Solar Panel App

Monitoring solar equipment is easy thanks to some clever solar panel apps. Available for Android or iPhone, these applications let you adjust energy production, angle, and more. We took the time to review each of the best solar apps so you’ll have an easier experience managing your solar power system.

How can I monitor my solar system?

Most solar system providers offer a monitoring system that lets you keep an eye on the performance of your solar power. There are also plenty of free applications available for download on Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.

A solar app is a handy mobile tool that allows solar PV installers and professionals to monitor everything from solar energy production to estimated power use based on system size. This information makes an installer’s life much easier.

But they are also ideal for homeowners who want to learn more about solar power and solar system energy. Each application that we reviewed is currently available to download for free from their respective app store.

Is there an app to monitor solar panels?

We found several souler app brands available, but only a handful made the cut. There are different app types for Android and iPhone depending on your needs. Solar installers will likely want to use SolarEdge or PV Solar Power System.

Each app allows you to see estimated energy production, calculation information, productivity use, and more. Solar monitoring apps make it easier for solar PV installers to view important data related to installation, as well as estimations based on use.

How many solar panels are needed to run a house?

The number of solar panels needed all depends on how much electricity you wish to produce. If you’re trying to cover all of your energy production, the average homeowner needs anywhere between 28 and 34 solar panels. The greater the number of solar panels you have, the more solar energy you can produce.

Reviews

1. SolarEdge – Best Overall Option

The SolarEdge app allows installers and homeowners to perform mobile monitoring on solar systems. From the dashboard of the app, SolarEdge makes it easy to view the performance of the system to ensure that it is operating at peak capacity.

We like that this app displays information based on both past and present system performance. This allows adjustments to be made if it is determined necessary. The goal of this app is to ensure that each solar system panel is providing you with the best power production possible.

And by our estimation, SolarEdge does this very well. The data that it delivers is accurate and easy to understand. The app is very easy to navigate through and the data given can help you get the most out of your solar power system.

PROS

• Forecast – Check the weather to see what kind of performance you can expect to get from your panels each day. If there’s a cloudy day on the horizon, you’ll know that you will likely need to conserve energy or get it from the grid (if you’re connected).

• Energy Data – We like that you can see energy for the day, month, or the lifetime of your panels. This handy feature makes it easier to plan your energy consumption.

• No Ads – With a free app, you expect there to be bothersome ads. But that’s not the case here. Using the app made exponentially easier thanks to uninterrupted navigation.

CONS

• Customer Support – Our only gripe is a lack of support. It’s hard to get help when you need it – even for the simplest of questions.

2. PV Solar Power System – Upgrade Option

We like the data and energy information that PV Solar Power System provides to its users. You can easily examine the voltage, wattage, time used, and more. We also like that this app gives you the ability to change the angle and direction of your panels to ensure that you are getting maximum sunlight.

During our time with this app, we found that there is a wealth of information to help you learn more about connections, as well. This could prove to be beneficial for users who are looking to go solar on their own terms.

PROS

• Calculate – A nice feature included with PV Solar Power System is the calculator. This lets you determine solar power elements based on panel size and loads. It also lets you calculate the water pump requirements so you know exactly what’s needed before installation begins.

• Auto Tilt – To ensure that you getting the best production and performance, your panels need to have the best angle in relation to the sun. With the tilt feature, you can make the necessary adjustments from your smartphone. It’s nice not having to go outside or climb on your roof.

• Easier Installation – Thanks to the informational aspect of this app and its clean user interface, installation stands to be much easier. Beginners may have some trouble with it at first, but it shouldn’t take long to get the hang of it.

CONS

• Ads – Like many other free apps, there are intrusive ads from time to time that disrupt usage. It’s not a deal-breaker; just annoying.

3. SimplySolar – Value Option

Beginners and DIYers will definitely want to take notice of SimplySolar. This freebie makes installation less complicated thanks to its built-in tools and compass. As an iPhone-only application, it’s good to know that SimplySolar is compatible with older models.

As long as you have an iPhone 5S and are running iOS 9.0 or later, SimplySolar will work for you. Another big plus is developer support. They are quick to get back in touch with users who have queries and comments. For beginners, this is nice to see.

The user interface is about as simplistic as it gets, and that’s a good thing. We had no issues putting this app to use, as it is very newbie-friendly. And like the other programs we reviewed, SimplySolar won’t cost you a dime. We just wish this application was available on Android, as well.

It would be nice to have access to SimplySolar across both major platforms. Hopefully, we see cross-platform integration in a future release.

PROS

• Great for DIYers – This is quite possibly the best application we’ve tested for DIY solar projects. It’s a breeze to operate and makes installation much more feasible. Even if you are making your own solar power setup, SimplySolar will benefit you greatly.

• No Internet Required – SimplySolar is ideal for users who wish to get off of the grid. Since an internet connection isn’t needed to use SimplySolar, you can take it virtually anywhere to help you get better performance from your system.

• Energy Gain – Thanks to the information and data that this application provides, SimplySolar can potentially give you 30 to 40 percent energy gain. If you want to get the most out of your solar arrangement, this a great way to go about it.

CONS

• iPhone Only – There currently isn’t an Android version available, so you’ll need to be sure that you have Apple if you want to download SimplySolar.

Conclusion

Depending on your needs, each of the apps we reviewed could potentially serve you well. Beginners might want to steer clear of PV Solar Power System, as it can be a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated. For first-time solar users, SimplySolar gets the nod.

But in terms of sheer performance and options, SolarEdge takes the top spot. There’s just so much to do while making solar system management straightforward.