Aurora Solar Unveils Tiny Tech Powering Big Solar Design: Introducing 4mm Bicone Beads for Enhanced Accuracy

Portland, OR – October 26, 2023 – Aurora Solar LLC, a leading provider of remote solar design and sales software, today announced a seemingly small but incredibly impactful addition to its suite of tools: 4mm bicone beads. While seemingly unrelated to solar energy at first glance, these tiny glass beads are proving to be a game-changer in the accuracy of Aurora’s 3D modeling, ultimately helping solar companies design better systems and win more deals. You might be thinking, “Beads? What do beads have to do with solar?” Well, it’s all about how Aurora Solar creates its incredibly realistic 3D representations of homes and buildings. Aurora's software is renowned for its ability to accurately simulate sunlight hitting rooftops, factoring in everything from shading from trees and chimneys to the pitch of the roof itself. But achieving that level of realism requires incredibly detailed models. Historically, Aurora relied on LiDAR data and aerial imagery to create these models. That data is great, but sometimes… it's just not quite enough. Tiny features, like roof vents, dormers, or even the texture of the roof itself, can be missed or represented inaccurately. This can lead to errors in shade analysis and, ultimately, less accurate solar production estimates. That's where the 4mm bicone beads come in. “It sounds a little crazy, but it’s actually brilliant,” explains Jesse Carlson, Aurora Solar’s Head of Modeling. “We’ve been experimenting with using these beads as tiny markers, scattering them strategically across rooftops during aerial surveys.” Here’s how it works. Aurora teams deploy drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture images of potential solar customer properties. These drones don’t just capture the broad strokes; they're trained to specifically identify and map the locations of the scattered 4mm bicone beads. “Think of them like tiny, incredibly precise ground control points,” Carlson elaborates. “The software can identify each bead in the images, and use that information to refine the 3D model, dramatically improving its accuracy.” Why 4mm Bicone Beads Specifically? It wasn't a random choice. The Aurora Solar team meticulously tested various materials and shapes. The 4mm bicone beads proved to be ideal for several reasons: High Visibility: The clear glass material and faceted design provide excellent light reflection, making them easy for drones to spot, even in varied lighting conditions. Consistent Size & Shape: Uniformity is key for accurate measurements. These beads offer consistent dimensions, minimizing errors in the 3D reconstruction process. Lightweight & Non-Damaging: They’re light enough not to cause any damage to rooftops, and easy to collect after the aerial survey. Cost-Effective: While precision technology often comes with a high price tag, 4mm bicone beads are surprisingly affordable, allowing Aurora to scale the technology without significantly impacting costs. What Does This Mean for Solar Companies? The impact of this seemingly small addition is substantial. By improving the accuracy of 3D models, Aurora Solar is helping solar companies: Increase Sales Closure Rates: Accurate shade analysis and production estimates build trust with potential customers. A realistic proposal that demonstrates clear savings is far more likely to win a deal. Reduce Design Time: More accurate models mean fewer revisions and less back-and-forth with customers. Optimize System Performance: Precise shade modeling allows for better panel placement, maximizing energy production. Minimize Site Visits: More accurate remote assessments reduce the need for costly and time-consuming on-site inspections. Improve Proposal Accuracy: Customers get a realistic understanding of their investment and potential returns. “We're constantly looking for ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible with remote solar design,” says Michael Grasso, CEO of Aurora Solar. “This isn’t just about fancy technology; it’s about empowering our customers to deliver a better experience and drive the adoption of clean energy.” Aurora Solar is rolling out this enhanced modeling capability to its customer base over the next few weeks. Early adopters have reported significant improvements in accuracy and efficiency. “We were skeptical at first,” admits Sarah Miller, a project manager at a leading solar installation company. “But the results speak for themselves. Our proposals are more accurate, and we’re closing deals faster. It’s a game-changer.” About Aurora Solar LLC Aurora Solar LLC is a leading provider of remote solar design and sales software. Founded in 2013, the company is dedicated to helping solar businesses grow by simplifying the design and sales process. Aurora’s software is used by thousands of solar companies worldwide to create accurate 3D models, optimize system performance, and close more deals. Aurora Solar is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and can be reached at 360-370-0465 or at 2701 NW Vaughn ST, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97210-5366. Learn more at [www.aurorasolar.com](www.aurorasolar.com).