Rooftop Solar Power Generation Engineering Team

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 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.

Are rooftops the future of energy development?

A study by Clemson University showed that in the U.S., including spacing and zoning requirements, roughly 500,000 square miles of land would need to be dedicated to new energy development by 2040, an area larger than Texas. Rooftops represent an alternative to using up otherwise useful lands.

What is the share of the rooftop power segment?

The share of this power segment has remained fairly constant at an average of 19% since 2014. On the other hand, the relative share of annual capacity growth has increased strongly for rooftop systems in the power segment from 100 to 750 kW. Their share has increased from 17 % in 2017 to 38% in 2019.

Does a utility-ownership business model benefit residential rooftop solar photovoltaics?

The findings were presented in Benefits and costs of a utility-ownership business model for residential rooftop solar photovoltaics, published in Nature Energy. The new approach considers advantages for utilities which own and operate rooftop PV systems.

Are rooftops a viable alternative to using up lands?

Rooftops represent an alternative to using up otherwise useful lands. “The open data generated in this research helps to quantify, locate and prioritize investment in zero-carbon electricity systems,” said study coauthor James Glynn, senior researcher at Columbia University.