Project Sunroof analyzes 3D heat map images provided by Google Earth. Image source: Techcrunch.com
Google has created software that can calculate potential solar savings based on your home’s roof shape and local weather patterns by utilizing machine learning and 3D models within Google Earth images. Essentially, Project Sunroof allows you to measure the benefits of rooftop solar for your home using Google Maps.
Though similar to how the SolarReviews calculator works, Project Sunroof can’t analyze your solar savings or put you in touch with local solar companies to get your project started. Project Sunroof only gives you the option to measure different financing options to help you pay for solar, leaving you to find and vet potential installers on your own.
In this blog, we’ll detail how Project Sunroof works, whether or not it is accurate, and what makes the SolarReviews calculator different when it comes to determining how much solar would cost you.
How does Project Sunroof work, how accurate is it?
In 2015, Project Sunroof was built by Google engineers, led by Carl Elkin, and uses an algorithm to compile data to give homeowners an estimate of their potential solar savings. Originally, Project Sunroof was only available in Boston, San Francisco, and Fresno but was then expanded to more U.S. states.
The goal of Project Sunroof is to provide solar installation data for customers to learn more about going solar. Project Sunroof works by gathering data on shade cover and rooftop images provided by Google, while Google factors in historical weather data and solar pricing from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Clean Power Research provides utility ratings and solar incentives while information related to SRECS is pulled from Bloomberg. All of these sources are compiled based on a specific location to give a generalized estimate for a home.
You can enter your address and average monthly electricity cost on Project Sunroof to get an estimate of the potential size of a solar system your roof will need. But, it then brings you to Google to search for installers yourself instead of providing local options.
It also seems Project Sunroof is not the most reliable or accurate option because when I looked up towns across the U.S. the data provided was last updated in 2018. Project Sunroof is more of a cool side project for Google rather than part of its core business, so the information on Project Sunroof is not kept up to date or as accurate as it could be.
Project Sunroof used to formally sell leads to solar installer partners but eventually decided that it made more sense for them to stay out of that space and just operate as an option for people to learn about their home’s solar potential.
How much does solar cost?
While solar energy costs vary based on your location and the size of the system that you will need, the average cost per watt of solar is $3.00 per watt as of December 2022. This would make the average 6kW system cost $18,000 before the federal tax credit, which would bring it down to $12,600.
However, that cost is the national average; solar power costs and solar energy potential could be better in your location.
By using the SolarReviews calculator, you can estimate the cost your specific roof would be and then opt to share that information with solar installers who can help you make the right choice for your size roof, the solar panels that make sense for you and your renewable energy goals.
Key takeaways
- Project Sunroof provides information to prospective rooftop solar owners about potential savings and the feasibility of going solar in their area.
- Project Sunroof does not connect you to local solar installers like the SolarReviews calculator does.
- The SolarReviews calculator is more accurate than Project Sunroof because it calculates data based on specific, individual roofs.
Heide Pfeiffenberge
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ana is the Marketing & Communications Manager at SolarReviews, working within the solar industry since 2020. With a Master's in Climate and Society and professional experience within marketing, she helps communicate the value of solar to homeowners and build out awareness of the SolarReviews brand.