Finding Solar Potential using QGIS
Digital Surface Models for Solar Potential Assessment
Digital Surface Models (DSMs) serve as invaluable tools across various disciplines by
providing a three-dimensional depiction of the Earth's surface, including both natural and
man-made features. These models, generated using remote sensing techniques like
photogrammetry or Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), offer detailed insights into terrain
elevation and surface objects such as buildings and vegetation. This comprehensive data finds
applications in urban planning, environmental monitoring, and terrain analysis, among others.
In the context of assessing solar potential, DSMs are indispensable for calculating factors like
shading and sky view factor, which are essential for evaluating different locations for solar
energy generation (Wasser, 2024).
Solar cadasters, exemplified by the Solar Energy on Building Envelopes (SEBE) model, play
a pivotal role in identifying optimal rooftops and areas for deploying photovoltaic (PV)
systems in urban environments. Integrated into geographic information systems (GIS) like
QGIS, these tools rely heavily on DSMs as a primary input to compute solar potential. DSMs
provide crucial information on terrain elevation and surface features, thereby facilitating
accurate calculations of solar potential (Polo and García 2023).
In a novel modeling approach presented by (Bognár, Loonen, and Hensen 2021), solar
irradiance on building facades and roofs within urban environments is accurately simulated to
assess photovoltaic yield and solar gains. This method utilizes DSM point clouds as shading
geometry, complemented by a matrix-based approach for simulating solar irradiance. Unlike
traditional methods requiring 3D surface geometry generation and ray-tracing, this approach
directly employs the DSM for shading geometry, thereby streamlining the simulation process.
Case studies demonstrate the practicality of this method, highlighting its real-world
applicability. By incorporating shading from the surroundings, the proposed method provides
more accurate estimations, enhancing the reliability of simulations for assessing building
energy performance and optimizing photovoltaic system design within urban contexts.
(Jung, Han, and Kim 2019) utilized DSMs to accurately estimate solar energy potential and
identify suitable sites for photovoltaic solar panel installation. These models offer detailed
elevation data, including terrain height and built structures, enabling precise topographic
analysis crucial for solar energy estimation. By assessing land slope and solar radiation
received, DSMs enable spatial analysis to identify areas with high solar energy potential and
prioritize sites for solar panel installation.
Furthermore, DSMs offer a scalable and efficient approach for estimating horizon shading
remotely, as opposed to fisheye sky imaging, which necessitates physical presence and on-site
measurements. With high-resolution DSM data readily available, particularly in urban areas,
DSM-based methods provide accurate estimations of shading, thereby facilitating the
deployment of PV systems in areas where shading is significant (Mira, Bartholomäus, Poessl,
Poulsen, & Spataru, 2022).
Solar Irradiance's Significance in Evaluating Solar Potential
Predicting solar irradiance is crucial for ensuring efficient energy management and
maintaining high power quality in electrical grids with distributed solar photovoltaic (PV)
systems (Opie, 2022). However, obtaining historical irradiance data for residential and small
commercial users can be challenging due to the cost associated with solar irradiance meters.
Forecasting the output power of solar systems is required for the good operation of the power
grid or for the optimal management of the energy fluxes occurring into the solar system.
Before forecasting the solar systems output, it is essential to focus the prediction on the solar
irradiance. The global solar radiation forecasting can be performed by several methods; the
two big categories are the cloud imagery combined with physical models, and the machine
learning models.
In this study by (Adeh et al. 2019), solar irradiation plays a fundamental role in assessing the
potential of solar power production and determining the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV)
panels. Solar irradiation, also known as solar insolation, refers to the amount of solar energy
received per unit area at a given location over a specific period, typically measured in watts
per square meter (W/m2). It serves as a key factor in determining the energy output of PV
panels, as these panels convert sunlight into electricity. The study utilizes solar irradiation
data to understand the variation in solar energy availability across different geographical
locations. By analyzing solar irradiation levels, the researchers can identify areas with high
solar potential, where solar power installations are likely to generate significant electricity
output. Additionally, solar irradiation data help assess the efficiency of PV panels in
converting sunlight into electricity under varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, the
study incorporates solar irradiation data into a model that considers the influence of
microclimatic factors on PV panel efficiency, providing a more comprehensive understanding
of PV panel performance, allowing for more accurate predictions of solar power production
potential.
(Tian and Bowen 2021) proposed project addresses the challenges associated with simulating
the performance of urban-installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, particularly concerning
the availability of urban geometric models and the assessment of shading influence. To
overcome these limitations, the project introduces a novel method for generating urban
geometric models for PV simulations using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) digital
surface model (DSM) data. This approach eliminates the shortcomings of traditional manual
modeling methods and provides a more accurate representation of urban environments.
Central to this study is the utilization of solar irradiation data to drive the simulation process.
Solar irradiation, representing the amount of solar energy received per unit area, serves as a
crucial input for estimating the performance of PV systems. By incorporating solar irradiation
data into the simulation workflow, the project ensures that the generated urban geometric
models accurately reflect real-world conditions and enable precise predictions of PV system
performance, facilitating comprehensive assessments of urban PV performance for urban
planning, energy management, and infrastructure development. The open-source availability
of simulation and analysis scripts further facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing in
the field of urban solar energy research.
Lastly, in (Tahir and Asim 2018) study, solar irradiation plays a pivotal role in the assessment
of solar resource potential in Pakistan. Solar irradiation, measured as the amount of solar
energy received per unit area, serves as a fundamental parameter for understanding the
feasibility and effectiveness of solar energy projects in the country. Solar irradiation data
obtained from surface measurements conducted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department
(PMD) and satellite data from international agencies such as the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the
World Bank are analyzed and compared, providing valuable insights into the solar energy
potential across different regions of Pakistan. The comparison between surface measured data
and satellite-derived estimates enables the evaluation of the accuracy and reliability of solar
resource assessments conducted by international agencies, highlighting the importance of
validation and calibration using ground-based measurements to ensure the accuracy of solar
atlases and resource maps.
Calculating Energy Production and Efficiency
Computing solar energy and watt-hour production is crucial for understanding the
potential electricity generation from solar panels and optimizing their performance.
By calculating the expected energy output, homeowners and businesses can make
informed decisions about the size and placement of solar panel installations, as well
as estimate their electricity savings. This understanding of solar energy production
allows individuals to assess the feasibility of investing in solar power systems and
predict their long-term financial benefits. Moreover, it facilitates the comparison of
different types of solar panels based on efficiency, cost, and expected energy output.
Additionally, computing solar energy and watt-hour production enables users to
monitor the performance of their solar panel systems over time. By tracking actual
energy generation against predicted values, they can identify any issues or
inefficiencies and take corrective measures to optimize performance and maximize
energy savings (Allen & Tynan, 2023).
Dynamic SLR leverages an accurate formula, Daily Watt-hours = Average hours of
sunlight × solar panel watts × 0.75, as part of their approach to solar panel
installation for residential properties. By employing this formula, Dynamic SLR
accurately estimates the daily watt-hour production of solar panels, ensuring optimal
system sizing and placement to maximize energy generation. Understanding solar
panel output helps homeowners and businesses assess the feasibility and financial
benefits of transitioning to solar energy. By predicting energy production, they can
evaluate potential savings on electricity bills and calculate the return on investment
over time. Dynamic SLR offers a comprehensive range of services to assist clients in
transitioning to solar energy, providing free solar quotes and guiding clients through
the process from consultation to system implementation. With a focus on quality
products and reliable services, Dynamic SLR aims to help homeowners in Texas make
informed decisions about adopting solar power for their homes (DynamicSlr, 2023).
Similarly, Sunbase relies on the formula Daily Watt-hours = Average hours of sunlight
× solar panel watts × 0.75 to compute the kWh produced by a solar panel for their
installations. Considering factors such as solar panel efficiency, type and quality,
power rating, number of panels, location, sunlight exposure, panel orientation, and
maintenance, Sunbase ensures accurate estimations of solar panel output. By
calculating the daily output in kWh using the provided formula and accounting for
various variables, Sunbase offers precise assessments of solar energy generation
potential for their clients. Furthermore, to calculate solar power output per year,
Sunbase utilizes the formula E = A × r × H × PR, where E represents Energy (kWh), A
denotes Total solar panel area (m²), r signifies Solar panel yield or efficiency (%), H
indicates Annual average solar radiation on tilted panels (shadings not included), and
PR represents Performance ratio, a coefficient for losses. Through meticulous
calculations and consideration of critical factors, Sunbase ensures reliable estimates
of solar panel output, empowering clients to make informed decisions regarding their
solar energy systems (Sunbase, 2023).
Navitas Solar utilizes a similar approach, employing the formula for solar panel
efficiency calculation: Efficiency (%) = (Power Output / Incident Solar Power) * 100, to
assess the efficiency of its Bonito Max 10 BB 144 cell modules. By applying this
formula, Navitas can accurately determine the efficiency of its solar panels and
provide consumers with accurate information when investing in solar energy systems
(Navitas Solar, 2022).
