Aurora Solar vs OpenSolar vs Solargraf: Best AI Solar Design Software? [2026]
Compare the leading AI solar design and sales platforms — Aurora Solar, OpenSolar, and Solargraf — on design accuracy, pricing, proposal features, and permitting. Learn how to pick the right tool for your solar installation business.
Verdict:Aurora Solar leads on design accuracy and proposal completeness, making it ideal for large projects and businesses needing precise shading analysis. OpenSolar's overwhelming cost advantage — free core features — suits small installers wanting to increase proposal volume on a budget. Solargraf (under Enphase), meanwhile, excels at automatic permit-package generation and fast remote design, fitting businesses that want to reduce permitting workload while proposing quickly. The decision axis is clear: Aurora for accuracy and proposal power, OpenSolar for cost, Solargraf for permitting and speed. Note all three assume North American rates, incentives, and weather data, so for use elsewhere, verify support for local feed-in tariffs and regional irradiance data.
Table of Contents
Aurora Solar & OpenSolar Overview
Aurora Solar
An industry-standard-class solar design platform with LiDAR-based 3D modeling and high-precision shading analysis. Covers everything from design to proposals, quotes, and financing options; widely adopted for large residential and commercial projects.
Learn more about Aurora Solar →OpenSolar
Growing fast on a disruptive model that offers core features for free. Design, 3D proposals, quoting, and e-sign at no cost, monetized via hardware sales commissions — the lowest adoption barrier for small installers.
Learn more about OpenSolar →Feature & Pricing Comparison
| Feature | Aurora Solar | OpenSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid (subscription, premium tiers) | Free core (commission model) |
| Design accuracy | LiDAR × 3D, industry-leading | Practical and intuitive |
| Best project size | Large residential / commercial | Small-to-mid residential |
| Proposal / quoting | Covers financing presentation | Free proposals + e-sign |
| Permit documents | Supported (higher tiers) | Supported |
| Ease of adoption | Powerful but has a learning curve | Free, easy to start instantly |
Our Verdict
Our Verdict
Aurora Solar leads on design accuracy and proposal completeness, making it ideal for large projects and businesses needing precise shading analysis. OpenSolar's overwhelming cost advantage — free core features — suits small installers wanting to increase proposal volume on a budget. Solargraf (under Enphase), meanwhile, excels at automatic permit-package generation and fast remote design, fitting businesses that want to reduce permitting workload while proposing quickly. The decision axis is clear: Aurora for accuracy and proposal power, OpenSolar for cost, Solargraf for permitting and speed. Note all three assume North American rates, incentives, and weather data, so for use elsewhere, verify support for local feed-in tariffs and regional irradiance data.
Recommendations by Use Case
Prioritize design accuracy and proposal power for large projects
LiDAR × 3D design and comprehensive proposals including financing.
Maximize proposal volume while keeping costs down
Design, proposals, quoting, and e-sign are free to use.
Value permit automation and remote-design speed
Automatic permit-package generation and fast remote design.
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