# PV Optimizer & Solar compass

> Utilities

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id971828374](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id971828374)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id971828374`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Joao Caetano
- **Category:** Utilities
- **Rating:** 4.50 / 5 (248 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.44
- **Last updated:** 2022-07-12
- **First published:** 2015-05-02
- **Size:** 4.86 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-22
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pv-optimizer-solar-compass/id971828374)
- **Website:** [https://melanciastudios.com/pvoptimizer/](https://melanciastudios.com/pvoptimizer/)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.melanciastudios.com](http://www.melanciastudios.com/)

## Description

PV Optimizer & Solar Compass is a free Chrome extension that helps maximize solar panel output. Use it by selecting one of four available time frames, position your device above the panels, and adjust azimuth and tilt using values from the app. The optimizer's algorithm aims to extract every watt and minimize missed opportunities.

The included Solar Compass provides real-time solar position and radiation data, and version 2.0 adds a forecast feature: input your panel capacity, tilt, and azimuth to get a monthly energy forecast. All features are free to use.

## Rankings

- #97,381 — Overall
- #50 — optimize
- #87 — panel

## Review summary

Pros: The app is valuable for aligning solar panels, offering an effective position/orientation optimizer, location and irradiance data to estimate production, and ROI calculations. It’s free and widely used for regular tuning. Cons: Multiple reviews report crashes and stability problems, especially on iOS, plus gyroscope connectivity issues. Other recurring problems include data download errors, odd azimuth/tilt outputs, and a yearly-output graph that lacks decimals. Users also request more time-based views and better nighttime alignment tips. Overall, PV Optimizer is useful and appealing for planning and setup, but reliability bugs significantly impact consistent use.

### Pros

- Strong alignment/angle optimization feature that reduces setup guesswork
- Location and irradiance data help estimate power generation
- ROI calculation and solar installation planning
- Free to use
- Useful for regular tuning and alignment

### Cons

- Frequent crashes and instability on iOS
- Gyroscope connectivity/off issues affecting alignment
- Data download errors prevent the app from working
- Azimuth/tilt readings can be inaccurate or odd
- Yearly output graph scale lacks decimal precision

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- [Solar Forecast and Optimizer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6767010381)
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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id971828374)