America’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has launched an online tool that lets you calculate how much energy you can generate through solar and wind power in your backyard, ideal for the endless sprawl of suburban neighbourhoods in the USA.

Called In My Backyard (IMBY), a play on the phrase ‘not in my backyard’, the tool is powered using Google Maps, and is quite a sophisticated way of estimating your garden’s green energy potential. Hopefully, this accessible and simple service will inspire local equivalents all over the world, and encourage people to start generating their own energy.

Image courtesy of Pulpolux !!! on flickr