News Summary
VHB has launched Net+, a cutting-edge tool designed to streamline solar system site selection using advanced GIS technology and AI. This innovative solution significantly reduces the time and costs associated with feasibility studies, enabling organizations to make informed decisions on solar installations. By employing predictive modeling and 3D simulations, Net+ helps identify optimal land for solar projects, addressing environmental challenges and enhancing the planning process. As the architecture, engineering, and construction industry moves toward sustainable energy solutions, VHB’s Net+ tool emerges as a transformative force.
New AI-Powered Tool Nets Efficiency in Solar Site Selection
In a significant advancement for the solar energy industry, VHB, a renowned design and engineering firm, has launched a new tool called Net+ aimed at streamlining the site selection process for solar energy systems. This innovative solution leverages advanced artificial intelligence and geographic information system (GIS) technology to help organizations optimize their solar energy investments.
What is Net+?
Net+ is specifically designed to assist clients—including Tier 1 research universities, healthcare corporations, and transit agencies—in the rapid identification of land parcels with the highest potential for solar energy generation. By utilizing spatial analytics and predictive modeling, Net+ can significantly cut down on the time traditionally required for feasibility assessments, offering estimates on power production and return on investment (ROI) within shortened timeframes.
Enhanced Decision-Making Through Technology
VHB’s new tool stands to revolutionize how organizations approach solar energy project planning. Instead of relying on lengthy processes that may take weeks to complete, Net+ accelerates decision-making by tapping into vast datasets and historic data. This efficiency is crucial, as organizations recognize the potential for significant savings—often reaching millions—through lower energy costs compared to conventional utilities.
Behind the Technology: The Team
VHB’s success in developing Net+ can be attributed to a diverse team comprised of GIS analysts, software developers, energy experts, and engineers. The leadership of Steve Anderson, who has a technical background in computer science and land surveying, has been pivotal in integrating GIS as a central tool in VHB’s operations. His vision aligns with the company’s commitment to harnessing the power of data analytics to benefit the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
GIS Technology in Action
The growing reliance on GIS technology within VHB—a system utilized by around 1,600 employees—underpins the development of Net+. Through GeoVHB, VHB’s comprehensive geospatial library integrates diverse datasets from various government sources, enhancing the analytical capabilities for infrastructure planning. Mobile GIS applications and dashboards contribute to the effective collection and assessment of data in the field, aiding in evaluations of crucial land characteristics such as wetlands and soil types.
Features of Net+
Net+ employs deep learning models in combination with building information modeling (BIM) software, allowing clients to visualize their solar installations through 3D simulations. This feature affords organizations the capacity to make informed choices regarding solar energy projects. The tool is equipped to identify land traits that are necessary for effective solar generation while also considering disqualifying features, such as floodplains or shadows cast by urban structures.
The Development Process
The inception of Net+ came as a response to identified inefficiencies in conventional solar feasibility studies. Initiated by Anderson, the project saw rapid progression, with workflows being outlined within just six weeks. Following the mapping phase, prototypes were developed within nine months, enhanced by feedback from engineering experts, leading to a refined and effective tool.
Looking Ahead
As VHB continues to advocate for innovative practices within the AEC sector, Net+ emerges as a testament to the marriage of technology and environmental responsibility, optimizing solar energy deployment for various industries. With the ability to accelerate site selection and provide valuable insights, Net+ reflects a forward-thinking approach to harnessing renewable energy, positioning VHB as a leader in the drive towards sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, VHB’s launch of the Net+ tool not only exemplifies advancements in technology but also aligns with ongoing efforts towards energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Organizations aiming to transition to solar energy can now do so with greater speed and certainty, ultimately driving forward the mission of cleaner energy for the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- VHB Profile – Steve Anderson
- Wikipedia: Solar Power
- VHB’s Net+ Announcement
- Google Search: GIS technology in solar energy
- VHB Innovation in Solar
- Google Scholar: Artificial Intelligence in Solar Energy
- ESRI Geographic Information Systems
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Geographic Information System
