An apparatus and method for determining a potential surface for installation of solar panels are provided. The method includes extracting, from a database of overhead images, at least one overhead image respective of a location; identifying a surface outline of at least one surface within the at least one overhead image; determining a pattern associated with the surface outline, the pattern comprising at least a facet; determining a potential installation area for solar panels based on the at least facet; and, displaying the potential installation area overlaid on the overhead image.