The solar partnership between E.ON and Google is developing into a European success story. Since May 2017, the joint Sunroof platform, which determines the solar potential of millions of buildings, has been bringing new solar energy systems onto German roofs. Homeowners can be happy: the one-year program will be extended until the end of 2018.
In addition, the success in the European pioneer market of Germany is now being exported. Over the coming weeks, Sunroof is being made available to homeowners in Great Britain.
Detailed initial analysis
At the same time, E.ON and Google are preparing the market launch in Italy. As in Germany, E.ON will be the first energy company in Britain and Italy to offer its customers a digital assessment of the PV potential of their homes – simple, free of charge, and personally tailored.
In Germany, the website has established itself as the first address for interested parties who want to take their power supply into their own hands. Well over 10,000 customers have requested a detailed initial analysis of their roof's solar potential. Sunroof is thus making a significant contribution to E.ON's strong annual revenues growth of 150 percent in its solar business. E.ON's goal is to become Germany's market pioneer in photovoltaics in 2019 the latest.
Individual solar potential
Based on a few additional parameters, the construction of a solar energy system can be planned
All users have to do is enter their address online. Based on a few additional parameters, the construction of a solar energy system can be planned. Sunroof's websites combine technologies such as Google Earth and Google Maps, 3D models, and machine learning, i.e. automated software improvement, to provide an accurate estimate of a home’s individual solar potential.
Sunroof calculates how much sunlight falls on each roof during the year. It takes into account weather data, the position of the sun at different seasons, the area and inclination of the roof as well as the shade of surrounding buildings or trees.
Aura battery storage
In the end, Sunroof ‘translates’ the determined amount of light into energy and the potential cost savings. The data are calculated by the software company tetraeder as an additional Partner in the sunroof project.
Based on this data, customers in Germany can request a complete package consisting of a photovoltaic module and the E.ON SolarCloud, optionally with Aura battery storage. In addition, E.ON provides a ‘sunshine guarantee’ to ensure that the solar system achieves the calculated yields. The company compensates for lower values financially.
