ScanTheSun provides a smartphone application that enables users to design photovoltaic (PV) installations by analyzing solar energy potential based on geographical location, terrain, and shading from surrounding structures. The app delivers precise energy yield forecasts and optimal panel placement recommendations, helping users maximize energy production and reduce installation costs.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Designing photovoltaic (PV) installations requires accurate assessment of solar energy potential, accounting for geographical location, terrain, and shading from surrounding structures. Inaccurate assessments can lead to suboptimal panel placement, reduced energy yield, and increased installation costs.
Solution
ScanTheSun is a mobile application that enables users to design optimized PV installations by analyzing solar energy potential. The application uses smartphone sensors and NASA satellite data to provide precise energy yield forecasts and panel placement recommendations, taking into account terrain, shading, and atmospheric conditions. Users can visualize energy maps, panel arrangements, and energy yield forecasts for different seasons and months. The application considers the impact of the installation environment, including terrain, neighboring buildings, and trees, to minimize shading and maximize energy production.
Target Audience
The primary users are homeowners, businesses, and PV system installers seeking to optimize the design and placement of solar panels for maximum energy yield and cost savings.
Features
- Analyzes solar energy potential based on geographical location, terrain, and shading
- Provides energy yield forecasts for the whole year, selected seasons, and individual months
- Generates a map of solar energy on the surface of the property
- Recommends optimal placement of PV panels, considering obstacles like windows and chimneys
- Assesses the impact of the installation environment, including terrain, buildings, and trees
- Uses NASA satellite data to factor in local atmospheric conditions
- Accounts for panel efficiency and optics in energy yield calculations
- Calculates sunlight hours and shading for different parts of the building
- Determines the best positioning of panels to minimize shading
- Generates comprehensive online reports for investors and installers