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.
PTC Onshape
Onshape is a professional-grade computer-aided design platform that combines 3D modeling, data management, and real-time collaboration tools into a single cloud-native solution for modern product development teams.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aurora Solar | PTC Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Website | aurorasolar.com | onshape.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $135/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2013 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Boston, 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.
PTC Onshape
Onshape is a professional-grade CAD platform built entirely in the cloud, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or complex installations. You can design complex 3D models, manage your product data, and collaborate with your team in real-time from any web browser or mobile device. Because it uses a single source of truth, you never have to worry about version control issues or overwritten files again.
You can streamline your entire product development lifecycle by using built-in release management and automated workflows. The platform is designed for engineering teams of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises, who need to move faster and work more flexibly. It solves the traditional headaches of file-based CAD by providing a secure, always-accessible environment where your entire team can contribute simultaneously.
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.
PTC Onshape Features
- Multi-Part Part Studios. Design related parts in a single environment to ensure perfect fit and function without managing complex external references.
- Real-Time Collaboration. Work simultaneously with your teammates on the same design and see their changes instantly with live editing tools.
- Built-in Version Control. Track every change automatically and return to any previous state of your design without ever saving a separate file.
- Branching and Merging. Experiment with new design ideas in isolated branches and merge the best versions back into your main project seamlessly.
- Cloud Simulation. Test your assemblies with integrated structural analysis tools that run in the cloud without slowing down your local machine.
- Mobile CAD Editing. Create and edit professional 3D models on your phone or tablet using native apps designed for touch-screen precision.
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
PTC Onshape Pricing
- Public documents only
- Full professional CAD tools
- Real-time collaboration
- Standard content library
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited private documents
- Release management
- Company-wide sharing
- Custom properties
- Consolidated billing
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
PTC Onshape
Pros
- Eliminates file crashes and data loss
- No installation or high-end hardware required
- Superior version control and history tracking
- Seamless collaboration with external vendors
Cons
- Requires constant high-speed internet connection
- Steep learning curve for complex surfacing
- Annual billing only for professional tiers