Total, a France-based oil and gas major, and Google Cloud have jointly developed Solar Mapper, a tool to predict rooftop solar energy potential. The tool aims to enhance the solar photovoltaic deployments for individual homeowners.

The company said the Solar Mapper could provide an accurate and rapid estimate of the solar energy potential of consumer’s homes. It claimed that the tool could provide over 90% geographical coverage in France. The tool will be deployed in Europe first, and then across the globe.

According to Total’s statement, the Solar Mapper utilizes artificial-intelligence algorithms that enhance the quality of data extracted from satellite images. The technology also helps estimate the solar potential accurately and provides relevant information about the installed technology.

“Solar Mapper will enable Total to faster deploy solar panels on the houses’ roofs to provide its consumers with more affordable and accessible solar energy,” said Marie-Noëlle Séméria, Chief Technology Officer of Total.

Total also unveiled its plans to develop a business-to-business (B2B) application of Solar Mapper for installations on commercial and industrial buildings.

The company said Solar Mapper helps achieve its goal of becoming a net-zero emission company by 2050. The company is developing a research and development program with an annual worth of $1 billion.

Interestingly, Google recently declared that it had eliminated its carbon legacy. This brings Google’s lifetime net carbon footprint to zero, making it the first major company to accomplish this. Carbon legacy refers to the carbon footprint of a company over a period of time.

Meanwhile, Mercom recently reported that Total entered into an agreement with Adani Green Energy to acquire a 50% stake in a joint venture company for $510 million (~₹36.26 billion). The agreement will lead to the transfer of 2,148 MW (AC) of operating solar assets currently owned by AGEL to the new joint venture company. AGEL will own the remaining 50% stake in the company.

Rooftop solar systems are gaining attention from all segments of power consumers. In India as well, rooftop solar systems are gaining popularity in both residential and commercial segments. To help consumers understand various aspects and technical details of the process, Mercom has started a series that would address different facets of a rooftop installation. Read the first article of the series here and stay tuned for the next one.