Does a high-resolution global assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaics potential exist?

Yet, only limited information is available on its global potential and associated costs at a high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we present a high-resolution global assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaics potential using big data, machine learning and geospatial analysis.

What is rooftop solar photovoltaics (rtspv)?

Rooftop Solar photovoltaics (RTSPV) technology as a subset of the solar photovoltaic electricity generation portfolio can be deployed as a decentralized system either by individual homeowners or by large industrial and commercial complexes.

What is roof-mounted solar PV?

The roof-mounted solar PV is installed at the optimum angle for each latitude and is sun-facing and shade-free to generate maximum electricity output. The building rooftops are flat in design leading to the utilization of the entire rooftop for the installation of solar panels.

How much rooftop area is required for solar PV installation?

We assumed that the estimated building footprint is representative of the available rooftop area in each FN i.e., 100% of the estimated rooftop is available for solar panel installation. To install 1 kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, 10 m 2 of rooftop area is required, which is in line with the thin film technology currently in use.

Can machine learning be used to assess rooftop solar photovoltaic (rtspv) potential?

Though a global assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaic (RTSPV) technology’s potential and the cost is needed to estimate its impact, existing methods demand extensive data processing. Here, the authors report a machine learning method to realize a high-resolution global assessment of RTSPV potential.

When will rooftop solar PV installation start?

While calculating the SP and LCOE, it was assumed that no rooftop solar PV installation exists globally, and all the additional capacities will start their commissioning from the year 2019.