Google Expands Global Solar Potential Assessment Using Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning
2024-12-19
Google researchers have expanded the Google Maps Platform Solar API's coverage in the Global South by applying machine learning models to satellite imagery to generate high-resolution digital surface models and roof segmentation maps. This innovation overcomes limitations in traditional methods of data acquisition and processing, providing solar potential assessment data for 1.25 billion buildings globally and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy worldwide. The project leverages satellite data to increase data update frequency and reduce costs, particularly beneficial in data-scarce regions.