Site selection for solar energy generation equipment requires satisfying a variety of criteria, weighing challenges such as ease of permitting, interconnectivity to the electricity grid capability, and other considerations. To analyze these criteria, researchers developed a pilot tool that combines solar resource, environmental sensitivity, cost, and interconnection spatial data layers in a single geographic information system tool. The tool allows the user to input values for a variety of screening parameters that may be of interest to developers, local planners, and government officials; specifically, the tool contains input fields (for example text fields, buttons, and slider bars) that help users identify potential sites for distributed generation photovoltaics with low environmental impacts. The results show parcels matching the user-entered criteria, with details about the project attributes in both map-based and report formats. The tool is available at the following link: www.dg-solar.org.
Solar photovoltaic developers and local and environmental planners were targeted as the primary users for the tool, and the intended secondary users included utilities and county agencies. The pilot tool was designed for Lancaster, California (and unincorporated surrounding areas) because of its existing interest in solar development and availability of datasets; however, the tool can be implemented in other locations where comparable data is available and could be modified to focus attention on disadvantaged communities.
Author(s)
Elizabeth Walddren, Karlynn Cory, James Strittholt
