How Branch Fits Your Solar Workflow
Branch automates the drafting work in construction document production — stringing, routing, circuit lengths. Here's how it relates to other tools in the solar workflow.
Different Tools for Different Stages
Solar projects move through distinct phases. Each phase has purpose-built tools. Branch handles the drafting-intensive construction document phase.
Proposals & Sales
Aurora, Helioscope, Solargraf, OpenSolar
Engineering
Engineer judgment, NEC analysis, structural review
Construction Documents
Branch
Installation
Field teams, commissioning
Proposal tools help win the job. Branch helps build it. Most teams use tools from multiple stages — they're complementary, not competing.
Detailed Comparisons
See how Branch relates to other tools in the solar workflow.
Branch vs PVComplete (PVCAD)
Direct competitor. Both work inside AutoCAD for solar construction documents. Compare automation quality, speed, learning curve, and pricing.
Branch vs PVcase
Different market, different scale. PVcase serves utility-scale ground mount with terrain simulation. Branch serves commercial rooftop with fast drafting automation.
Branch vs Aurora Solar
Aurora handles proposals, energy modeling, and sales workflows. Branch handles construction document drafting in AutoCAD. Different stages, complementary tools.
Branch vs Helioscope
Helioscope models energy production and generates proposals. Branch automates stringing, routing, and construction documents in AutoCAD. They work together, not against each other.
Branch vs Proposal Tools
Aurora, Helioscope, Solargraf, OpenSolar — these tools help win jobs with proposals and energy models. Branch helps build them with construction documents. Complementary, not competitive.
Branch vs Custom AutoLISP Scripts
Many solar engineering firms have accumulated AutoLISP routines over the years — scripts for array population, block renaming, equipment numbering, and other repetitive tasks. These work, but they're fragile and siloed.
Choose Branch if: You want purpose-built solar drafting automation that understands string sizing, voltage windows, NEC voltage window requirements, and optimizer constraints — not just generic CAD operations. Branch automates entire workflows, not individual tasks, and updates automatically without script maintenance.
Keep your LISP scripts if: You have highly specialized workflows that Branch doesn't cover, or you enjoy maintaining code. Many Branch users keep their custom scripts for non-solar tasks and use Branch for the solar-specific drafting work.
Custom AutoLISP
- One-off scripts for individual tasks
- Breaks when AutoCAD updates
- Only the author can maintain it
- No solar-specific logic
Branch Plugin
- End-to-end solar drafting workflow
- Maintained and updated automatically
- Any team member can use it
- Built-in voltage window and optimizer logic
What Branch Does
Branch is a drafting automation plugin for AutoCAD. It accepts your engineered panel layout and produces construction-document-ready output in minutes.
Works in AutoCAD 2018-2026 on Windows. Also supports AutoCAD Architecture, MEP, and Electrical editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Branch alongside other solar tools?
Yes. Many teams use Helioscope or Aurora for proposals and energy modeling, then bring the panel layout into AutoCAD and use Branch for construction document drafting. Branch also imports SolarEdge Designer PDFs directly.
Does the plugin work with BricsCAD or other AutoCAD alternatives?
Branch is built specifically for AutoCAD 2018-2026 on Windows. It also works in AutoCAD Architecture, MEP, and Electrical editions. We do not currently support BricsCAD, ZWCAD, or AutoCAD LT.
How does Branch's pricing compare?
Branch is $299/user/month with transparent, published pricing. Annual plans are $3,299/user/year. Every plan includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. See our pricing page for details.
What does Branch automate, exactly?
Branch automates the drafting work in solar construction document production: panel stringing with voltage window compliance, homerun routing with K-means path optimization, circuit and cable length calculation and export, and tag generation. It also imports SolarEdge Designer PDFs. Branch does not do engineering calculations like wire sizing, voltage drop analysis, or single-line diagram generation — those remain engineering decisions.
What if I need features Branch doesn't have?
We're actively developing Branch based on user feedback. If you need specific features, let us know — we prioritize requests from active users and may be able to add what you need.
Ready to Try Branch?
14-day free trial. No credit card required. $299/user/month after trial.
Install the plugin and see how it compares to your current workflow.