In 2015, Google introduced Project Sunroof, an innovative Maps feature that utilized location data, sunlight information, and navigation data to estimate the potential energy generation of solar panels on rooftops. This tool showcased Google’s technological capabilities while also supporting the company’s environmental sustainability efforts. Now, at the Google Cloud Next event, the company is set to unveil a suite of new sustainability APIs that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time information on solar potential, air quality, and pollen levels. These APIs aim to contribute to Google’s goal of collectively reducing 1 gigaton of carbon equivalent emissions annually by 2030.
The Solar API is built upon the groundwork of Project Sunroof, utilizing advanced mapping technology and improved computing resources. This API covers an impressive 320 million buildings across 40 countries, including the United States, France, and Japan. Yael Maguire, VP of Geo Sustainability at Google, revealed this information during an embargoed briefing, emphasizing the increasing demand for solar energy. In fact, search interest for “rooftop solar panel and power” rose by 60 percent in 2022. Recognizing this trend, Google aims to provide businesses worldwide with access to solar-related information and technology.
To develop this API, the Google team trained an AI model to extract precise rooftop angles and slopes using overhead satellite or aerial photographs. The model also estimates shading caused by nearby trees and incorporates historical weather data and current energy pricing. By combining these factors, the API offers installation companies and homeowners a more comprehensive understanding of their solar panel’s potential. This eliminates the need for on-site visits by technicians for initial estimates.
Additionally, Google is expanding its Air Quality layer, originally developed during the 2021 California Wildfires, into a standalone API. This API covers over 100 countries, providing real-time air quality information sourced from various data channels, including government monitoring stations, meteorological data, and satellite observations. The API incorporates current traffic conditions and vehicle volume to accurately predict the type and level of pollutants in a given area. This feature enables companies in healthcare, transportation, and other industries to offer their users precise and timely air quality information, regardless of their location.
In response to the impact of rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions on pollen production, Google is also launching a Pollen API. This API tracks the seasonal release of pollen in over 65 countries, considering local wind patterns and annual trends. It provides users with localized pollen count data, allergen details, and heatmaps highlighting areas with the highest pollen concentration. The Pollen API will prove valuable for travel planning apps, helping users plan their commutes or vacations while taking allergies into account. Developers will have access to these apps starting on August 29th.
Overall, Google’s new suite of sustainability APIs demonstrates the company’s commitment to leveraging AI and technology for environmental conservation. By providing real-time information on solar energy potential, air quality, and pollen levels, Google aims to empower individuals, cities, and partners to collectively reduce carbon equivalent emissions. With these innovative tools, Google seeks to make significant progress towards its ambitious goal of reducing 1 gigaton of emissions annually by 2030, fostering a more sustainable future for all.
