A Data-Driven Framework for Optimal Placement of Grid-Connected Solar Generation

This work presents a decision-making approach for selecting an optimal placement of the grid-connected solar generation using Geographical Information System (GIS) as the decision-making tool. A terrain analysis for solar radiation assessment, as well as buildings and vegetation spatial data are analyzed in order to determine the shadow impact that can be anticipated for medium or large-scale photovoltaic (PV) installation. In addition, different historical weather conditions are considered and integrated into the model to show the impact of this variable on the solar generation output. Some details of the methodology, testbed development and results related to the selection of potential sites for PV installation are presented. To illustrate the process and proposed methodology, an example using large scale synthetic network is implemented.