Cashing in on Green: Google to Sell Mapping Data to Renewable Energy Companies

Google is set to license its mapping data to companies in the renewable energy industry, targeting a revenue generation of up to $100 million in the first year in an attempt to diversify its revenue streams.

The Washington Post reports that in a strategic move to diversify its revenue streams, Google is set to license its mapping data to companies in the renewable energy industry, targeting a revenue generation of up to $100 million in the first year.

Google plans to offer specialized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that will provide solar, energy, and air quality information. One of the most anticipated offerings is the Solar API, designed to serve a wide range of customers including solar installers, solar design companies, and utilities. The API will source some of its data from Google’s consumer-focused pilot, Project Sunroof, which was originally launched in 2015. Project Sunroof allows users to calculate estimated solar costs and even offers 3D modeling of building roofs based on Google Maps data.