# SmartPV vs CST ESS

The clearest difference is update cadence: SmartPV at every 6 weeks against CST ESS's every 29 months. SmartPV also leads on device support and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

SmartPV ships an update every 6 weeks, CST ESS every 29 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartPV | CST ESS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | — |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 29 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 24 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | — |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shanghai Taoke Network Co.,Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/497903387) | [无锡乐伏网络科技有限公司](https://appshunter.io/developer/1197246083) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartPV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartpv/id901795808)

Monitor your photovoltaic plant's real-time performance with this app. View energy generation, device power, and plant status. Access detailed unit monitoring and weather data for comprehensive insights.

**Highlights:** Real-time PV plant data, Energy generation tracking, Device power monitoring, Plant status updates, Detailed unit monitoring, Integrated weather data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### CST ESS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cst-ess/id6447654088)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartPV free?

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

### Is CST ESS free?

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

### Which is updated more often, SmartPV or CST ESS?

SmartPV ships an update every 6 weeks, and CST ESS every 29 months. Most recently, SmartPV was updated on September 9, 2026 and CST ESS on September 14, 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.*