Location analysis for solar panels by LiDAR-Data with Geoprocessing - SUN-AREA

Abstract

In order to be able, whether a roof of a building is suitable regarding a solar energy use, different location factors are to be examined first. Here starts the research project SUN-AREA. SUN-AREA aims to find out how the use of solar power can be optimised. The objective of this interdisciplinary research projekt is to develop a computer aided analysis method to identify high potential areas for the use of solar power by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The method which is used within SUN-AREA is based on the ArcGIS ModelBuilder from ESRI which gives the user an intuitive interface to implement necessary data and tools to model solar power. The system will detect locations with optimal terms for producing solar power based on laser scanner data and plan view data. The main function is to interpret exactly the style of roofs by using new sensors in laser scanning. An automatic sequence of algorithms utilising grid and vector GIS functions is able to identify all necessary data, such as outer form, inclination, orientation and clouding, of each roof. The final intersection of all single results creates the basic data, e.g. to find out how much energy can be produced using solar power all over the town and in each single household. The results of the pilot region of the German city of Osnabrück with an overall area of 120km2 are presented at an internet GIS that presents all results and spread the information to the public (www.osnabrueck.de/sun-area).