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 Creo
PTC Creo is a powerful 3D CAD solution that helps you design, analyze, and manufacture complex products using advanced tools like generative design, real-time simulation, and additive manufacturing.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Aurora Solar | PTC Creo |
|---|---|---|
| Website | aurorasolar.com | ptc.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $135/month | $232/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 | 1985 |
| 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 Creo
PTC Creo is a scalable 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) suite that helps you take products from concept to digital prototype with precision. You can build complex geometries, manage large assemblies, and create detailed manufacturing drawings within a single environment. It addresses the needs of mechanical engineers and designers who require high-fidelity modeling and integrated simulation to validate performance before physical production begins.
You can optimize your designs using AI-driven generative design and verify structural or thermal integrity with real-time simulation tools. The platform supports your entire development lifecycle, from initial sketches to CNC machining and 3D printing. Whether you are designing consumer electronics or heavy industrial machinery, you can reduce errors and speed up your time-to-market by using its associative data model that updates downstream deliverables automatically when you change a design.
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 Creo Features
- Parametric Modeling. Create 3D models where changes to one part automatically update your entire assembly and related engineering drawings.
- Generative Design. Specify your design requirements and let AI-driven tools automatically produce high-performance, manufacturable geometries for you.
- Real-Time Simulation. Get instant feedback on structural, thermal, and fluid flow performance as you edit your geometry in the modeling environment.
- Additive Manufacturing. Design, optimize, and validate complex lattice structures and print checks specifically for 3D printing without leaving the software.
- Model-Based Definition. Embed all necessary manufacturing information directly into your 3D model to eliminate the need for traditional 2D paper drawings.
- Direct Modeling. Edit geometry quickly and intuitively even if you didn't create the original file, making it easy to handle multi-CAD data.
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 Creo Pricing
- 3D Part & Assembly Design
- 2D Documentation & Drafting
- Direct Modeling (Flexible Modeling)
- Sheet Metal & Weld Design
- Mechanism Design
- Augmented Reality Collaboration
- Everything in Essentials, plus:
- Advanced Assembly Management
- Prismatic & Multi-Surface Milling
- Advanced Surface Design
- Basic Simulation capabilities
- Enhanced data management tools
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 Creo
Pros
- Handles massive assemblies and complex parts without crashing
- Excellent parametric capabilities for highly controlled design changes
- Integrated simulation tools provide immediate engineering insights
- Strong compatibility with diverse file formats from other CAD tools
Cons
- Significant learning curve for new or casual users
- Hardware requirements are demanding for high-performance tasks
- Subscription costs are higher than entry-level CAD competitors