optiPV: FAQ

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What is optiPV?

optiPV is a tool for anyone using plug-in solar panels, the kind you can set up without a professional installation and plugs straight into the wall or through a battery. optiPV looks at your location's weather forecast, works out how much power your panel could generate over the next two days, and helps you adjust your panel for the best possible output.

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Who is optiPV for?

optiPV is built for people who can't (or don't want to) fit a permanent, wired-in solar array. That includes:

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How does optiPV work?

  1. You take your current location: optiPV uses this to pull local weather data.
  2. optiPV checks the forecast: optiPV looks at conditions such as cloud cover, sunlight hours, and so on, for the next two days.
  3. optiPV calculates generation potential. Using that forecast, optiPV estimates how much energy your plug-in panel could generate.
  4. optiPV helps you tune your panel. The app recommends a pitch (tilt) and azimuth (compass direction) for your panel to squeeze out the most generation for your location and the coming weather, it helps you get the perfect pitch and orientation for your panel in-situ.

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What do I need to use optiPV?

Just a plug-in solar panel and your phone. You don't need a fixed installation, planning permission, or an electrician.

Why only two days of forecast?

Weather forecasts get less reliable the further out they go. optiPV focuses on the two-day window because that's where the forecast data is accurate enough to give you a generation estimate you can actually trust and act on.

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What's the difference between "pitch" and "azimuth"?

Getting both right makes a real difference to how much sunlight your panel captures over the day.

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How does optiPV recommend a pitch and azimuth?

optiPV works out the sun's path for your location and the coming two days, then calculates the panel angle and orientation that would capture the most sunlight over that period, balancing pitch and azimuth together rather than optimising each separately.

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Do I need to move my panel every day?

Not necessarily. optiPV will show you the ideal setup for the current forecast; if you're happy leaving your panel in place, that's fine. If you want to squeeze out extra generation, you can re-tune it as the forecast updates. If you don't have the time to tune everyday, set the panel up for 'solar noon' in the targetting system, which should give reasonable results, though not quite as good as adjusting every hour.

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Does optiPV work anywhere in the world?

optiPV calculates pitch and azimuth recommendations for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, so it adapts to wherever you're located.

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Does optiPV control my panel automatically?

No. optiPV gives you the numbers (pitch and azimuth) and you (or your mounting setup) to adjust the panel manually. It doesn't currently automate the physical positioning.

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Is my location data stored or shared?

Absolutely not. The app does not talk to any back end servers and the second you shut down the application, the location data used is lost.

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What if the weather changes unexpectedly?

optiPV's estimates are based on the latest forecast available at the time you check. Like any weather-based tool, actual generation may vary if conditions change. Check back for updated recommendations if the weather shifts.

optiPV does warn you if high winds are expected, which can cause issues for non-fixed panels, so you can check the fitting and re-secure them if necessary.

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Does optiPV work with any plug-in panel?

optiPV is panel agnostic. Of course, if your panel cannot be adjusted, it will give a lower yield than one that is.


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