Google has rolled out a new tool called Project Sunroof which uses high-resolution aerial mapping (the same used by Google Earth) to help calculate a property's roof's solar energy potential

Most notable, however, is that after such calculation, Google gives the user the option to have their information referred to one of several solar providers, such as Sunpower, SunEdison, NRG, Sunwork, and Vivint Solar.

Furthermore, in listing such companies, Google lists their number of solar installs and year of founding, entering the realm of qualitative comparisons

"If you'd like to know more or to get started on going solar, Project Sunroof can put you in touch with solar providers who serve your area. Project Sunroof will only send information you provide to solar providers that you selected," the site states.

The tool also provides a recommended size for the solar installation, and costs and savings under various financing or purchase arrangements

The tool is currently available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno CA, and Greater Boston MA.

The lead generation for solar providers follows Google's recent launch of a car insurance quote comparison site and its long-offered credit card comparison tool

As we've speculated before, with Google entering more comparison services, and now with one directly related to energy, retail supply comparison and brokering could be on the horizon for Google as it seeks to offer more services beyond searches, and mine more data on users.

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