Section Hyperlinks
Workflow 1: Estimating Rooftop Solar Power Potential using GIS
The power of technology aside, what many of you may find compelling about this workflow is the ability to address a 'specific, yet complex' problem statement using an 'elaborate, yet structured' approach. Much like those tricky interview questions - 'What is the market size for razor blades in India?' where you are given only macro-level data to begin with and are subsequently evaluated on structured problem-solving approach - where the methodology of arriving at the estimate matters more than the accuracy of the estimate itself.
So here's a question for you - 'Estimate the annual (rooftop) Solar Power generation potential in the locality you live in.'
Spare a couple of minutes to think over it before you watch the 4-minute video solution below. What information would you need? Which parameters would you consider in your analysis? Is your methodology pragmatic?
In the case video below, I've addressed the query using -
a) A Digital Surface Model dataset (DSM contains the Ground Elevation values for Bare Earth, and Feature Elevation values where natural or man-made objects such as trees and vehicles are present)
b) A Building Footprint dataset (outline of a Building's extent) of the Locality under study,
c) A powerful Location Analytics platform which helps to derive the Solar Power generation potential.
The video is best viewed in YouTube's HD setting either on PC or on Landscape mode in Mobile Phone. You can reduce / increase the play speed as per your viewing preferences
Video 1: Estimating Solar Potential in a Locality
I hope you found the methodology used to address the query to be interesting. The answer (not included in the video) is -
The Electricity Generation potential from Rooftop Solar Panels in the locality is 20,710 MWh annually.
There are multiple ways in which the model's output can be refined further - such as adding more features (eg. including public spaces) or by relaxing or strengthening the parameters (eg. factoring in Water Tanks & other Rooftop installations).
There is a wide variety of geoprocessing tools available for Solar Radiation computation & analysis within the location analytics platform (known in common parlance as 'Geographic Information System' or just GIS.
To know more about how Location Intelligence Platforms can benefit the Renewables sector, refer the technology page here.
Update - 19th October 2020: Workflow 2: Thermal Inspection of Solar Farm using Drone
Have a look at the footage of my vendor's Drone inspecting a Solar Farm using a Radiometric Thermal Payload onboard -
Update - 28th August 2024: Workflow 3: Wet Cleaning of Solar Panels using Drone
Here's another video containing footage from my Drone Services project related to Wet Cleaning of Solar Panels -
Useful, isn't it?
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to - Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities.
Our 'Mapping for Operations'-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this flyer. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,
Much Thanks to Learn ArcGIS for the training material for Workflow 1. The study had been performed using Esri's ArcGIS Pro Location Analytics Platform.