At the end of August 2023, Google introduced a new group of environment APIs on Google Maps Platform, including the Solar API.

What the Solar API does

The Solar API uses an AI model that extracts 3D roof geometry from aerial imagery and takes into account nearby trees and shading, historical weather data and energy costs. From this it estimates how much sunlight a roof receives and what savings a solar plant could deliver — without a site visit.

According to Google’s announcement, at launch the tool covered more than 320 million buildings in 40 countries. Alongside the Solar API, Google also introduced the Air Quality API (air quality in over 100 countries) and the Pollen API (pollen counts in over 65 countries).

What it means for investors

Tools like this speed up the first, rough assessment of feasibility and raise awareness of rooftop potential. An investment decision, however, still requires:

analysis of the building’s actual consumption and tariff model,
a check of the roof’s condition and load-bearing capacity,
a detailed yield simulation and a design that meets the distribution system operator’s rules.

Coverage and data availability vary by country, so check whether your location is included. For an assessment of a specific building, request a quote.