VHB's Net+ tool enhances solar system site selection with AI and GIS technology.
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.
The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is poised for a significant transformation with the introduction of Net+, an innovative tool designed for efficient solar system site selection. Developed by VHB, a prominent design and engineering firm, this tool aims to streamline the planning and installation of solar systems for major clients, including research universities and healthcare corporations.
Under the direction of Steve Anderson, the senior vice president of technology enablement at VHB, the company has taken a bold step into the future of solar energy solutions. Net+ enhances traditional feasibility assessments by employing advanced geographic information system (GIS) technology, spatial analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive modeling. This combination allows the tool to swiftly identify plots of land with the highest solar energy potential, covering vast portfolios of real estate, such as entire cities or states.
Net+ has demonstrated its capability to drastically cut down the time required for feasibility studies. Tasks that traditionally took weeks can now be completed in a fraction of the time, thanks to the tool’s ability to estimate potential power production and return on investment (ROI) for solar installations using historical data. This efficiency not only streamlines processes but also translates into substantial cost savings for organizations looking to install solar systems, with potential savings reaching into the millions by providing lower energy costs compared to traditional utilities.
The team behind Net+ consists of skilled GIS analysts, software developers, energy specialists, and engineers, all working collaboratively to ensure the tool meets the demands of the market. Drawing from his background in computer science and experience as a land surveyor, Anderson has effectively integrated GIS as a core component in the development process. VHB’s offerings also feature GeoVHB, a geospatial library that consolidates datasets from various governmental resources, thereby enriching data analysis capabilities.
Moreover, the integration of deep learning models and building information modeling (BIM) software in Net+ provides users with 3D simulations of potential solar installations on their properties. This feature enables clients to make informed decisions by visualizing the installations before they occur. The tool is also designed to recognize essential land traits for solar generation, ensuring appropriate land matches for different types of solar projects.
Net+ accounts for factors that could disqualify land from being suitable for solar projects, such as floodplains and urban shadowing. By optimizing the feasibility study process, the tool addresses inefficiencies inherent in traditional assessment methodologies. The development of Net+ commenced in response to these challenges, with workflow mapping completed within weeks and initial prototypes produced within nine months.
Anderson’s leadership in creating Net+ highlights his broader commitment to digital innovation within the AEC sector. His experience in golf, where he learned crucial lessons in patience and perspective, informs his approach to tackling technological challenges in his professional life. The similarities between navigating complex problems in sports and technology strengthen his resolve to spearhead solutions like Net+ that can change the landscape of renewable energy.
VHB’s introduction of the Net+ tool marks a pivotal moment in solar system planning, combining advanced analytics and user-friendly technology to deliver unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness for clients. As organizations increasingly seek sustainable energy solutions, tools like Net+ will be instrumental in advancing solar installations, ultimately promoting a greener future.
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