# SimplySolar vs PV Optimizer & Solar compass

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimplySolar at none against PV Optimizer & Solar compass's 1. SimplySolar also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 54%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). PV Optimizer & Solar compass's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 13 months). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PV Optimizer & Solar compass sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SimplySolar asks for nothing beyond the download.

SimplySolar holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 458 and 250 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of SimplySolar's written reviews are positive against 54% of PV Optimizer & Solar compass's.

SimplySolar ships an update every 13 months, PV Optimizer & Solar compass every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimplySolar | PV Optimizer & Solar compass |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (458 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplysolar/id660625340/reviews)** | [4.5 (250 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pv-optimizer-and-solar-compass/id971828374/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **458** | 250 |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 53.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | — | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 14.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matt Privman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1376909148) | [Joao Caetano](https://appshunter.io/developer/828553753) |

## What reviewers say

### SimplySolar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplysolar/id660625340)

This app helps users manually align solar panels and solar thermal heaters to maximize energy output. It offers a cost-effective solution for increasing solar energy viability, especially in developing regions, by replacing expensive tracking systems with a smart algorithm and simple tools. The app aims to improve lifestyles and create sustainable communities.

**Highlights:** 30-40% energy gain, Works with solar panels and thermal heaters, Increases ROI, Offline functionality, Works on cheap smartphones, Compass for True North alignment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PV Optimizer & Solar compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pv-optimizer-and-solar-compass/id971828374)

Maximize your solar panel output with this tool. It guides you to adjust your panels' azimuth and tilt based on real-time solar data. The app also provides a solar compass and forecasts your potential monthly energy generation.

**Highlights:** Solar panel output maximization, Azimuth and tilt adjustment guidance, Real-time solar compass, Solar panel output forecast, Adjustable time frames for optimization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ads | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works well once figured out
- 👍 Simple, reliable, practical
- 👍 Useful for PV panel inclination
- 👍 Great for RV and overland solar
- 👍 Awesome for maximizing solar power

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 No instructions provided
- 🐛 Ads are annoying
- 🐛 Pop-up ads prevent use
- 🐛 Gyroscope not working
- 🐛 PV alignment not working

**Reported bugs**

- Guide feature doesn't show on opening page
- Pop-up ads do not close
- Error: iPhone gyroscope off
- Error: Downloading relevant data
- Graph scale breaks down for yearly output

**Requested features**

- More guidance and clarity
- Option for shorter time periods (day/week)
- Adjustment for time settings (night alignment)
- Loss calculation for incorrect orientation
- Option to reverse phone orientation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimplySolar free?

SimplySolar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PV Optimizer & Solar compass free?

PV Optimizer & Solar compass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SimplySolar or PV Optimizer & Solar compass?

SimplySolar is rated higher. SimplySolar averages 4.8 out of 5 from 458 ratings, while PV Optimizer & Solar compass averages 4.5 from 250 ratings.

### Which is updated more often, SimplySolar or PV Optimizer & Solar compass?

SimplySolar ships an update every 13 months, and PV Optimizer & Solar compass every 2 months. Most recently, SimplySolar was updated on October 23, 2026 and PV Optimizer & Solar compass on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*