Choosing the right solar design tool can make or break your EPC pipeline. Between Arka360 and Aurora Solar bring robust 3D PV design capabilities yet their focus areas differ.
Arka360 and Aurora Solar both deliver high-end 3D PV system design capability. While Aurora excels for engineering-rich workflows and enterprise teams, Arka360 offers a unified design-to-proposal-sales stack tailored for EPCs and installer scale. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and market geography.
This blog compares both platforms in depth features, modeling accuracy, workflow integration, pricing and which software best fits your solar business.
When evaluating solar design software, it’s essential to understand what each platform brings to the table. Arka360 and Aurora Solar are powerful tools designed to simplify PV design but their core philosophies differ.
Arka360 focuses on unifying the entire solar workflow from 3D layout creation and energy simulation to proposal generation, lead tracking and permit documentation. Its AI-assisted design engine and built-in CRM help EPCs and installers handle everything within a single dashboard. You can design systems, run shading analysis and instantly turn that into a polished proposal.
On the other hand Aurora Solar is known for its technical precision. It provides remote site design, LIDAR-based shading analysis and a CAD-grade layout environment. Aurora’s design validation and bankable shade reports make it ideal for engineers handling large or complex C&I systems. However its ecosystem is more design-centric and depends on third-party CRMs or proposal tools.
When it comes to solar design software the accuracy and flexibility of 3D modeling are often the dealbreakers. Both platforms perform well but they target distinct user groups.
Aurora Solar has built its reputation around remote site modeling and LIDAR-based shade analysis. Its 3D tools allow detailed roof reconstruction and highly accurate energy yield simulations. It supports NEC validations, string sizing and loss factor analysis which is ideal for engineers working on commercial and industrial-scale projects.
Aurora’s strength lies in bankable reports and precision modeling. Its compliance-grade outputs are accepted by financiers making it the go-to tool for utility-scale and enterprise solar companies. However this level of technical sophistication comes with a learning curve especially for users who just want to design and quote projects quickly.
Arka360’s solar design software simplifies the entire modeling process. Its AI-assisted 3D engine can automatically detect roof geometry, optimize panel placement and run energy simulations within minutes. Users can switch between 2D and 3D views seamlessly, visualize shading throughout the year and generate instant production estimates.
Its integrated shading simulation tool uses irradiance mapping to calculate performance losses while built-in modules handle tilt angles, azimuths and obstructions automatically. This not only reduces manual inputs but also ensures consistent accuracy across all projects.
Industry feedback highlights that Aurora Solar is highly capable but requires more manual steps and integrations whereas Arka360 offers a smoother end-to-end experience particularly for teams balancing design with sales and permitting.
If your goal is speed, simplicity and collaboration across sales and design teams, Arka360’s modeling system offers a far more streamlined experience without sacrificing accuracy.
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Design is only half the journey. Converting designs into deals is where many solar companies struggle—and that’s where integrated solar proposal software becomes essential.
Arka360 excels at combining design, proposal, and CRM capabilities into a single ecosystem. Once a project design is ready, users can instantly create customized proposals with brand logos, pricing, incentives and financing details. The proposal builder automatically syncs data from the design layout, ensuring 100% accuracy and no double entry.
Beyond proposals, Arka360 offers built-in lead management and CRM features, helping teams track project progress, follow up with prospects, and manage client communication, all from one place. This integration eliminates the hassle of using multiple disconnected tools.
Aurora Solar, meanwhile, also includes proposal-generation options, but they’re more limited and rely on external CRMs or sales integrations. Many small and medium-sized EPCs find this less efficient, as it creates friction between the design and proposal stages.
In a typical workflow—Design → Proposal → Install—Aurora often requires multiple platforms, while Arka360 connects all stages natively, making it ideal for smaller teams seeking speed and simplicity.
In short, for companies that prioritize an end-to-end solar proposal workflow, Arka360 offers a more cohesive and faster pipeline.
Price always plays a crucial role in software selection, especially for growing EPCs or installers operating with tight margins.
Aurora Solar follows a subscription-based pricing model. As of current listings:
These plans include varying levels of access to modeling tools, reports, and integrations. While the platform provides deep functionality, costs can add up quickly as teams expand. Additional features such as CRM or proposal software often require external tools, further increasing total ownership cost.
Arka360, though it doesn’t list public pricing, markets itself as a cost-effective all-in-one platform. It bundles design, CRM, proposals, and permit packages under a single license, minimizing dependency on multiple subscriptions.
For installers or EPCs handling numerous residential jobs each month, this can translate into significant savings. Instead of paying separately for CRM, quoting, and shading tools, you get everything in one place.
When you evaluate cost vs. value, Arka360 often delivers higher ROI by offering integrated functionality, fewer add-ons, and faster project turnaround—all at a lower overall cost.
Every EPC or installer has unique workflows, team sizes, and project priorities. Here’s how the two platforms stack up based on business type and project scope.
Geography also plays a role. Arka360 emphasizes global usability, supporting various regional permitting templates and international equipment libraries. Aurora Solar, while dominant in the U.S., may require adjustments for non-U.S. markets.
Ultimately, if your company values speed, ease of use, and affordability, Arka360 is a strong contender. If you’re handling highly technical, large-scale commercial projects, Aurora Solar remains a powerful choice.
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The best solar software doesn’t just perform well—it also needs to be easy to learn and supported by a responsive team.
Arka360 reports an active user base of 5,000+ solar professionals across 27 countries. Its support model includes guided onboarding, training webinars, and a responsive helpdesk. The platform is designed for easy adoption, helping teams go live in days instead of weeks.
Because it supports multiple regions and equipment databases, Arka360 is popular among companies expanding into international markets or operating across different regulatory environments.
Aurora Solar has a strong footprint in the U.S. and established partnerships with major solar organizations. However, user reviews on platforms like Reddit often mention that new users face a steep learning curve due to its CAD-like environment. While Aurora provides extensive documentation and tutorials, onboarding may take longer for non-technical staff.
For teams looking for quick deployment, Arka360’s ease of use and customer support often make the transition smoother, especially for sales-oriented teams that aren’t deeply technical.
1. Can Arka360 design large C&I solar systems as well as Aurora?
Yes. Arka360 supports both residential and commercial projects with accurate 3D modeling, though Aurora’s extensive engineering validation tools give it an edge for utility-scale systems.
2. Does Aurora include proposal and lead management features?
Not natively. Aurora focuses on design and simulation; proposal generation and lead tracking usually require integrations or third-party tools.
3. Which platform is faster to deploy for EPCs?
Arka360 typically offers quicker onboarding, while Aurora takes more setup time but provides deeper customization once configured.
4. How do licensing costs compare?
Aurora’s per-user pricing is higher and can become expensive for growing teams. Arka360’s integrated model offers better overall affordability and fewer add-on expenses.
5. Which platform offers better global support?
Arka360 emphasizes global accessibility and regional adaptability, whereas Aurora primarily caters to North American markets.
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Both Arka360 and Aurora Solar stand out as leaders in the solar design software market. The decision ultimately depends on your company’s workflow, project type, and priorities.
If you’re focused on engineering precision and enterprise-scale projects, Aurora Solar remains a solid option. But if you value speed, simplicity, affordability, and all-in-one integration, Arka360 clearly shines.
Arka360 delivers a unified design-to-proposal platform built specifically for EPCs and installers who want to move faster, quote more accurately, and close deals efficiently in 2025.
👉 Try a demo of Arka360 and discover how the best solar design software can transform your workflow from design to proposal—all in one powerful platform.
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