Using Google Maps or Microsoft Virtual Earth as a visualization platform, CH2M Hill's solar map solution estimates the solar energy potential for commercial and residential structures in a particular city or county, and it allows building owners to visualize the potential environmental benefits and monetary savings that would result from installing solar energy panels on their property.

The portal enables users to enter an address and see a map view of that location. By clicking on the image of the building, users are provided with the following information:

• The estimated amount of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy that could be installed on the roof
• The estimated amount of solar PV energy that could be generated at that site
• Potential electricity cost reduction resulting from the solar PV installation
• Potential carbon dioxide/greenhouse gas reduction as a result of installing a solar PV system
• Case studies of other San Francisco businesses and homeowners who have already installed solar PV systems and their stories
• Information on installing a solar PV system, including contact information for local solar installers