Google is looking to license new sets of mapping data to various companies to support the development of renewable energy products. The company aims to generate up to $100 million in revenue within the first year of this initiative, as reported by HaberTusba.

Google plans to offer access to new APIs (application programming interfaces) that provide solar and energy information, as well as air quality data. The Solar API, for example, could be utilized by solar installers like SunRun and Tesla Energy, as well as solar design companies such as Aurora Solar. Other potential customers include real estate companies like Zillow and Redfin, hospitality companies like Marriott Bonvoy, and utilities like PG&E.

Part of the data for the Solar API will come from Project Sunroof, a consumer-focused pilot launched in 2015. This program allows users to enter their address and receive estimated solar costs, including electric bill savings and the required size of the solar installation. It also offers 3D modeling of roofs and nearby trees using Google Maps data.

Google intends to sell API access to individual building data, as well as aggregated data for all buildings in a specific city or county. The company claims to have data for over 350 million buildings, a substantial increase from the 60 million buildings reported for Project Sunroof in 2017.

In addition to the Solar API, Google plans to launch an Air Quality API. This API will allow customers to request air quality data, including pollutant information, health-based recommendations, digital heat maps, hourly updates, and historical data for up to 30 days.

Google’s move to license mapping data for renewable energy products is part of its effort to monetize its maps offerings and capitalize on the sustainability market. The company has previously licensed its mapping API for navigation to companies like Uber. Map API revenue contributes to Google’s cloud segment, which turned profitable in the first quarter of 2021.

This revenue strategy is particularly important as Google Maps has historically been one of Google’s under-monetized products. Analysts estimate that Google Maps could earn $11.1 billion by this year, driven by new travel products and increased ad revenue.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with Google’s focus on efficiency and investment in emerging technologies such as generative AI and sustainability.

By licensing mapping data for renewable energy products, Google aims to support companies in the renewable energy sector and generate significant revenue. This expansion of its mapping offerings also reflects Google’s efforts to optimize and streamline its mapping products.

Note: Google did not respond to HaberTusba’s request for comment regarding this initiative.