To make it easier for households and businesses to decide on a solar installation and determine if it is worth investing in, Google has developed an in-house Solar API for Google Maps. An API serves as a programming interface to integrate external data into the Google Maps software.

The Solar API functions like a new map view in Google Maps and analyzes the solar potential on house roofs based on local conditions. Building, roof, shading, and module configuration data are used for this purpose. These data are already available for approximately 320 million buildings in 40 countries, including Germany.

Identifying (savings) potential with Solar-API

The API uses two endpoints for analysis: “Building Insights” and “Data Layers.” These provide information on the location, dimensions, roof tilt angle, and solar potential of the building. Additionally, relevant weather data on sunlight and shading patterns at various times of the day and seasons are provided. Thus, the API enables a complete roof analysis without the need for an external consultant.

With just a few clicks, annual sunlight hours and the maximum available area for solar panels are calculated. The API is capable of considering obstacles in the surroundings and on the roof itself, such as trees and chimneys, in the calculation.

Currently, the API can be tested in a demo version for both businesses and private individuals. The costs per query are extremely low, totaling 8.5 cents per analysis.

You can find our wiki on solar installations here.