A sunny prospect for rooftop energy

In a significant development for the UK solar PV industry, Oldbury-based Hestia this month unveils a new solar PV online application.

The SolarProspector is a technologically advanced tool for assessing the viability of installing solar PV on a roof – allowing both homeowners and professionals to visualise their installation and to assess the financial viability of installing solar panels on a roof. The SolarProspector represents a significant departure from existing market offers – giving all UK property owners the chance to assess earnings and savings from solar installations without having to commit to expensive surveys. Commercial, agricultural and residential properties can all be accurately surveyed individually for solar PV suitability, free of charge.

Accuracy

Traditional solar PV assessment tools are either simplistic and deliver inaccurate results or require specialised knowledge to operate.

SolarProspector is easy to use and incorporates features which significantly enhance accuracy.

Unlike other online tools based on the Google Maps API, SolarProspector uses complex trigonometry to solve the angle at which an aerial image was taken.

Single property owners can use the tool to visualise how the solar panels will look on their roof. Aerial imagery and address information identify a specific property; accurately scaled individual solar panels can then be overlaid onto the roof and arranged to fit, avoiding obstructions (such as chimneys); a full report detailing system size, electricity generation, earnings from the Feed In Tariff and savings on fuel costs can then be produced

For larger projects and on a contract basis Hestia can quickly and accurately assess the potential for installing solar PV on multiple properties - ideal for local authorities, facilities managers, estate agencies, large property portfolio owners and solar PV installers. The system has been successfully piloted on a local authority contract to examine 60,000 roofs for suitability.

Keith Bennett, executive chairman of Hestia, said: “SolarProspector gives everyone the chance to see what their roof could be worth in solar earnings. We are delighted to be able to make this simple online tool available for free.”

Investing in ways of producing renewable energy is a particularly attractive option for property owners because the prices for generating electricity under the UK Feed In Tariff (FIT) Scheme are effectively guaranteed by the Government for 25 years and the technology involved is wellproven and reliable.

Until now there have been limited affordable options for assessing the potential for solar installations on individual roofs. The launch of SolarProspector makes the evaluation of financial returns and carbon savings from a single solar system simple and achievable for all property owners.

Hestia is a specialist solar PV company, providing high quality photovoltaic solutions for farmers, home owners and businesses. Operating since 1993, Hestia is an established provider of independent energy efficiency advice services and long-term contractor of the Energy Saving Trust. Hestia works with technology partners from Germany, and continually invests in developing innovative new products and tools for the renewable energy sector.

Mr Bennett added: “Hestia plays a pioneering role in the UK solar PV industry and we are constantly seeking effective new ways to help our customers make informed choices. We believe that SolarProspector provides just the uncomplicated and accurate answer they are looking for.”