Harnessing the Power of Geographic Data with Photovoltaic Geographical Information System
Renewable energy has finally taken center stage in discussions around the globe, and for good reason. The world is slowly moving away from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy, the most promising of which is solar energy. One of the critical tools that have made it possible to harness the power of solar energy is Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS). This article explores the advantages of using PVGIS in harnessing the power of geographic data.
The Importance of Geographic Data in Harnessing Solar Energy
Geographic data is a key component in the installation and optimization of solar energy systems. This data can include information about the sun’s angle, the terrain, and other features that are relevant to the installation and operation of solar panels. By harnessing this data, solar installers can optimize their installations for maximum output and efficiency. PVGIS takes things a step further, by providing additional data such as temperature and irradiance.
What is Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS)?
PVGIS is a web-based application developed by the European Commission that provides information about solar radiation, temperature, and other variables around the globe. This application has been instrumental in helping solar installers and developers use accurate data to design and optimize their solar energy systems. PVGIS provides users with information such as the total radiation received by a surface, the length of the day, and even the angle of the sun. This information can be used to optimize solar panel installations and increase energy production.
Benefits of Using PVGIS in the Solar Industry
The use of PVGIS has several benefits to the solar industry, which includes:
1. Accurate Optimization: PVGIS provides solar installers and developers with accurate data that can be used to optimize their installations. This optimization results in increased energy production and reduced energy costs in the long term.
2. Data Availability: PVGIS is a free tool available to solar installers around the world, making it an indispensable resource for the development of solar energy systems.
3. Increased Solar Energy Uptake: The accurate information provided by PVGIS helps to increase the uptake of solar energy systems by potential users, as it assures them of the effectiveness of the systems.
Case Studies on the Use of PVGIS
PVGIS has been used to optimize solar energy systems in several parts of the world. One of the prominent case studies is the installation of a 74 MW solar farm in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. The farm’s engineers used PVGIS to determine the optimal orientation, tilt angle, and the area required for the panels. After optimizing the installation using PVGIS, the farm now produces more than 164,000 MWh/year, which is enough to power 33,000 households.
Conclusion
The use of geographic data in the solar installation industry is a critical factor in the optimization and development of solar energy systems. PVGIS has been instrumental in providing accurate data that helps solar installers and developers to optimize their installations and increase energy production. With free access to accurate data, PVGIS is increasingly being used globally to advance the uptake of solar energy systems.
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