I served as the Computational Design Lead for the launch of solar estimation capabilities within Google Earth. This tool empowers urban planners to evaluate renewable energy potential at scale. I spearheaded the integration of the Google Solar API, architecting the logic required to translate complex solar flux and layout data into high-fidelity, code-compliant 3D visualizations.
My work centered on developing production-grade algorithms for solar panel placement that dynamically account for rooftop obstructions, HVAC cores, and slope. Beyond rooftops, I researched and implemented the design logic for solar canopies and collaborated on the production code for solar carports, providing professionals with three distinct design options for transforming parking infrastructure into energy-generating assets.
Key Contributions:
1. Solar API Integration: Scoped and implemented the inaugural integration of Solar API capabilities into Google Earth, delivering high-accuracy layouts for residential and small commercial roofs (up to 500m²).
2. Code-Compliant Logic: Developed robust placement algorithms that factor in local building codes, roof segments, access aisles, and precise obstruction detection.
3. Adaptive Infrastructure: Engineered a panel placement engine that toggles between residential and commercial panel types based on building scale, ensuring realistic yield estimations for any project size.
