Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Panels Atlas

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.

How does the Global Solar Atlas work?

It is accompanied by country factsheets, downloadable from the Global Solar Atlas, that provide a summary of the resource potential and how it compares to other countries. The data make it possible to evaluate or compare virtually any site, region, or country.

Is 100% rooftop available for solar panels?

For technical potential calculations, we assumed that 100% of the estimated rooftop is available for installing solar panels i.e., orientation and slope of the building are not accounted for the 100% rooftop availability assumption-based results in our main analysis.

Can rooftop solar power systems help Europe's energy transition?

Rooftop systems could cover up to 24.4% of the EU electricity consumption (based on 2016 levels). Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can make a significant contribution to Europe's energy transition. Realising this potential raises challenges at policy and electricity system planning level.

How can a raster of technical potential of solar rooftops be used?

An innovative method combines geospatial/statistical data to create raster of technical potential of solar rooftop in the EU. Different datasets and sources are integrated to estimate the available rooftop area. In many EU Member States, the levelised solar electricity can be produced at a lower cost than retail electricity prices.

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.