Editor’s note: Today’s blog post comes from Colt Reid, CTO and Jason Deelstra, SVP Marketing & Experience at Sunrun. Learn how Sunrun is transforming the solar industry with Google Maps Platform’s Solar API.

We see a future that runs on clean energy and Sunrun is building that future today. We’re more than a solar company—we’re a lifestyle brand that connects homeowners with one of the cleanest energy sources on Earth. We believe solar empowers you to live your life on your terms, and we’re constantly innovating to make the switch to solar simpler and more accessible.

Working together with Google Maps Platform and the Solar API team has enabled Sunrun to transform the solar industry. Using robust solar data and high-resolution rooftop imagery, we’re eliminating unnecessary appointments, saving customers time, and keeping our employees safe—all while powering a more sustainable future.

Generating a brighter future with the Solar API

Traditionally, getting a solar quote was a time-consuming and inconvenient process, requiring a visit from a site surveyor to assess your roof. The surveyor would have to climb onto the roof, take manual measurements and pictures, then enter all that data into the system. Depending on the complexity of the roof, this assessment could take hours and put surveyors at risk for injury, especially during inclement weather.

With the Solar API we now use high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning to analyze our customers’ rooftops remotely, which allows us to take measurements for solar panel arrays and create detailed 3D models with greater accuracy. We can now generate customized solar quotes quickly and easily, without the need for physical site surveys which we previously used for assessments, helping our customers reap the benefits of solar much faster.

Our solar design specialists use detailed data from the Solar API to determine factors such as the optimal size and placement of solar panels, taking into account roof pitch, sun exposure, and shading. This enhances the customer experience and ensures homeowners get a system that produces the right amount of clean energy to power their homes and meet their specific needs.

A shared vision for sustainability

Our collaboration with Google Maps Platform goes beyond streamlining the quoting process. Sunrun and Google share a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, which fosters an environment where we can both push the boundaries of what's possible in the solar industry.

We benefit from Google’s leading technology, AI, and machine learning expertise, while the Solar API team has worked closely with us to gain valuable insights from Sunrun's on-the-ground experience in the solar market. We’re hopeful that this collaborative approach will lead to exciting advancements in solar technology, making solar energy more affordable, efficient, and accessible for everyone. It’s a win for the planet as a whole, accelerating the transition to clean energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Lighting the way to a cleaner planet

Our dedication to clean energy runs deep and our use of the Solar API is just part of that commitment. Through innovative technologies, strategic collaborations, and exceptional customer service, we’re putting a sustainable future within reach. By switching to solar with Sunrun, our customers don’t just get clean energy for their homes—they join a movement towards a brighter tomorrow.

For more information on Google Maps Platform, visit our website.