Google Adds Solar Capability to Google Maps
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2023
- It's great to see Google continuing its interest in solar technology. This video explains their latest move by adding a Solar API into Google Maps.
Google Project Sunroof
sunroof.withgoogle.com
Google Solar API Service
mapsplatform.google.com/maps-...
Google Solar API Demonstrator
storage.googleapis.com/gmp-ma...
Gary Does Solar's Solarazma Utility:
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#google #solar #api - Jak na to + styl
Well done, Gary, you’re doing the world, a service. Keep spreading the word 👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks Oliver - I'm hopefully adding some value, certainly - and helping people get into solar in an easy, cost-effective way :-)
Great video ! Thanks !
Cheers :-)
Another great presentation Gary very informative 👍🏻👏🏻
Thank you - so great to hear! :-)
Very happy to hear this and thanks for your video🙂👍
You're most welcome! And yeah, I do like it that Google keeps pushing the barriers :-)
You are the best Gary. Keep up the great educational videos
Thanks 😀 I’ll keep the videos coming! 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing! I was so tired from sale calls regarding solar and now I can do it myself. Thanks!
I’m very happy to have been of help 😀
Gary, thanks again for another eye opening programme. We had a 6.4kW system installed on 24th May. Yesterday we were given access to the Export element of the Flux tariff. Ive just spent 4 hrs today trimming a 4m high hedge on a portion of the south side of the property. So excited, can hardly sleep at night. 🙂
Hi Nic, cheers for the great feedback on the video. And it sounds like your system is performing well. Even better now that you'll be getting paid for your export! Crikey, that hedge is high!!
Great video again! You're a star Gary! Thanks for making this.
Thanks Chris - the video was a last-minute thing actually, when I heard the news on Monday. Seems to be of interest to people :-)
@@GaryDoesSolarWell done indeed then!
As an older chap like yourself (not a teen anymore), I am always amazed just what an incredible utility Google is, the research they have done and colossal amount of money spent is mind boggling. The rooftop solar search is another string to that, and to include shading too, mind blown!
I did come across a data gathering company who said they were mapping every rooftop in the country to see if solar could be added, let's hope they were sub contracted to Google, and not just wasted their time when Google just beat them to it!
Yeah, sometimes it takes huge conglomerates like Google, Microsoft, Apple etc. to get things done! Always a double-edged sword though because it makes life harder for other companies to compete - like the one you mentioned... If they don't have any financial relationship to Google, I'm hoping they're negotiating to sell their data to Google as soon as! It's dog eat dog in business, I guess!
Very interesting Gary. On a first look it looks quite expensive for an individual but I agree it could be very useful for installers.
Hi Michael, yeah - they've most definitely targeted installers, but as the technology is available to everyone (at a price) it should open up lots of new opportunities.
For example, I'm adding Google's Solar API into my own utility, with the costs hopefully being covered by Patreon subscriptions.... A bit of a risk, but worth a shot! :-)
Thanks, great vid. It was interesting for me to see the extensive use that all solar installers made of Google Maps satellite data when preparing quotes for my own installation. Even in its basic form it is evidently already a hugely useful tool for the sector, and the additional functionality in this API looks like it should take things to another level particularly for more complex installations with multiple roofs. Having said that, IMHO there a plenty of aspects of an installation where there is a real benefit from a site visit before making final decisions on system design and choice of installer. Google can't yet (I hope!) see inside my loft and advise on where the inverter / battery might best be located...
Thanks Michael, and I think you're right - Google perhaps being a little too optimistic to expect zero site visits prior to installations :-) But it's always good to start with a lofty (no pun intended) goal and work down from that. I'm looking forward to trying out the API in earnest soon, but I've already come to the conclusion that the API is only available in locations that have been mapped with LIDAR (and so that cuts out a LOT of locations given the resources to do all that).
More on LIDAR here: gisgeography.com/lidar-light-detection-and-ranging/ and I'll keep folks up to date with my progress with the Solar API on my Patreon here: www.garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/
Fascinating. I was interested in the later part of the video where the algorithm placed panels on the East first, then elsewhere. As you suggest symmetry would be preferable, and this is how my (E/W) solar is arranged. However I now wonder if just East would have done for me? (56N 4E).
For Google, it has always been about the data and since they were smart enough to get mapping done early their competitive advantage is huge, if not impossible to surpass.
I note there's one other little business which likes data gathering but with cars. They do solar too, it turns out.
And actually, in some countries where they offer high export rates in the early evening (e.g. the UK) having more panels on the West roof would allow you to capitalise on that... Quite a lot of variables then :-)
Regarding the other little business you mention, I know many people think the CEO is an ass (and at times, I think they're perhaps not wrong) he is making huge progress in areas that have not really changed that much for decades (car manufacturing processes, economical space travel etc.) and so it wouldn't surprise me if the solar part of their business really comes into its own next year, with a whole load of new innovations based on everything they've learned :-)
Hi Gary, thank you for the amazing/update. I'm a new solar salesman and the API sounds amazing, however I've tried to set it up and it is way above my paygrade. would you be able to do a video on how to set it up or let us know when you will use it as a developer on your site. Keep doing what you're doing.
Hi Donovan, thanks for the very kind words - I'll keep the videos coming!
Now, as it happens, the target customers for this capability are mainly software developers. They will in turn create utilities that can be used by installers, so it will take a little time. I, myself, am planning to add Google's Solar API into my own utility here: www.garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/ - might take a few weeks though as I'm in the middle of adding other features :-)
Amazing Google!
Yeah, they don't get everything right, but I'd say they're more right than wrong on a great deal of things! :-)
Interesting software
My phones google assistant kicked in several times during that video 😆
Lol - everything’s connected! 🤣🤣
Another great video Gary. Apologies that I'm a bit late to this particular party. Am I right in thinking that this particular google offering is not something that an average homeowner would use? Or is it aimed at software developers and website designers to create a specific tool for their websites or for sales staff to use?
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, the Google API is not customer-facing. Their plan is that third party software developers who in turn wish to provide services to installers, build products using the API then sell those products into the market. I'd have to say, take up has not been quick to date, but I am looking to make use of the API myself for my own utilities. Let's see how it goes...
@@GaryDoesSolar thanks for the reply. How long do you think it might be before you are able to integrate it?
@@easyyards3154 So, I'm hopefully have a call with Google team in the next week or so, and that will determine next steps. I won't be building a solar installation modelling tool, but I'll pull in some of the aspects 👍
Do a video on the ZEB with the solar panels
I’ll add to my wish list (but it’s a long list…)
Brilliant, Gary, Subscribed and on Patreon. I have a modest setup here in London, I moved to Octopus after a terrible incompetent experience with SO; they still have not given handover stats to Octopus (as dictated by the rules)... anyway, I am interested in linking my Solis inverter to Home Assistant. Still a bit confused on this end of things, any plans to integrate json data to facilitate automation/savings/control of inverter with Home Assistant?
Thanks for the great feedback, and also for signing up to my Patreon, @jtreg - that's very kind of you! Sorry that you've still having poor service from SO. Hopefully, this will all be resolved before long.
Now, on your Solis inverter and HA, I recommend you watch a few videos from Speak To The Geek - he's will into HA. Here's his channel: czcams.com/video/KYQbDjNGTsE/video.html
Also worth checking this out this video from Gordon Marcus, who seems to have integrated his Solis inverter to HA: czcams.com/video/vmeEd2ljXtQ/video.html
In terms of my own plans for HA, I've got a fair bit of work already on my roadmap, but it's on my TODO list to have a chat with Speak to the Geek on all things HA at some point :-)
Just wish I could do this as end user and then send this out to companies
Hi Philip, actually I hadn't thought about the service being used that way - you might be onto something! I'll be trying out the API over the next few weeks to see what it's like for various locations - I'm already hearing though that it's geographical coverage today is quite patchy!
I have a tree opposite the front of my house and I was hoping to see what kind of shadow it cast onto my roof early and later in the year when the sun is lower in the sky. At 5pm in early September the tree shadow is just below my roof so I'm assuming some of my roof will be in the shade at this time in a few months time. This tool would have been very useful to get that information as it is the starting point for which inverter to get and whether optimisers should be fitted to the lower panels. Hopefully, some installers have access to this API and can find out for me.
I'm hoping to integrate the Google Solar API into my own utility soon (www.garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/) but it looks like the capability is only available in areas that were mapped with LIDAR: gisgeography.com/lidar-light-detection-and-ranging/ - if you're in a city, chances are high, but where I live (in the country) I'll need to wait a while.... :-/
Hi Gary just joined your patron. How do I access graphs ect?
I’ll PM you 👍🏻
Hello Gary, thank you for this informative video. We checked the API but it looks like it does not have the features that Google advertised in their demo. We can't see where we can change the size and wattage of the panels or the bills. Also, the graphical interface is not available on the API. Are we missing something or is the demo ahead of its time? The output files I got from the API showed the specs of an antiquated 250W panel and old incentives! Many thanks for your help!
you might have been using the 2015 beta, "project sunroof"
You're most welcome, @nuera - I've only had time for some precursory checks of the API so far. It seems that the location in question must have been LIDAR-mapped for the API to work, and most LIDAR mapping is carried out in cities or particular areas of interest. Rural areas, like where I live, are not yet LIDAR-mapped :-(
And I agree, 250W panels by default is not a good look for an API launched a week ago :-/
@@Blastmaster-ej5kwI am actually using the newest solar API.
@@GaryDoesSolar I am testing using a covered area (Boston, MA). I think Google hasn't released the full-fledged capacity of the API yet except for a couple of testers that are listed in their demo. I hope to be able to have more control over input as this release is not that great of a help yet.
I'm planning to start integrating the API into my utility soon, @@nuera. and so I'll hopefully be able to assess just how complete the API is for various locations... I'm hoping the API fees will not break my bank!!
I can use this to get my pitch and direction more accurately to add to Solcast. I wonder if they have plans to forecast solar on a daily basis.
I’m hoping so. In any case, I’m planning to provide both services in my Solarazma Pro utility very soon 😀👍🏻
@@GaryDoesSolar That sounds very exciting. I would need to get that data in Home Assistant. It is interesting what you learn in you first year. I decide how much battery to use overnight on the forecast for tomorrow. I have now realised I need to set it on the morning forecast for the front only panels. All of my calculations will change when I get my 3rd battery. Have you thought about having a Slack or Discord forum for Patreon’s?
@@bazcurtis178 I'm still pretty new to Patreon and how it all works. Discord does seem a natural next step, certainly...
So is Google Proje ct Sunroof available to individuals in UK think not
Not yet for many places in the UK (only because the mapping is not LIDAR - required for the Google Solar API). I'll be adding into my Solarazma Pro utility soon though: garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/
How did you manage to use solar api in your video?
This was a demo that Google provided - link the description.
Hi Gary, is this not overkill! as I have panels fitted by a company here in sunny Scotland and they fitted them high on the roof for the purpose you speak of ,but it's very difficult to clean and inspect roof maintenance due to two high level panel bands across roof and no netting with pigeons trouble , I would rather panels be easier to maintain than positioning of sunlight , just my humble opinion
Hi Andrew, you raise a very good point - unless there are particular shading issues, then actually, mounting panels lower down for easier access would be a far better decision! I count myself lucky that all my panels are on a roof with Velux windows, so I can get to them without too much trouble to get them clean again after the bombing runs by the local birds :-)
I've seen differing opinions about whether solar panels need any regular maintenance or not. Some articles say that the angle of the panels generally means they are self cleaning. My own experience with 7 years of FIT panels and no cleaning or maintenance I didn't see any noticeable drop off or variation of performance year to year. Good to clean them occasionally but not essential in my experience
Gary, I have had a number of quotes for installation and they all suggest different configurations and there knowledge also differs. As someone who is sceptical when it comes to sales people, can you suggest a way forward?
I honestly don’t blame your skepticism. New markets like this are a breeding ground for cowboys. I recommend you invest the time to get a good understanding of the technology in order to determine a definitive set of requirements, starting with this one: czcams.com/video/ccm1HmxELlQ/video.html This way, all your quotations will be comparable, making the decision process far easier. It’s actually the main reason I make all these videos 😀👍🏻
Hi Gary, massive fan of your work! Do you know where we can use Google Solar API in the UK? I can only find it for the US. Many thanks for all your work!
Tommy
Hi Tommy, that’s really kind of you to say - thank you! 🙏 I must admit, I’m not seeing too much adoption of the Google solar API at the moment. I am hopefully in discussions with the Google team on the shortly, as I’m introducing it into my own utility, Solarazma Suite. Let’s see how things go… 😀
@GaryDoesSolar That sounds amazing, I'll keep looking out for any updated videos regarding this. Just an idea for a video for you, is tigo optimisers vs solaredge optimisers. Would love to know the breakdown of; installing, reliability and efficiency/quality of them both vs each other. Think you would be the perfect person to do it!
Thanks again for all your work!
Tommy
Thanks @@tommychapman6317 - I've added to my list of future video topics. It's getting to be a BIG list 🙂
shame google maps of my house are several years old and dont show the extension built several years ago :(
Yeah, I saw a Google Streetmap car in Oxfordshire recently so hopefully an update to the mapping coming soon!
So it appears to operate like many of the cloud platforms, it's a paid service but you get $200 of free monthly credit so low use users it’ll be free to use.
Pity there isn't a completely free trial which would suit home owners to see what it says for their house, but maybe that'll come
You're right, Geoffrey. Google has designed the pricing around the API specifically for those companies who want to build products and services on top. For example, I'm planning to add the API into my own utility, Solarazma Pro on Patreon. You can find out more about that here: www.garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/
It's on my list of things to do to sign up as a patron as I look at the options for moving off Octopus Flux for the winter. The free analyser has been useful and I'll like to see the enhanced version
Cheers @@geoffreycoan - you are very welcome to join my Patreon - thanks for considering it. I'm in the same position as you in terms of Octopus Flux - it doesn't look like a suitable tariff for winter and I'm not sure which tariff to go to. And I really can't get my head around Intelligent Octopus Flux either. Still, good to have many tariff choices 🙂
I am really interested in making use of solar and i think this would be a great tool for me to explore what is possible. I would like to know if it is at all worth it for me to install solar on my north east facing roof. Do you have the facility up and running on your pro version so I can subscribe?
So, it's early days on the Solar API I think. Google has only just released it, and so developers (including myself) will need a few weeks to get to know it. I've already carried out some early tests, and it looks like the tool is only available is locations where Google has carried out LIDAR mapping. You'll know if your location is covered because you'll be able to switch to the 3D view on Google Maps. Unfortunately, my own location, near Oxford in the UK is not covered yet :-(
You can find out more about LIDAR mapping here: gisgeography.com/lidar-light-detection-and-ranging/
Could you do a step by step guide of how to use Google Solar API, I’ve tried and can’t do it. Thanks
The API is only available to developers at the moment, but hopefully soon there will be utilities available on the Internet that you can try. I will be adding the Google API to my own utility, Solarazma Pro in a few weeks' time.
Looked really good so tried Google maps but not there, came back to you and followed links, go to it, was asked for $200 (a month ??? don't know) so I'll give it a miss. did look good ...
Hi Richard, as it happens, the target customers for this capability are mainly software developers. They will in turn create utilities that can be used by people like yourself, at much lower cost, or even free, but it will take a little time...
I, myself, am planning to add Google's Solar API into my own utility here: www.garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/ - might take a few weeks though as I'm in the middle of adding other features :-)
I plugged in my address and it shows a FARM FIELD. So the maps they use are at least 6 years old.
Yeah, it's generally the large cities and other metropolitan areas that get the attention first, and understandably so, as that's where the people are, but it does take a large organisation like Google to even undertake such a massive undertaking in the first place. Let's hope you're on the "map" soon! :-)
Am I being a bit thick? How do I use it 😂
Do I have to create a website and api it?
Or is there a working site I can goto to use it?
You're not being thick at all, David - don't worry. The target customers for this capability are mainly installers and software developers. They will in turn create utilities that can be used by people like yourself, so it will take a little time. I, myself, am planning to add Google's Solar API into my own utility here: www.garydoessolar.com/solarazma_pro_intro/ - might take a few weeks though as I'm in the middle of adding other features :-)
Would you ever consider adapting your software to include South Africa?
Hiya - the utility is designed for world-wide use. Let me know if you're having any issues with it.
Wow!! Give me give me
Glad you like it!
Google has targeted the Solar API at solar installers and other companies that can build services on top. For example, I'm adding Google's Solar API into my own utility, with the costs hopefully being covered by Patreon subscriptions.... :-)
Afternoon Gary could you number you video please, then i can point customers straight to the relevent video ie your video on Octypus Flux. Any chance you could do a video on wifi connectability, via 4/5G via a dongle with a SIM etc. Regards philip
Thanks for referring some of my videos to others, Philip - much appreciated. Numbering my videos is not something I’ve considered before. I’ll have a think about it. Can you tell me more about the wifi/dongle issues please that a video might be useful for? Ta
Afternoon Gary
I have instaaled a Alpha Smile B5 inverter and Battery as part of a wider Solar PV system at one of our rental house to help
our tenants. The normal way for the inverter to connect to the internet is via the household router. However this is not something i wish to rely on because of changing tenants etc. Could we connect to the internet with a dongle that has a SIM card in it ?
regards Philip
@@philipholme9911 Ah ok - that's not something I know about - sorry. Worth asking the question on this FB forum, I'd suggest: "Solar & battery UK (including any other renewable energy source/storage)"