Description | Features | Installation | Usage | Credits
Solar Energy AR is an innovative augmented reality (AR) platform designed to empower users to interactively and personally explore the solar energy potential of their properties. By visualizing solar panels in a customized manner, Solar Energy AR aims to facilitate informed decision-making regarding solar adoption.
- Interactive Solar Panel Placement: Users can virtually position solar panels on their rooftops or other surfaces to visualize how they would appear in real life.
- Customization Options: Adjust panel orientation, tilt, and quantity to explore different solar configurations.
- Real-Time Sun Path Simulation: Solar Energy AR dynamically shows how sunlight interacts with the panels throughout the day and across seasons.
- Energy Estimation: Get an estimate of potential energy production based on location, panel efficiency, and local weather data.
- Clone the Repository to Your Local Machine:
git clone https://github.com/Oasis-Uniandes/Solar-Energy-AR.git - Open the Project in Unity (Ensure you have the Universal Windows Platform UWP module installed within Unity).
- Build the UWP Application for ARM64 Architecture.
- After the Build Completes, open the .sln solution file with Visual Studio 2022 (Make sure you have all the prerequisites for deploying to HoloLens*).
- Deploy the Application in Release Mode for ARM64 architecture, using the IP address of your HoloLens 2.
*Since the project was developed using MRTK3, it’s essential to have the necessary installations in both Unity and Visual Studio.
Official Documentation: MRTK3 Overview
- Install HoloLens App:
- Deploy the Solar Energy AR app to your Microsoft HoloLens 2 device using Unity and the Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK3).
- Ensure your HoloLens is connected and configured for development.
- Calibrate Environment:
- Find a well-lit area with minimal obstructions.
- Initialize the app and follow the calibration prompts to align the virtual solar panels with your physical surroundings.
- Visualize Solar Panels:
- Use gestures or voice commands to place, rotate, and adjust solar panels.
- Observe how shadows change as the sun moves throughout the day.
- Evaluate Energy Potential:
- Solar Energy AR provides real-time energy estimates based on panel placement and local conditions.
- Consider factors like roof orientation, shading, and available space.
Solar Energy AR was developed by Oasis Uniandes, under the supervision of:
Research and Developer group:
- Julián Camilo Mora Valbuena
- Paula Gutierrez
- Juan Arango
- Jacobo
- Maria Camila Jaramillo
- Maria Paula Murillo
We acknowledge the contributions of the open-source community, especially the creators of the Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK3).