Exploring Solar Energy Potential using Solar Radiation GIS Toolset - A Case of College of Natural Resources, Lobesa, Punakha

Abstract

This study aimed to explore solar energy potential on a small landscape (campus of the College of Natural Resources) using topography of fine spatial resolution that can detect number of rooftops feasible for harnessing solar energy. Digital elevation model was derived by extracting elevation values from the Google Earth Pro which was then used as input for solar radiation calculation. The total radiation that the campus received was 2,100 kWh over 259 days and the result was validated using power access viewer and global solar atlas databases. The monthly average radiation indicated that October, November, December and January are the radiation peaking months at the college campus. Twenty two rooftops were identified to receive more than or equal to 3.08 kWh/m2/day, while the remaining rooftops receiving less than or equal to 3.08 kWh/m2/day. The college has potential of supplementing power shortage during lean hydro season using the rooftop solar panels.