Aurora Solar costs between $159 and $259 per user per month on a month-to-month subscription, while OpenSolar is free to use for standard design and sales. The choice between them comes down to whether you need premium 3D design features or prefer a low-cost, all-in-one proposal tool.
Disclosure: Scout Data is our product; treat that entry as a maker’s pitch and the rest as our honest read.
Aurora Solar: Premium 3D design and LIDAR
Aurora Solar is built for high-volume teams that require extreme accuracy. Its flagship feature is AI-assisted 3D modeling using LIDAR data, allowing reps to generate highly accurate roof models and shade reports without climbing on the house.
As publicly advertised as of November 2026, Aurora Solar offers two main tiers: Basic ($159 per user/month) and Premium ($259 per user/month). Annual billing reduces these to $135 and $220, respectively. Both tiers include 50 projects per month. Premium unlocks LIDAR-assisted modeling, bankable shade reports, and advanced battery modeling.
OpenSolar: The free all-in-one platform
OpenSolar removes the upfront software cost barrier entirely. It provides unlimited projects, users, and auto-design capabilities for free. The company monetizes the platform by partnering with hardware and finance providers.
Despite being free, OpenSolar is fully featured. It includes integrated finance options, e-signatures, CRM capabilities, and project management tools. For installers looking to keep software overhead low while scaling their field sales operations, it is a highly capable choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenSolar really free?
Yes, the standard OpenSolar design and proposal platform is free for installers. The software is funded by industry partners—like hardware manufacturers and finance providers—who pay to have their products integrated into the platform.
Can I design large commercial projects with Aurora Solar?
Yes, Aurora Solar handles commercial designs. It includes tools for modeling large arrays, identifying shading issues, and creating bankable production reports suitable for commercial financing.