Explore: Project Sunroof

Solar Panels have always been seen as too expensive for everyday Americans. Many websites and articles have spun it as an “investment” but a good number of people could not afford thousands of dollars to invest in solar energy. The monetary return was slow and could take years to see the money saved. As time has gone on and technology has improved solar panels have begun to get cheaper and more accessible. Now the cost of installing solar panels combined with the price of your new energy bills may be lower than your current electric bill. Solar power has become more available and many people are considering is as an option for private home instillation. Solar panels have now been marketed as a new way to lower energy bills over a life-time with technology that has never been cheaper. There are still many questions that remain unanswered for people who want solar panels installed on their home. While information is available with access to the internet, someone can become easily bogged down with the amount of information available. One large company that is doing its part to help the American consumers is Google with their Project Sunroof. 

Project Sunroof is a google subsidiary that looks to empower consumers with information about solar energy that is specifically tailored towards their home. The project was launched last August in three cities in California. Now it can be used in over 42 state metropolitan area.  Project Sunroof uses a conglomerate of data from Google, like GoogleMaps and its huge processing power to map a roof. By putting in your address, Google will use its database of aerial imagery and maps, create a 3D model of your roof, determine shadows cast by trees and buildings, sun positions, and cloud patterns that would affect your solar energy production. It then uses all this data to map out how many solar panels you would need to create near 100% energy efficiency. 

The program will use current solar industry pricing around your area to estimate the cost of leasing, taking a loan, or buying solar panels for your house. Federal and state tax credit, utility rebates, as well as renewable energy credits are taken into account during Project Sunroof’s financial estimates of your new solar panels.  There are some elements that determine if you are indeed saving by switching to solar power; how much sun your roof sees, supportive city policies, hardware costs, and how much power you consume. Google’s project takes all of this into account and will help you determine if solar panels are right for you. 

With accessibility at an all-time high, Project Sunroof may be the new catalyst for the growing solar power industry. It would allow for the creation and sustainability of individual energy creation. Energy could be put into the hands of people who want to diminish their impact on the changing climate. Empowering the people so they do not have to wait for policy changes that reflect renewable energy. Project Sunroof may seem simple now but it could turn a controversial market into something accessible for those living in the United States.