How Skyfire Compares
We believe in transparency. Here's an honest look at how Skyfire stacks up against other solar design tools.
How to Evaluate Solar Design Software
The solar design software market is crowded, and most tools look similar in demos. They all promise faster designs, better proposals, and permit-ready plans. But after talking to hundreds of installers who switched tools, we have learned what actually matters when choosing software for your business.
Do not evaluate based on feature lists. Every vendor will claim they have the features you need. Instead, ask yourself these questions:
- What is your primary bottleneck? If it is permitting, choose tools built for permitting speed (like Skyfire). If it is sales conversion, choose tools built for proposals (like Aurora or OpenSolar).
- How complex are your typical systems? Simple residential installs work in any tool. Storage retrofits, multi-inverter setups, and commercial systems need specialized capabilities.
- What is your team structure? Separate sales and operations teams need different workflows than owner-operators who handle everything.
- How many jurisdictions do you serve? Multi-state installers need robust AHJ databases and PE stamp services. Local installers can get by with manual processes.
- What is your growth trajectory? Tools that work at 10 installs per month break down at 50. Make sure the platform scales with your business.
The right tool depends on your specific needs. Below, we break down how Skyfire compares to the major competitors and when each tool makes sense.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Skyfire | Aurora Solar | OpenSolar | Solargraf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit-ready plan sets | ||||
| Time to plan set | <5 min | 15-30 min | 20-45 min | 15-30 min |
| PE stamp integration | Add-on | Add-on | ||
| Storage & hybrid systems | Limited | Limited | ||
| AHJ database | Limited | |||
| Mobile site survey | ||||
| Offline mode | ||||
| Proposal generation | Basic | |||
| Starting price | $99/mo | $150/mo | Free tier | $99/mo |
| Free trial | 14 days | Demo only | 7 days |
Detailed Competitor Analysis
An honest comparison of strengths and weaknesses
Skyfire vs. Aurora Solar
Aurora Solar is the 800-pound gorilla in solar software. They are publicly traded, have raised hundreds of millions in funding, and serve thousands of installers worldwide. Aurora excels at sales and proposal generation with beautiful 3D visualizations, comprehensive financing integration, and mature commercial tools.
Where Aurora wins: If your primary goal is closing more sales, Aurora is hard to beat. Their proposal tools are polished, their financing integrations are deep (Sunlight, Mosaic, Goodleap all built-in), and their shading analysis is industry-leading. Commercial installers benefit from advanced tools for C&I projects, including detailed financial modeling and utility rate analysis.
Where Skyfire wins: Permitting speed and complex system design. Aurora can take 15-30 minutes to generate permit-ready plans; Skyfire does it in under 5 minutes. Storage retrofits and multi-inverter systems that require manual workarounds in Aurora are automated in Skyfire. PE stamp coordination is built into Skyfire ($0 additional cost on Pro tier) while Aurora requires third-party coordination. Offline mode means your field teams can work without internet.
Pricing difference: Aurora starts at $150/month vs Skyfire at $99/month. For high-volume installers, Aurora's enterprise pricing can exceed $500/month per user.
Choose Aurora if: You need best-in-class sales tools, extensive financing integrations, or focus primarily on commercial projects.
Choose Skyfire if: Permitting speed is your bottleneck, you install lots of storage systems, or you need built-in PE stamps without coordination overhead.
Skyfire vs. OpenSolar
OpenSolar has built a loyal following with their freemium model and focus on simplicity. Their free tier gives new installers access to basic design and proposal tools without upfront investment, making it popular with startups and small operators.
Where OpenSolar wins: Price and ease of use. The free tier is genuinely useful (not just a trial), making it perfect for installers doing 5-10 projects per month. The interface is clean and intuitive—new users can create their first design without extensive training. Proposal generation is solid, with good customer-facing documents.
Where Skyfire wins: Permitting capabilities and system complexity. OpenSolar's permit package generation is basic—it creates the required documents but does not include AHJ-specific requirements, PE stamp integration, or automated code compliance checking. Storage system design is limited compared to Skyfire. No offline mode means field teams need constant connectivity.
Pricing difference: OpenSolar is free for basic use, then $99-199/month for advanced features. Skyfire starts at $99/month with more comprehensive permitting tools included at entry-level pricing.
Choose OpenSolar if: You are just starting out and want to minimize upfront costs, or you primarily need proposal tools and handle permitting manually.
Choose Skyfire if: You are scaling past 15-20 installs per month and permit delays are costing you money, or you need advanced storage system design.
Skyfire vs. Solargraf
Solargraf positions itself as the modern alternative to legacy tools, with a focus on user experience and workflow automation. They have invested heavily in making the design process fast and reducing clicks required to complete common tasks.
Where Solargraf wins: User interface and workflow optimization. Solargraf has one of the cleanest interfaces in the industry, and their keyboard shortcuts make experienced users very fast. Proposal generation is strong with good customization options. Their customer support is responsive and helpful.
Where Skyfire wins: Permitting automation and system complexity. Solargraf's AHJ database is limited compared to Skyfire—they cover major metros but lack depth in smaller jurisdictions. PE stamps are available as an add-on requiring coordination, while Skyfire builds it into the workflow. Storage system design and multi-inverter configurations are more limited in Solargraf. No offline mode.
Pricing difference: Both start at $99/month, but Solargraf's PE stamp add-on costs $200-300 per project while Skyfire includes it at no additional cost on Pro tier.
Choose Solargraf if: You prioritize user interface and only work in major metro areas with straightforward permitting requirements.
Choose Skyfire if: You serve multiple jurisdictions (especially smaller cities), install storage systems regularly, or need built-in PE stamps to eliminate coordination overhead.
Questions to Ask in Your Demo
Do not let sales teams control the narrative. Ask these specific questions to understand what you are really buying:
Permitting Questions
- •"Show me your AHJ database. Does it include [specific jurisdiction I serve]?"
- •"How do PE stamps work? What is the turnaround time and cost?"
- •"Can you generate a complete permit package for [specific AHJ] during this call?"
- •"What happens when an AHJ changes their requirements? How quickly do you update?"
Design Complexity Questions
- •"Can you design a storage retrofit for an existing solar system?"
- •"How do you handle multi-inverter systems with different orientations?"
- •"Show me a complex roof layout with multiple obstructions. How long does design take?"
- •"Can your mobile app work offline during site surveys?"
Workflow Questions
- •"How many clicks from site assessment to permit-ready plans?"
- •"Can I submit directly to SolarAPP+ from your platform?"
- •"Show me your revision workflow. What happens when a customer changes their mind?"
- •"How do you handle team collaboration? Can multiple people work on one project?"
Pricing & Support Questions
- •"What is included at each pricing tier? What costs extra?"
- •"How does pricing change as we scale? What are volume discounts?"
- •"What does customer support look like? Response times? Live chat or email only?"
- •"Can I export my data if I decide to switch tools later?"
Pro tip: Ask to design one of your actual recent projects during the demo. Bring the site data and specs. This reveals how the tool actually performs with your real-world complexity, not cherry-picked demo scenarios.
Where Skyfire Wins
Speed to Permit
Generate permit-ready plans in under 5 minutes. Aurora and OpenSolar focus on proposals first—we focus on getting permits approved.
Complex Systems
Storage retrofits, multi-inverter setups, and tricky roof layouts. Systems that make other tools choke are routine for Skyfire.
Built-in PE Stamps
No chasing third-party engineers. PE stamps are integrated directly, with 24-48 hour turnaround in all 50 states.
When Other Tools Might Be Better
We are not for everyone. Here's when you might want to look elsewhere:
You need advanced proposal and financing tools → Aurora or OpenSolar have more robust sales features
You are primarily focused on commercial projects → Aurora's commercial tools are more mature
You want a completely free option → OpenSolar has a free tier for basic needs
Run the Numbers on Your Own Operation
Thirty seconds in the calculator tells you what Skyfire saves your shop. Specific to your project volume, your current workflow, your costs.