Have you volleyed around the idea of going solar?
Photo by Unsplash by via Pixabay
If the venture seems a little too “out there” or overwhelming to pursue, you might be interested in a free online Google tool called Project Sunroof.
The tool “helps homeowners explore whether they should go solar or not” by offering a birds-eye view (aka high-resolution aerial maps) to help calculate a roof’s solar energy potential “without having to climb up any ladders.”
Photo by Joan Sykes via Geograph
(I couldn’t resist that photo!)
Anyhow …
Currently available in 42 states, the tool searches your address and, if it’s available, comes up with a basic analysis of how much sun your roof gets and what sort of solar installation might work as well as prospective costs and savings. You can also tweak the estimates based on your actual electricity usage and other parameters. If you’re interested in exploring more, Project Sunroof will help you find local installers who could give you a more accurate quote.
If your address isn’t accessible yet, fear not—Google plans to reach all 50 states this year.
Try Project Sunroof here.
I tried it out, but unfortunately my address wasn’t there yet. Quite a few folks have gone solar around here, so I think it must be a pretty good location for it. It’s something I’ve thought about a lot, thanks for this resource, I’m sure my address will pop up eventually!
We have enjoyed the benefits of solar panels on our roof since we purchased the house in 1984. Essentially we have free hot water and the system has only required updates and maintenance twice during all those years. I am not sure I would want goats on my roof!LOL!!
Solar panels have really started to boom. Within the last 2 months I have had about 7 different salesman visit my house trying to sell solar panels. I can’t believe there are so many different solar panel companies around here. I checked out Project Sunroof and found my house. My roof doesn’t receive much sun and I would be saving an average of $100 annually. This is a really cool resource!