Google Maps can now tell exactly where solar panels should be installed

Taking the guesswork out.
By Teodosia Dobriyanova  on 
An aerial satellite map of a suburban neighbourhood show orange 'hot zones' on the houses' rooftops, indicating their solar energy potential
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A sneak peek at the innovations that will change our everyday lives in the future.


Google Maps can now calculate rooftops’ solar potential, track air quality, and forecast pollen counts.

The platform recently launched a range of services like Solar API, which calculates weather patterns and pulls data from aerial imagery to help understand rooftops’ solar potential. The tool aims to help accelerate solar panel deployment by improving accuracy and reducing the number of site visits needed.

As seasonal allergies get worse every year, Pollen API shows updated information on the most common allergens in 65 countries by using a mix of machine learning and wind patterns. Similarly, Air Quality API provides detailed information on local air quality by utilizing data from multiple sources, like government monitoring stations, satellites, live traffic, and more, and can show areas affected by wildfires too.

While these services target companies and paying customers, Google Maps users in certain areas of the world can also track air pollution levels and areas affected by wildfires.

Picture of Teodosia
Teodosia Dobriyanova
Video Producer

Teodosia is a video producer at Mashable UK, focussing on stories about climate resilience, urban development, and social good.


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