Privacy Policy

Effective September 25, 2026

ShadeScan is made by ThistleDew. This policy explains what the app uses and what happens to it. The short version: your scans stay on your device, and we don't collect them.

No account, no tracking

ShadeScan has no sign-in and no user accounts. It contains no advertising, no analytics, and no third-party tracking tools. We do not sell or share personal information.

Camera

The camera is used live, on your device, so you can see the sky while scanning for obstructions. Camera images are not uploaded or sent anywhere.

Location

Your location is used while the app is open to work out where the sun travels in the sky at the spot you are scanning. Coordinates are saved with each spot on your device. If you choose to request an online production estimate (the app asks each time), the coordinates of a spot and its panel settings (size, tilt, direction and estimated losses) are sent to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts service to calculate an energy estimate. NREL's handling of that request is covered by its own terms. Otherwise, location never leaves your device.

Maps

The site list shows your saved spots on an Apple map. Showing the map may load map tiles from Apple, which is covered by Apple's privacy policy. ShadeScan itself does not send your sites anywhere.

Motion sensors

The compass, gyroscope and accelerometer are used on your device to know which way the phone is pointing during a scan. Motion data is not stored or sent anywhere.

Your saved sites

Sites, spots and scan results are stored only on your device. Reports you export, such as PDFs, are shared only where you choose to send them. Deleting a site in the app, or deleting the app, removes that data.

Children

ShadeScan is not directed at children and does not knowingly collect information from anyone.

Changes

If this policy changes, the updated version will be posted on this page with a new effective date.

Contact

Questions about privacy: privacy@thistledew.app