In a New Zealand first, homes.co.nz has partnered with Lynker Analytics, and New Zealand’s leading solar power provider, Harrisons Energy Solutions, to calculate, calibrate and display the annualised solar power potential of residential properties in Auckland and Wellington.

Using Lidar, we generated detailed digital models showing the solar potential across entire city areas. Our models take into account the size, angle and orientation of the roof as well as shadows from nearby trees, buildings and hills. The example image below of central Auckland shows the tremendous level of detail contained within the models.

Using roof outline geometries we then extracted from the model a unique solar receipt heatmap for every rooftop - including all buildings (residential and commercial). Each roof or building polygon generally has over 100 data points a (1 meter Lidar resolution) and the rooftop heat maps allow you to understand where on your roof might be best suited to solar panels.

Finally based on the distribution and intensity of the heatmap we were able to determine an annualised estimate of power generation potential in kilowatt hours and dollar terms. We calibrated these calculations carefully using production data from Harrisons Energy. The solar estimate is based on the annual value a standard 3 kW system could generate using the average retail power price.

Tom Lintern, Chief Data Scientist from homes.co.nz explains

“the Solar Estimate provides an indication of the returns you can expect for your property from a solar investment.“

homes.co.nz know that Kiwis are passionate about property and want to access as much data and content possible to help them make the best possible decisions for themselves and their families.

Phil Harrison, General Manager of Harrisons also says

“We are excited to partner with homes.co.nz and Lynker Analytics on this exciting new initiative. A solar system added to your home is an investment. It adds green features to your home and can increase the value of your home to potential buyers who see the benefits of solar. If you are a landlord, a solar system can make your property a lot more attractive to prospective tenants who will see the opportunity to reduce their energy bills.”

You can check out the solar heatmaps and estimates now freely available for every Auckland and Wellington household on homes.co.nz.

This Case Study was published with permission from Lynker Analytics