If you haven’t heard of it already, Google has developed its “Glass,” a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display. It allows users to perform certain tasks such as taking photos or viewing directions hands free. Now one contractor has found a use for it in the solar industry.
Sullivan Solar Power, one of Solar Power World’s top 250 contractors, says it’s the first solar firm in America to use Google’s Glass to improve company processes. Sullivan Solar Power received the prototype device, the Explorer edition, in 2013 and has since written the first Glass app in the renewable energy industry. The app, along with the functionality built-into the head-mounted device, is improving safety and efficiency for field technicians and better service for its customers.
“The app puts volumes of electrical system data in front of the field technician’s eyes, instantly accessible and nearly hands free,” says Michael Chagala, Director of Information Technology for Sullivan Solar Power, “Having two free hands is critical in a rooftop environment.”
Sullivan Solar Power is using Glass’ powerful built-in communication functionality as well. Glass allows field technicians to tap into the collective intelligence of specialists at other locations with its live streaming video conferencing, essentially bringing a team of experts to the jobsite virtually to share eyes, ears and two free hands with the technician.
“We recognized this device immediately as a game-changer in our industry”, says Chagala, “We’ve only scratched the surface of how this will change the way we do business.”
Sullivan Solar Power’s plans for Glass extend beyond field technicians with plans to use the device for training, solar system design, and other purposes.
“Once released on the mainstream market, we plan to fully equip all field teams with Google Glass,” says Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “This technology and the app we have developed is a game-changer for safety and streamlining processes and efficiencies within our company.”
jdrew says
“Volumes of electrical system data” will be available to installers? What data are they referring to?