# Aurora Solar, PV*SOL vs AutoCAD Comparison

| | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 121 | 12 | 1,934 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (63.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (83.3% of reviews) | Small-Business (46.8% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | $260.00 1 user | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Aurora Solar

Pros:
- Ease of Use (8 reviews)
- Customer Support (7 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (4 reviews)
- Difficult Learning Process (2 reviews)

### PV*SOL

**Not enough data**

### AutoCAD

Pros:
- Ease of Use (180 reviews)
- Drawing (115 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (65 reviews)
- Learning Curve (48 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.2 (76 reviews) | 7.3 (10 reviews) | 8.8 (1578 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (78 reviews) | 8.2 (10 reviews) | 8.3 (1586 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.0 (53 reviews) | 7.3 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (346 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.2 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.0 (204 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.9 (77 reviews) | 7.5 (8 reviews) | 8.2 (1422 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.5 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (203 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.2 (73 reviews) | 10.0 (10 reviews) | 8.0 (1547 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Aurora Solar

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### PV*SOL

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### AutoCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Monthly Subscription

Price: $260.00 1 user

Description: Access software 1 month at a time for the lowest up-front investment.


Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- 1-on-1 online support
- Includes AutoCAD Mobile App

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Aurora Solar** | N/A | N/A |
| **PV*SOL** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.1/10 | 490 |

#### Design

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (411 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.3 (378 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (428 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (410 reviews) | 
| **Sequence Steps** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (371 reviews) | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (199 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (368 reviews) | 
| **File Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (422 reviews) | 
| **Annotating ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (416 reviews) | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (396 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (367 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (357 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.5 (335 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (187 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (180 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.2 (48 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.1 (46 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.2 (48 reviews) | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.0 (5 reviews) | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Aurora Solar** | N/A | N/A |
| **PV*SOL** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 598 |

#### Design

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.5 (532 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (497 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (490 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (428 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (496 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (439 reviews) | 
| **Views** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (485 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (459 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (480 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (473 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (448 reviews) | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Aurora Solar** | N/A | N/A |
| **PV*SOL** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 46 |

#### Data Management

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data Capture** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 
| **Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (38 reviews) | 
| **Data Manipulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (37 reviews) | 

#### Map Creation

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Geocoding** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 
| **Buffer Zone Query** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (32 reviews) | 
| **Overlaying** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (36 reviews) | 
| **Publishing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (34 reviews) | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Spatial Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (34 reviews) | 
| **Reporting ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (34 reviews) | 
| **Real-Time Streaming ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (29 reviews) | 

### Solar Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Aurora Solar** | 8.7/10 | 38 |
| **PV*SOL** | 7.9/10 | 10 |
| **AutoCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Analysis

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Site Selection** | 9.0 (37 reviews) | 7.7 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Financial Analysis** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 7.2 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Energy Yield Assessment** | 9.1 (38 reviews) | 8.7 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customer Relationship Management (CRM)** | 8.1 (37 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Construction Planning** | 8.3 (37 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Design & engineering** | 9.2 (37 reviews) | 7.8 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling capabilities** | 9.2 (38 reviews) | 8.5 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D Visualization** | 9.6 (37 reviews) | 7.7 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Automation

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Topography Analysis** | 9.1 (37 reviews) | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Single Line Drawings** | 7.6 (36 reviews) | 7.8 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layout Automation** | 8.4 (36 reviews) | 8.0 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Bills of Materials** | 7.9 (35 reviews) | 7.5 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Aurora Solar** | N/A | N/A |
| **PV*SOL** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.2/10 | 22 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.5 (14 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.0 (14 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (15 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (14 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (14 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (14 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (14 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (16 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (15 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (15 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (15 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (17 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (14 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (14 reviews) | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to Aurora Solar (1):** [Solar Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/solar-design)

**Unique to PV*SOL (1):** [Solar Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/solar-design)

**Unique to AutoCAD (4):** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Aurora Solar | PV*SOL | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 63.2% | 83.3% | 46.8% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 31.1% | 16.7% | 34.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 5.7% | 0% | 18.9% | 

### By Industry

#### Aurora Solar

- **Renewables & Environment:** 34.9%
- **Construction:** 19.8%
- **Oil & Energy:** 10.4%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 3.8%
- **Design:** 3.8%
- **Consulting:** 2.8%
- **Wholesale:** 2.8%
- **Utilities:** 2.8%
- **Computer Software:** 2.8%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.8%
- **Other:** 13.2%

#### PV*SOL

- **Renewables & Environment:** 58.3%
- **Management Consulting:** 8.3%
- **Environmental Services:** 8.3%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 8.3%
- **Civil Engineering:** 8.3%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 8.3%

#### AutoCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.3%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.4%
- **Construction:** 9.3%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 8.6%
- **Design:** 8.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.2%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.9%
- **Automotive:** 2.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Higher Education:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 27.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Aurora Solar

- [RatedPower](https://www.g2.com/products/ratedpower/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (282 reviews)
- [PVcase Ground Mount](https://www.g2.com/products/pvcase-ground-mount/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (357 reviews)
- [Artemis](https://www.g2.com/products/artemis-solar-artemis/reviews) — 4.9/5 stars (327 reviews)
- [ARKA 360](https://www.g2.com/products/arka-360/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (137 reviews)
- [PVsyst](https://www.g2.com/products/pvsyst/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (21 reviews)
- [EagleView](https://www.g2.com/products/eagleview-eagleview/reviews) — 3.6/5 stars (14 reviews)
- [PVcase Roof Mount](https://www.g2.com/products/pvcase-roof-mount/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (15 reviews)
- [PVcase Prospect](https://www.g2.com/products/pvcase-prospect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (39 reviews)
- [Solargraf](https://www.g2.com/products/solargraf/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (4 reviews)
- [OpenSolar](https://www.g2.com/products/opensolar/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (3 reviews)

### Alternatives to PV*SOL

- [PVsyst](https://www.g2.com/products/pvsyst/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (21 reviews)
- [HelioScope](https://www.g2.com/products/helioscope/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (19 reviews)
- [PVcase Ground Mount](https://www.g2.com/products/pvcase-ground-mount/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (357 reviews)
- [RatedPower](https://www.g2.com/products/ratedpower/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (282 reviews)
- [Artemis](https://www.g2.com/products/artemis-solar-artemis/reviews) — 4.9/5 stars (327 reviews)
- [ARKA 360](https://www.g2.com/products/arka-360/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (137 reviews)
- [PVcase Prospect](https://www.g2.com/products/pvcase-prospect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (39 reviews)
- [PVcase Roof Mount](https://www.g2.com/products/pvcase-roof-mount/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (15 reviews)
- [EagleView](https://www.g2.com/products/eagleview-eagleview/reviews) — 3.6/5 stars (14 reviews)
- [Virto.CAD](https://www.g2.com/products/virto-cad/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (25 reviews)

### Alternatives to AutoCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (997 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (539 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Aurora Solar

- Title: [What is Aurora software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-aurora-software-used-for) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Aurora Software is used by the front end, planning, and back end processes for Residential and Commercial Solar Projects. Aurora accelerates every..."
- Title: [How accurate is Aurora Solar?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-accurate-is-aurora-solar) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "I don't know the answer"
- Title: [Upload new modules](https://www.g2.com/discussions/51457-upload-new-modules) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Zachary,

Thanks for your question. If you send over the spec sheet for this new module to support@aurorasolar.com, our Support team will be able to..."

### PV*SOL

No discussions available for this product.

### AutoCAD

- Title: [Can we add simulation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15648-can-we-add-simulation) — 4 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes we can do any kind of simulation here. This tool provides great flexibility."
- Title: [Which of the features might be useful for CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-of-the-features-might-be-useful-for-cad-software) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "3d extend "
- Title: [What is AutoCAD Architecture used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-architecture-used-for) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "AutoCAD Architecture is a specialized version of AutoCAD developed for architects and building professionals. It provides intelligent architectural..."
- Title: [Can you do 3d in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-do-3d-in-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-software-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "drafting, design and drawing production.  2d and 3d"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/aurora-solar-vs-pv-sol-vs-autocad)