I need a "solar design" software that calculates shading and production estimates.
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky · Aurora Solar holds a wide lead across photovoltaic design and modeling, consistently pointed to for comprehensive residential and commercial layouts with LIDAR-based shading analysis. OpenSolar frequently surfaces alongside it as a free alternative that pairs production modeling with integrated client proposals.
residential and commercial 3D modeling with LIDAR-based shading analysis and production estimates
a free web-based platform combining panel layouts, production modeling, and client proposals
layout tools frequently paired with simulation engines for complete engineering workflows
Aurora Solar is the usual answer when requests focus on shading calculations and production estimates, frequently mentioned alongside drone-based options like Scanifly and free tools like OpenSolar.
Aurora Solar is the primary recommendation for solar installers needing comprehensive layout and modeling software, though OpenSolar comes up as a zero-cost option for smaller teams.
