Project Sunroof — Google’s Mapping Of The Planet’s Solar Potential
The idea of getting on your roof, installing an expensive solar panel and not knowing the benefits has probably prevented you from doing so. The most abundant source of energy is above us everyday, and we just aren’t taking enough advantage of it. Google is trying to change that with a new venture called Project Sunroof. Powered by Google Maps, Project Sunroof aims to see how much of that sweet sunlight is hitting your roof so that you can see how much money you can save on your power bill by putting solar panels on your roof.
As you can see, the figures give you different scenarios: Leasing solar panels, taking out a loan to buy them, or if you can afford it, buying the panels outright. Google explains that the figures are based on the current costs of solar industry pricing. They also consider the incentives:
- Federal and state tax credits
- Utility rebates
- Renewable energy credits and net metering
Google hopes to help local solar energy providers distribute their solar panels as part of this new project. This would help save people money and help the local economy.
Google has rolled out its new service in only a few locations so far: Boston, San Francisco Bay Area and Fresno. Knowing Google, this project will be successful and soon everyone will be looking to the Sun for energy instead of being reliant on burning dinosaur fuel.
Have a look at Project Sunroof from Google in this informative video:
(Via Google)
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Jeff Sorensen is an author, writer and occasional comedian living in Detroit, Michigan. You can look for more of his work on The Huffington Post,UPROXX,BGR and by just looking up his name.
Contact: jeff@socialunderground.com