Maximizing solar energy has just gotten easier with upgrades to Xylem's patent-pending XyDial iPhone app, designed to help users efficiently locate, configure, adjust and optimize a solar panel in real-time, anywhere on the globe. Developed by Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology company, the patent-pending XyDial app can now recognize obstructions in a full 360-degree view from the panel, and display detailed energy savings reports.

"Solar panel owners and operators are looking for highly efficient methods to harness as much of the sun's power as possible," said Keith Teichmann, director of innovative networks and marketing, Xylem.

"As solar panels are increasingly used to generate energy for various applications, including integration into water systems for activities such as irrigation, the XyDial app will give users an intuitive tool that takes solar optimization to the next level."

Obstructions to solar insolation reduce solar panel efficiency, but XyDial's enhanced spatial Shadow Function recognizes shade areas in a 360-degree view from the panel, enabling users to precisely position their panels for maximum output. Users simply draw over any shadows within 360 degrees with their finger and register them in each panel's configuration.

The app's updated power output maps provide a more detailed visual of energy savings from solar power. The monthly power view remains as the default, but there is now the ability to zoom all the way to an hourly view.

This reporting flexibility provides users with a deeper understanding of how much power their photovoltaic panels are producing and when the PV panels are receiving solar insolation. The new app also offers the same zooming capability for monetary electrical grid savings graphing in addition to power output.

XyDial does not require an Internet connection to function. Real-time adjustments can be made anywhere in the world by using the iPhone's features, including GPS, digital compass, gyroscope and the forward-facing camera.

XyDial has been upgraded visually to agree with Apple's new design direction and iOS 8 and is compatible with the recently released iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. It was developed in collaboration with the Apple Hall of Fame and Application Design Award winner Vito Technology (creators of StarWalk and SolarWalk apps for Apple).

The app is free for download from the iTunes Store, and is available in English and German.