Hot Spots: New Tool Reveals Solar Power Savings
A new project is being tested in the US allowing people to find out what it would mean to convert their homes to solar power.
Project Sunroof uses high-resolution aerial mapping like that used by Google Earth.
Users enter their home address and calculate the solar energy potential of their roof without having to climb up any ladders.
The programme takes into account factors such as the orientation of the roof, shade from trees and buildings and local weather patterns. Entering your typical power bill can also help customise the results.
Carl Elkin, engineering lead for Project Sunroof, says: "A typical solar home can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on their electricity bill.
"But, as a volunteer with the Boston-based solar programme Solarize Massachusetts, and a solar homeowner myself, I've always been surprised at how many people I encounter who think that 'my roof isn't sunny enough for solar' or 'solar is just too expensive'. Certainly many of them are missing out on a chance to save money and be green."
The project is currently only available in the San Francisco Bay, Fresno (central California) and the Boston areas. Its creators hope to make it more widely available
Project Sunroof uses high-resolution aerial mapping like that used by Google Earth.
Users enter their home address and calculate the solar energy potential of their roof without having to climb up any ladders.
The programme takes into account factors such as the orientation of the roof, shade from trees and buildings and local weather patterns. Entering your typical power bill can also help customise the results.
Carl Elkin, engineering lead for Project Sunroof, says: "A typical solar home can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on their electricity bill.
"But, as a volunteer with the Boston-based solar programme Solarize Massachusetts, and a solar homeowner myself, I've always been surprised at how many people I encounter who think that 'my roof isn't sunny enough for solar' or 'solar is just too expensive'. Certainly many of them are missing out on a chance to save money and be green."
The project is currently only available in the San Francisco Bay, Fresno (central California) and the Boston areas. Its creators hope to make it more widely available
Hot Spots: New Tool Reveals Solar Power Savings
![Hot Spots: New Tool Reveals Solar Power Savings]()
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