City-scale analysis of PV potential and visibility in heritage environment using GIS and LiDAR

• Published in: Energy and buildings Vol. 311; p. 114124
• Main Authors: Soha, Tamás, Sugár, Viktória, Hartmann, Bálint
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.05.2024
• Subjects: GIS model; Heritage protection; LiDAR; PV visibility; PV visibility; Heritage protection; GIS model; LiDAR
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.114124

Increasing the share of renewables, especially utilizing solar power in our energy mix is a highly prioritized aim of the EU. Budapest, the largest city and the capital of Hungary, contains almost 1 million flats in more than 190 thousand buildings, organized in various characteristic urban fabric types. Although on-site renewable energy production is severely limited in dense urban environments, the roofs offer a considerable potential to generate energy on-site. The present paper introduces a method to estimate the PV potential of rooftops on a large scale applying a GIS approach. Using LiDAR data, a Digital Surface Model (DSM) was created. The DSM was utilized to evaluate roof slope, orientation, and global irradiation. Solar potentials, available roof area, photovoltaic (PV) system capacities and estimated annual electricity production were derived from the GIS model. The method was used to develop an open access website called the Budapest Solar Map, which provides decision-makers with solar PV data. However, the nominal PV potential is limited by layers of heritage protection regulations that safeguard the sight of our case study area, Budapest, which is a World Heritage Site. Visibility is also surveyed with GIS and geometrical modeling from designated high points and from the street level, respectively.