Google, an internet enterprise, and Vivint Solar, a leader in U.S.’s residential rooftop market, collaborated to launch a new service, “Project Sunroof.” By combining Google maps’ technology and Vivint Solar’s experience in residential rooftop solar systems, Project Sunroof will make an accessible approach for more roof owners to find the best solution for them to go solar.
"Vivint Solar teaming up with Google is giving homeowners across the country immediate insight, information and access to rooftop solar power—that's good for everyone," said Greg Butterfield, CEO of Vivint Solar.
Project Sunroof is a new online tool using Google’s high-resolution aerial mapping to help calculate a roof’s solar energy potential instead of climbing up a ladder. With the aerial mapping, which is the same used by Google Earth, roof owners will be able to have solar information for their houses: the program will tell the homeowner how much sunlight hits their rooftop throughout the year while factoring in roof orientation, shade from trees and nearby buildings, and local weather patterns. Furthermore, homeowners can also enter their typical electric bill cost for more customized results for the tool to estimate the amount they could potentially save with solar panels.
The tool can help users to evaluate their rooftop surroundings, solar resources, electric bills, and come out with a customized solution. The tool also helps users to connect local solar providers, like Vivint Solar, for further services. The new online tool is being tested in San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, and greater Boston, and might be expanded to the whole country in the future.
"Vivint Solar has created an incredible product that's revolutionizing the energy market," said Dwain Kinghorn, Chief Strategy and Innovations Officer at Vivint Solar. "It's simple. It's affordable. And together with Google, we're able to let customers all over the country know that solar power is a lot simpler and more affordable than they might have thought."
(Photo Credit: Project Sunroof)