Total and Google Cloud have pooled their expertise to jointly develop an innovative tool, Solar Mapper, which aims to accelerate the deployment of solar panels for individuals (B2C) by providing an accurate and rapid estimate of the solar energy potential of their homes.

The tool will be rolled out first in Europe and then worldwide and uses brand-new artificial intelligence algorithms that provide better results than current tools, the companies say.

Total also plans to develop a B2B application of Solar Mapper, dedicated to industrial and commercial buildings and installations.

In particular, the tool is claimed to improve the quality of the data extracted from satellite images and estimate solar potential more sharply.

The partners say it will increase the relevance of the technology to be installed and offers greater geographical coverage globally.

In the case of France, Solar Mapper provides more than 90% geographical coverage, allowing many more people to assess the solar potential of their homes, with greater accuracy than before.

"Solar Mapper will enable Total to faster deploy solar panels on the houses’ roofs, in order to provide its customers with more affordable and more accessible solar energy," explains Total’s chief technology officer Marie-Noëlle Séméria.

"By combining Total's expertise in solar energy with Google Cloud's expertise in artificial intelligence and databases, we were able to develop an attractive and innovative offer together in just six months."