Germany's E.ON explores solar development with Google

29 May, 2018

With eyes on being the leader in the German solar sector, utility E.ON said its work with Google would make it easier for homeowners to assess solar options.

Through the so-called Sunroof platform, E.ON has been working with the internet giant to make it easier for European homeowners to see how they can adopt solar power.

"All you have to do is enter your address online," the German company stated. "Based on a few additional parameters, the construction of a solar energy system can be planned."

The Sunroof websites use satellite imagery powered by Google and 3D models to help calculate the potential for rooftop solar.

The German utility is making strides in the renewable energy sector. In March, it concluded an agreement in principle with German energy company RWE to acquire more than three quarters of the stakes in renewable energy entity Innogy,
an offshoot from RWE.

Adjusted net income for the frst quarter was up 38 percent from the same period last year to $862 million. Its renewables division saw earnings increase by about 7 percent to $203 million.

In April, Urs Hölzle, Google's senior vice president of technical infrastructure, wrote in a blog post that the company has contracts to purchase 3 gigawatts of renewable energy, more than any other corporate entity.

"To date, our renewable energy contracts have led to over $3 billion in new capital investment around the world," he said.

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