VHB Unveils AI-Powered Tool Net+ for Enhanced Solar System Site Selection

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.

AI-Driven Solar Site Selection Tool Revolutionizes Energy Planning

In a significant advancement for the solar energy sector, VHB has unveiled Net+, a cutting-edge tool designed to streamline solar system site selection. This novel program is set to transform how major clients—ranging from Tier 1 research universities to healthcare corporations—plan and implement on-site solar systems. By harnessing artificial intelligence and spatial analytics, Net+ dramatically reduces the time and resources traditionally required for feasibility assessments in solar energy projects.

Accelerating Site Selection

The development of Net+ comes as a response to the inefficiencies inherent in conventional solar feasibility studies. With a capacity to cut weeks off traditional timelines, the tool utilizes detailed historical data to provide estimations on power production and return on investment (ROI) for solar installations. This efficiency not only accelerates the site selection process but also allows organizations to potentially save millions through lower energy costs compared to conventional utilities.

Integrating Technology in Energy Solutions

Net+ operates on the principles of geographic information system (GIS) technology, an area where VHB excels. The company has invested in GIS as an enterprise mapping and analytics system for approximately 1,600 employees, empowering its workforce to leverage data for improved decision-making in land development, infrastructure planning, and energy installations. The tool’s advanced functionality allows users to visualize 3D simulations of proposed solar installations, facilitating informed decisions that align with their energy needs and goals.

Technical Expertise and Development Process

Under the guidance of a dedicated team that includes GIS analysts, software programmers, and energy experts, Net+ taps into a broad expertise to deliver precise results. The developmental process of the tool was swift; within six weeks of its inception, project workflows had been mapped out, and by nine months, prototypes were ready based on feedback from engineers. This rapid progression illustrates the effective planning and coordination involved in the project’s development.

Geospatial AI and Optimization Features

The integration of geospatial AI into Net+ represents a pivotal shift in how land parcels are evaluated for solar generation potential. The tool intelligently accounts for essential land traits and disqualifying factors such as floodplains and urban shadows, optimizing the feasibility study process. This specificity ensures that clients can align their sites with the most suitable solar installations, maximizing efficiency and enhancing the viability of projects.

Broad Applications and Future Prospects

VHB’s commitment to digital innovation is evident not only through Net+ but also in its array of core applications, including GeoVHB, which consolidates datasets from various governmental sources to enhance analytical capabilities. The potential of GIS dashboards and mobile GIS applications to gather field data related to wetlands, soil types, and other critical variables further underscores VHB’s focus on enhancing infrastructure planning.

Conclusion

The launch of Net+ marks a significant milestone in AI-driven efficiency within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This innovative tool not only improves the technical aspects of site selection but also aligns with broader environmental goals by promoting renewable energy solutions. As organizations increasingly look for efficient and cost-effective energy options, tools like Net+ will likely play an essential role in shaping the future of solar energy planning.

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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