Solar-Estimate.org Releases First-of-its-Kind AI-Powered Solar Panel Layout Tool and Solar Calculator 

Dec 11, 2019, 09:05 ET 

DENVER, Dec. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Solar-Estimate.org, a SolarReviews company, has released a first-of-its-kind online solar estimator that puts state-of-the-art solar design software into the hands of consumers. 

Solar-Estimate.org has long been known for accurate solar production and savings calculations, but its newest tool adds automated panel placement and real-world production modeling for an unprecedented level of accuracy. 

While several solar design software packages currently exist, they are designed for professional solar designer engineers. The new Solar-Estimate.org tool is so easy to use, American homeowners will now be able to see the exact solar savings potential of their homes before speaking to a solar installation company. 

How does the online Solar Calculator work? 

The online estimator then does several things automatically: 

• Confirms the local utility company, including the electric rates and tariff structures 
• Determines the average electric usage of the home in kWh 
• Looks up time-of-day and seasonal electric usage patterns for the area, backed by data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA)
• Utilizes local solar production data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to find out how many solar panels will be needed to offset the home’s electrical usage

Incorporating the use of artificial intelligence 

The machine-trained artificial intelligence “brain” looks at an aerial image of a property. From there, it works out the various roof planes available and the potential of each plane for solar panels. It then places solar panels on the most suitable places of the roof, calculates the expected production of each panel, and runs a cost and savings simulation for that system. The savings forecasts in the estimator are powered by Genability, a government-audited service that is considered the gold standard in predicting solar savings. 

The user receives a customized report based on energy usage and rates, roofing material and condition, and solar panel brand. The consumer may then opt for 1-4 pre-screened solar installers to contact them. 

“Solar-Estimate.org’s new Solar Panel Layout Tool is trailblazing on several fronts. It’s the first online roof layout tool that incorporates machine learning. It’s also the first free tool available to consumers that takes into account roof direction and angle, determines how many panels can fit on a roof, and then generates an accurate financial estimate. This tool reflects our commitment to providing homeowners interested in going solar with professional quality solar layout and cost estimation tools that are easy to access.” 

— Andy Sendy, President, Solar-Estimate.org 

Want to give the Solar Panel Layout tool a try? It is now live on our homepage at Solar-Estimate.org. 

About Solar-Estimate.org: 

With over 2.7 million unique site visitors per annum, Solar-Estimate.org is the most rigorous free home solar estimator in America today. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Solar-Estimate.org released the first free online solar financial estimator in the United States. Our core mission is to provide accurate and unbiased information to homeowners to help them make better informed decisions about the costs and benefits of going solar. 

Press Contact: 

Kim Rapkins 

kim.rapkins@solarreviews.com