Assessment of the solar energy potential of rooftops using LiDAR datasets and GIS based approach

Adjiski, Vancho and Kaplan, Gordana and Mijalkovski, Stojance (2023) Assessment of the solar energy potential of rooftops using LiDAR datasets and GIS based approach. International Journal of Engineering and Geosciences, 8 (2). pp. 188-199. ISSN 2548-0960

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Abstract

The importance of solar energy as a global energy source is expected to grow. Solar power's future looks bright, especially with an aged and deteriorating energy grid and rising fossil fuel prices. More precise methods for assessment of solar capacity are needed as more homes and companies investigate the possibility of small-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar installations. In this study, a spatial solar energy PV potential assessment method based on the combination of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) datasets and GIS (Geographic Information System) is proposed. The proposed methodology is applied to an area in the capital city of Skopje in N. Macedonia, from where the results of the possible annual energy output of PV systems for the selected rooftops were presented. The results of the study were presented in a map showing rooftops that are most suitable for installing PV systems. From this map, three random roofs were selected to perform manual estimates of the number of panels that could fit on them and the potential energy output of the solar PV systems. This study provides crucial results for financial and urban planning, policy formulation for future energy projects and also allows to analyze different mechanisms to promote PV installations on publicly available rooftops.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: LiDAR, GIS, Solar irradiation, Photovoltaic (PV) potential Rooftop
Subjects: Engineering and Technology > Other engineering and technologies
Divisions: Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences
Depositing User: Vanco Adziski
Date Deposited: 25 Oct 2022 11:06
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2024 11:53
URI: https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/id/eprint/30365

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