Origin taps Accenture and Google for solar performance calculator
Origin has launched a new online tool designed to give customers an accurate forecast of solar performance and return on investment.
The national energy retailer teamed up with Accenture and Google Cloud to develop what has been described as an Australian-first online tool for consumers to assess potential solar performance on their rooftops in just a matter of minutes.
Combining 3D data, visual artificial intelligence and advanced analytics with machine learning, the tool can provide customers with quick, accurate and tailored product recommendations to help weigh up the benefits of solar.
“This market-leading technology will save customers time by providing them with a quick assessment of how solar will support their household’s energy requirements,” said Origin’s General Manager of Retail Sales, Duncan Permezel.
“Previously, prospective solar customers would need to speak with a sales agent and schedule a site inspection to gain this level of personalisation and detail in their quote, a process which can sometimes take weeks.”
According to Origin, the tool, which guides users through a quick series of questions, will indicate the costs to install panels and/or batteries and the potential savings against current household bills within just ten minutes. Questions include the type of dwelling – a house or unit – its number of storeys, the roofing materials and pitch, and when the household uses the most energy. It also requests the average current quarterly consumption.
“This innovative solution was built by Accenture data scientists with expertise in solar and industrial engineering, and showcases the potential of cloud as a launchpad for powering advanced analytics and visual artificial intelligence,” said Ben Tulloch, Accenture managing director and the firm’s Google Cloud Business Group lead for A/NZ.
“Our goal is to help Origin grow through hyper-personalised solar offerings for more than two million households.”
Speaking with iTnews, Tulloch noted that whereas customers typically select a default package “more or less off-the-shelf”, Origin was keen to deliver more customised offers.“The performance of any solution is governed by the specific location and position,” he stated.” There are variations in the solution types that have an impact. For example, using high specification panels that cost more generate more energy in low light conditions.”
The tool is currently available to customers generally within 100 kilometres or so of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra metropolitan areas, with suggestion of an expansion of Origin’s serviceable areas to come. The company – which as Australia’s largest installer has put up more than 1.6 million panels over the past fifteen years – stresses that customers can still chat to a solar expert or have one visit their home if that is the preference.