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.
IronCAD
IronCAD is a professional 3D design software providing a unique dual-kernel approach that combines feature-based modeling with direct editing to accelerate your product development and mechanical design workflows.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aurora Solar | IronCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Website | aurorasolar.com | ironcad.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Custom |
| Starting Price | $135/month | Custom Pricing |
| 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 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Atlanta, USA |
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.
IronCAD
IronCAD provides you with a flexible 3D design environment that breaks away from the constraints of traditional history-based modeling. You can move, resize, and manipulate parts instantly using the TriBall visualization tool, which simplifies complex positioning and alignment tasks. By utilizing both the ACIS and Parasolid modeling kernels simultaneously, you gain the ability to handle complex geometry without the typical regeneration errors found in other platforms.
You can seamlessly transition between 2D sketches and 3D models to create detailed production drawings and assemblies. The software is specifically designed for mechanical engineers and industrial designers who need to iterate quickly on custom machinery or modular equipment. Whether you are creating one-off prototypes or managing large-scale industrial assemblies, you can drag and drop pre-defined shapes from catalogs to build your designs faster.
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.
IronCAD Features
- Unified Design Environment. Create multiple parts and assemblies within a single file to eliminate the hassle of managing complex external links.
- TriBall Manipulation Tool. Position, copy, and rotate any object in 3D space with a single intuitive graphical tool for precise placement.
- Dual-Kernel Switching. Toggle between ACIS and Parasolid engines to solve complex geometry issues and ensure your models remain error-free.
- Drag-and-Drop Catalogs. Build assemblies quickly by dragging standard shapes and parts from pre-defined catalogs directly into your 3D scene.
- Direct Geometry Editing. Modify imported CAD data instantly without needing a feature history, making it easy to work with supplier files.
- Integrated 2D Detailing. Generate associative 2D technical drawings from your 3D models to ensure your manufacturing documentation stays perfectly synced.
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
IronCAD Pricing
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
IronCAD
Pros
- Incredible flexibility when modifying parts without history constraints
- The TriBall tool makes 3D positioning faster than competitors
- Handles large assemblies smoothly within a single file
- Excellent compatibility with imported files from other CAD systems
Cons
- Smaller user community compared to mainstream CAD platforms
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-based tools
- Steep learning curve for users coming from history-based CAD