# PV View — A solar panel in your hand.

> Virtual solar panel simulator for estimating annual energy production in dollars. (iPhone/iPad app by PURSIFULL SERVICES, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pv-view/id1529013336 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [PURSIFULL SERVICES, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529013338)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 19 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-10-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-22
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pv-view/id1529013336/reviews.md

## What is PV View?

1stStepSolar.com intends to demystify solar.  This app does just that.   This app makes your smartphone a live, virtual solar panel in your hand. Lay it on your roof or hold it in your roof position to see the annual dollars produced by a panel (or multiple panels).  By knowing a panel’s annual dollar value and its initial cost, you may be pleasantly surprised how soon the solar pays for itself.

This app was expertly engineered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the makers of PVWatts solar calculator, the unquestioned authority in computing annual solar production.  It uses panel direction, panel tilt, latitude, local weather, and local electricity price to compute annual solar production in dollars.

Solar panels enough to do your whole roof is one big step.  1stStepSolar.com makes getting started in solar a small step. We enable you to start with one homeowner-installed panel and scale up as your confidence builds.

Thank you in advance for joining the mission. Start with one.

## Key features

- Virtual solar panel simulation
- Estimate annual dollar production
- Calculate solar payback period
- Uses panel direction, tilt, latitude
- Incorporates local weather and electricity prices
- Developed by NREL experts

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pv-view/id1529013336/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Virtual Solar Panel in Your Hand

*2020-10-12*

I was able to understand the solar panels paid me back even if they were not oriented optimally south facing.  Who knew?

East and west facing has 80% of south facing output!

## Frequently asked questions about PV View

### How does PV View estimate solar production?

PV View uses your device's location (latitude), panel direction, panel tilt, local weather data, and local electricity prices to compute the estimated annual solar production in dollars. This calculation is based on algorithms developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

### What is the main benefit of using PV View?

The primary benefit is demystifying solar energy by providing a clear estimate of the annual dollar value produced by solar panels. This helps users understand the potential return on investment and how quickly solar installations can pay for themselves.

### Can PV View be used to plan a full roof installation?

While PV View can simulate the production of multiple panels, its design encourages starting with a single homeowner-installed panel. This approach aims to make the initial step into solar more manageable and build user confidence before scaling up.

### Is PV View accurate for calculating solar production?

The app leverages expertise from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the creators of the PVWatts solar calculator, which is considered an authority in computing annual solar production. This suggests a high degree of accuracy in its estimations.

### What devices does PV View support?

PV View is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It was released on October 12, 2020, and its latest version is 1.6, updated on October 13, 2020.

### What is the age rating for PV View?

PV View has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The app is free to download and does not contain advertisements or in-app purchases.

### How often is PV View updated?

PV View was last updated on October 13, 2020, with version 1.6. While there haven't been recent updates, the app's core functionality is based on established solar calculation methods.

### What do users like about PV View?

Based on its 5.0-star rating from 3 reviews, users likely appreciate PV View's ability to simplify solar energy calculations and provide clear financial insights. The app's focus on making solar accessible and understandable is a key positive aspect.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.6 — 2020-10-13

This version contains new app icon assets.

### 1.5 — 2020-10-12

No release notes.

## Apps similar to PV View

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Uncertainty Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uncertainty-calculator/id1170905440) | 5.0 (1) | $3.99 | Education |
| [DoodleConnect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doodleconnect/id1176073180) | 4.7 (55) | Free | Education |
| [Geostationary Orbit 3D Lab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geostationary-orbit-3d-lab/id1190211000) | — | Free | Education |
| [Solar System Simulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-system-simulator/id1190193240) | 2.0 (3) | Free | Education |
| [Birdathon](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/birdathon/id1211977440) | 4.7 (15) | Free | Education |
| [Campus Labs® Event Check-in](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/campus-labs-event-check-in/id1221503400) | 4.8 (1,381) | Free | Education |

## Related topics

[pv calculator premium](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pv-calculator-premium)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-22.*