Note: Keep in mind that the measurements obtained from Google Earth may not be 100% accurate and should be used for reference only. It's always best to have a professional solar installer conduct a site visit to assess the feasibility of installing solar PV panels on a specific property.
Steps for you to measure your roof space using Google Earth
- Open Google Earth: You can access Google Earth by going to earth.google.com on your web browser or downloading the desktop application.
- Find the location: Use the search bar to locate the property where you plan to install solar PV panels.
- Enable Ruler tool: On the left-hand side of the screen, click on the ruler icon. This will enable the ruler tool.
- Choose the right measurement units: Select the desired units of measurement (e.g. meters, feet, yards) from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the screen.
- Adjust the angle: In the top right-hand corner of the screen, click on the "tilt" button and adjust the angle so that you are viewing the roof from an overhead perspective.
- Measure the roof: Use the ruler tool to measure the area of the roof where you plan to install solar PV panels. Be sure to account for any obstructions such as chimneys, vents, or skylights. It's important to have an accurate measurement of the available space to determine the number of solar panels that can be installed and their placement.
- Add-up measurements: If the roof is irregularly shaped, you can measure smaller sections and add up the measurements to get the total area.
- Assess shading: While measuring the roof space, also assess the shading on the roof. Shade from trees, buildings, or other obstructions can significantly impact the performance of solar PV panels.
- Save and export: Once you have measured the roof space and assessed shading, you can save and export the measurements by clicking on the three-dot icon next to the ruler tool and selecting "Export" or "Save image".