Regional Solar Energy Potential study

Solar potential knowledge base for strategic decision making

Solar power technology is weather dependent. A thorough understanding of climate of a region is a good starting point for strategic decisions relating to development of solar projects. A generic solar resource map may not show a complete picture. A detailed analysis of solar resource, meteorological, geographic data and PV power potential help identification of the most suitable locations for deployment of solar power plants. The analysis considers uncertainty of resource estimates, occurrence of extreme climatic conditions, seasonal climate variability, as well as geographic limitations on deployment of solar plants.

Regional solar energy potential study is a base for defining strategies made by governments, investors and project developers.

Regional solar energy potential study Solargis

Key outputs of the solar energy potential study

Solar resource

Solargis modelled solar radiation data is used as primary source for analysis of solar energy potential. Locally available measurements are also incorporated in the analysis. Besides identification of regions with highest solar potential, seasonal and inter-annual variability of solar resource is also analyzed. This helps to understand how seasonal power generation matches well with the demand. The study identifies regions where year-by-year power generation variability is lower, resulting in a more stable cash flows. Uncertainty of solar resource estimates are quantified to enable technically-sound analysis

Climate conditions

Weather conditions define operating environment for solar power plants. Data from meteorological models are used to identify characteristics of regional climate. For enhanced accuracy data from local meteorological stations are used.

Geographical constraints an opportunities

Geographic information data and maps give additional value to the solar information. Geographic characteristics of a region or particular location create technical and environmental constraints or prerequisites for development of a solar power plant. Geographic parameters analysed include terrain, population and accessibility, demand centres (energy needs: industry, agriculture, services), electricity grid infrastructure and road network.

PV electricity potential

PV power generation potential for the region is calculated using in-house simulation algorithms. For assisting with choice of technology, PV electricity generation maps are created for multiple options, i.e. by module type, mounting type. Useful data such as optimum tilt angle for fixed mounted PV systems is also calculated.


Deliverables

Digital maps and GIS data layers

Technical report

Workshop


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