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Annual solar energy generation potential calculated using NASA POWER (preprocessed CERES and MODIS data from the Aqua and Terra satellites) in downtown Cleveland, OH. Solar irradiation data are averaged over 22 years (1983 to 2005). LiDAR data were used to model shadowing and the number of sunlight exposure hours per year. Warm colors indicate high solar energy generation potential per square foot. Unshaded rooftops with slopes and aspects that correspond with local solar geometry are optimal for installing solar panels.

Restructuring the Energy Balance in Ohio by Quantifying Energy Loss and Solar Potential Using NASA Earth Observations and LiDAR

Cities around the globe are adopting clean energy technologies to ensure sustainable development and address the impacts of a changing climate. The City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County in Ohio have committed to 100% renewable energy by 2035 and 2050, respectively. To help them achieve their clean energy goals, we created a method for generating a solar power potential map and an estimation of potential kilowatt hours within viable locations. Our team used NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) data generated from the CERES and MODIS satellite instruments to estimate incoming solar irradiation and the effects of clouds and aerosols. The main determining factors in identifying areas with high solar potential were shadowing, aspect, and irradiation values dependent on tilt angle. Our methods are an improvement over existing solar potential estimation tool analyses because we used a high resolution (1ft) digital surface model derived from LiDAR data, which allowed for detailed shading, slope, and aspect modeling, and because we adjusted irradiance according to roof slope rather than assuming a horizontal surface irradiation. Additionally, we calculated solar potential per individual roof segment, thereby avoiding an overestimate from inclusion of unsuitable rooftop locations. Results showed that downtown test areas had appreciable solar potential losses due to shadowing from nearby buildings, but there is still significant potential for solar energy generation when kilowatt hours are calculated for viable areas. These methods have the capacity to be applied to the entire county and to other regions seeking to efficiently utilize solar energy.

Location
Arizona — Tempe
Term
Summer 2019
Partner(s)
City of Cleveland, Office of Sustainability
Cuyahoga County, Department of Sustaiability
NASA Earth Observations
Terra CERES
Aqua CERES
Terra MODIS
Aqua MODIS
Team
Hannah Besso (Project Lead)
Yiyi He
Crystal Wespestad
Sihang Chen
Advisor(s)
Dr. David Hondula (Arizona State University)
Dr. Nicholas Rajkovich (University at Buffalo)