The average solar sales rep spends over 10 hours a week just creating proposals. That’s more than a full workday lost - not selling, not following up, but building quotes.

In a market that moves fast and expects faster responses, proposal time is critical. That’s why tools like Solo solar software and Aurora Solar have become essentials in the solar sales stack. But while both aim to speed things up, they cater to very different needs.

Solo solar software is designed for sales teams that prioritize speed and simplicity. Aurora, on the other hand, offers a robust suite of design and engineering features that can power even the most complex solar projects.

So which one should you choose in 2026?

In this blog, we compare Solo vs Aurora on usability, speed, accuracy, and ROI - and explain why many solar companies are skipping the tool decision altogether by partnering with Wattmonk, where Aurora is already built into our proposal workflow.

What Is Solo Solar Software?

Solo solar is a cloud-based, sales-driven solar proposal platform tailored for speed, simplicity, and scale. Unlike engineering-first platforms, Solo solar proposal software is designed to empower non-technical sales reps to produce full proposals quickly—without needing CAD or shading expertise.

Feature Highlights

• DirectDesign & Fast Proposal Engine

Solo solar software generates proposals in minutes using address-based data input and its production engine—claimed to deliver utility-grade forecasts that meet audit and lender compliance standards.

• Per-Panel Shading & Imaging Accuracy

Solo solar proposal platform includes automated shading and production calculations at the per-panel level, based on satellite imagery and TSRF metrics—now directly visible in the system via June 2026 updates.

• Integrated Financing & Proposal Management

With built-in support for real-time financing options and tools like SoloSign for digital document execution, it creates a seamless proposal-to-close experience.

• Full-Service Add-Ons

Solo solar software offers CAD turnaround in 24 hours or less, permit assistance, and branded proposal templates—perfect for teams that want polished collateral without building internal design workflows.

• Support & Scalability

New features like a “Professional Support” tier, weekend support availability, and multi-installer account handling promote flexibility for growing solar businesses.

Ideal User Profiles

Solo solar design software is built for solar sales teams who prioritize:

• High-volume residential quote generation
• Mobile-first deal creation (including on-site reps)
• Minimal design or technical setup
• Businesses that want all-in-one sales and closing tools without building their own CAD workflows

Limitations & Considerations

Limitation

Considerations

Not engineering-first

Lacks full 3D layout, LiDAR, or advanced shading-based modeling features

Solo soalr pricing not fully transparent

Has per-proposal and usage fees; costs vary by volume and support layers

Scope for technical complexity limited

Best for simpler residential projects; may fall short for multi-surface roofs or atypical installation scenarios

What Is Aurora Solar?

Aurora Solar is a professional-grade solar design and proposal platform trusted by over 7,000 solar companies globally — including top EPCs, developers, and engineering teams. Unlike Solo solar software, which focuses on proposal speed, Aurora was built to offer technical depth, design flexibility, and advanced modeling accuracy, making it the go-to software for both sales and engineering workflows.

Whether you're designing a complex commercial PV system or customizing residential proposals with real-time utility rates, Aurora brings utility-grade precision right into your browser.

Core Features That Set Aurora Apart

• True 3D Modeling & HD Shading Analysis

Aurora lets users build 3D models of rooftops, trees, and obstructions using HD imagery, LIDAR data, and AI-assisted tools — resulting in highly accurate production forecasts.

• Auto-Irradiance & Performance Modeling

Uses industry-validated irradiance models like PVWatts and SAM to generate performance simulations that align with NABCEP and utility standards.

• Real-Time Utility Rates & NEM Calculations

Automatically pulls current utility tariffs, TOU rates, and Net Metering rules across jurisdictions to forecast savings more accurately.

• Electrical & NEC Compliance Design Tools

Aurora includes string sizing, inverter configurations, and automatic NEC checks for code compliance.

• Integrated Proposal Builder

Combines its engineering-grade modeling with sleek, customizable proposals that reflect real system behavior — not just estimates.

• API & CRM Integrations

Supports robust integration with Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot, and financing partners like Mosaic, Sunnova, and GoodLeap.

Ideal User Profiles

Aurora is best suited for solar businesses that need:

• Full control over system layout, electrical design, and shading accuracy
• Seamless transition between sales and engineering
• Precision-based proposals for financier review or AHJ submissions
• Support for complex projects (commercial, multi-surface, or non-standard designs)

Limitations & Considerations

Limitation

Considerations

Learning curve

Takes time to master - especially for sales reps with no technical background

Higher cost

Pricing is premium-tier with per-seat licenses (annual)

Requires detailed input

Best used when site details, shade profiles, and electrical needs are clearly defined

Solo Solar Software vs Aurora — Feature Comparison for 2026

Below is a side-by-side breakdown of how each platform performs across the most critical areas for solar sales and system design:

Feature

Solo Solar Design Software

Aurora Solar

Proposal Speed

Ultra-fast turnaround (often <30 mins)

Slower due to design input requirements

Ease of Use

Extremely user-friendly for non-technical users

Steep learning curve for sales reps

3D System Design

Not supported

Full 3D modeling with LIDAR & AI

Shading & Irradiance Modeling

Basic or estimated shading via imagery

Industry-grade shading tools (TSRF, LiDAR, PVWatts, SAM)

Utility Rate Integration

Limited

Dynamic real-time rates, TOU, NEM

Proposal Customization

Strong templating, branding, and mobile-friendly proposals

Fully customizable with production-based estimates

Engineering Tools (NEC, Strings)

None

String sizing, inverter layout, NEC compliance

CRM & Financing Integration

Salesforce, Sunlight, Mosaic, etc.

Deeper API options + 3rd party integrations

Best For

Small sales teams, fast-quoting operations

Design-forward teams, AHJ-ready proposals, commercial installs

Which One’s Right for You in 2026?

Both Solo solar software and Aurora Solar are strong tools — but they solve different problems for different teams. The right choice depends on what stage your business is in, how technical your team is, and what level of accuracy your proposals demand.

Here’s a quick run-down to help you:

Choose Solo Solar Software If You...

• Run a high-volume residential operation focused on closing quickly
• Have a lean team with no dedicated designer or engineer
• Need proposals turned around in under an hour, even on weekends
• Rely on basic site details and cookie-cutter system designs

But keep in mind: if you ever need AHJ-ready plans or utility approvals, Solo may fall short and you’ll need to rework proposals using another tool or third-party support.

Choose Aurora If You...

• Work on complex residential or commercial projects
• Need detailed shading, electrical, and NEC-compliant system design
• Want to generate lender- or utility-grade proposals
• Have in-house designers or can invest time in training your sales team

Aurora gives you complete control but it demands more time, technical expertise, and budget.

Or… Skip the Tools. Get Wattmonk.

If you want Aurora-level accuracy without:

• Buying the software
• Managing licenses or user training
• Slowing down your sales cycle

…then the best option might be letting Wattmonk do it for you.

We use Aurora Solar for creating compliant, lender-ready sales proposals and even full design packages. You get the output — minus the overhead.

Whether you’re using Solo solar, Aurora, or nothing at all, Wattmonk plugs into your process and delivers the results faster, cleaner, and with fewer revisions.