Google's Project Sunroof can tell you how much money you would save by installing solar panels
Google wants to roll out the eco-friendly service worldwide
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Google has unveiled its latest major new product, Project Sunroof, which aims to make it easier for people to install solar panels in their homes.
Project Sunroof, which has already launched in the US cities of Boston, San Francisco and Fresno, is Google's effort to make solar power simple and understandable.
Simply by entering your address into Project Sunroof's website, Google can show you how much usable sunlight you get per year, which parts of your house get the most sun, how much room you have for solar panels, and most importantly, how much money you would save by switching.
It then shows you solar panel installers nearby, and lets you go straight to their website to order.
The adverts for these companies are sponsored, so this is where Google makes its money.
The idea is simple, but it has powerful technology behind it - running from Google Maps, the roof of your house is 3D modelled, so Google can figure out the details about cost and light levels.
Project Sunroof only works in three cities at the moment, but it's fun to play around with and see how much you could save on your bills if you lived in California.
Google wants to take it across the US, and then across the world, in due course.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments