Photo: Google
‘Developers gain access to the apps starting August 29th.’
To further its sustainability efforts and showcase its technical capabilities, Google launched Project Sunroof in 2015. This innovative Maps layer utilized location, sunlight, and navigation data to estimate the energy generation potential of solar panels on rooftops, covering virtually every house on the planet. Now, at the Google Cloud Next event, the company is set to introduce a suite of new sustainability APIs that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time solar potential, air quality, and pollen level information for developers.
The Solar API, which builds on the groundwork of Project Sunroof, incorporates modern maps and advanced computing resources to estimate 320 million buildings across 40 countries, including the US, France, and Japan. Yael Maguire, VP of Geo Sustainability at Google, stated that the demand for solar energy has been rising significantly, with a 60% increase in search interest for “rooftop solar panel and power” in 2022. With this API, Google aims to bring valuable information and technology to businesses worldwide.
Through the use of AI models, Google’s team has trained the system to analyze satellite or aerial photographs, extract the angles and slopes of rooftops, estimate shade from nearby trees, and combine this data with historical weather information and current energy pricing. This holistic estimate allows installation companies and homeowners to understand the potential energy production of specific solar panels without the need for an on-site technician.
Additionally, Google is expanding its Air Quality layer, previously used during the 2021 California Wildfires, into a separate API that covers over 100 countries globally. By collecting data from government monitoring stations, meteorological sources, sensors, and satellites, this API provides a comprehensive air quality index. The system even takes traffic conditions and vehicle volume into account to predict predominant pollutants accurately. Industries such as healthcare, auto, and transportation can leverage this API to provide precise and timely air quality information to their users.
Recognizing the impact of rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions on pollen-producing plants, Google is evolving its existing pollen tracking Maps layer into a full API. The Pollen API will monitor the seasonal release of tree pollen in more than 65 countries, incorporating local wind patterns and annual trends. It will offer users local pollen count data, detailed allergen information, and heatmaps highlighting areas with the highest pollen levels. Travel planning apps can utilize this data to enhance daily commutes or vacation planning. The Pollen API will be available to developers starting August 29th.
With these new sustainability APIs, Google aims to contribute to reducing 1 gigaton of carbon equivalent emissions annually by 2030, as stated by Yael Maguire. By providing developers with real-time solar potential, air quality, and pollen level information, Google seeks to empower individuals, cities, and partners in their collective efforts to combat climate change.