battery storage design
PV*SOL Pricing
- 2D design and simulation
- Climate data for any location
- Detailed economic efficiency analysis
- Battery storage system modeling
- Electric vehicle integration
- Professional project reports
- Everything in PV*SOL, plus:
- Full 3D visualization and modeling
- Detailed 3D shading analysis
- Import of 3D floor plans and maps
- BIM interface for data export
- Automatic module coverage on 3D objects
Pros & Cons
Aurora Solar
Pros
- Industry-leading accuracy for remote shading and production estimates
- Professional 3D visualizations help build immediate customer trust
- Significant reduction in site visits saves time and money
- Comprehensive database of global modules and inverters
- Streamlined workflow from initial design to signed contract
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic layout tools
- Steep learning curve for advanced 3D modeling features
- Occasional lag when rendering complex commercial roof designs
PV*SOL
Pros
- Extremely accurate shading calculations for complex roofs
- Massive database of modules and inverters updated regularly
- Professional reports that help close sales with clients
- Reliable simulation of battery and EV charging systems
Cons
- Significant learning curve for the 3D modeling interface
- High upfront cost for the permanent license
- Requires a powerful computer for smooth 3D rendering