Solar Site Suitability Mapping for Utility-Scale Projects

 

Strategic planning of utility-scale solar projects requires identifying locations with high solar irradiance and reliable access to grid infrastructure. A user-friendly and free GIS platform, enables users to overlay critical spatial layers such as Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), land use types, flood zones, and powerlines to support data-driven site selection.

Why Use GIS for Solar Planning?

Not every sunlit area is suitable for solar development. GIS tools allow planners to answer key questions such as:

  • Do the land parcels fall within high-GHI zones?

  • Are they located outside flood-prone areas and close to transmission lines?

By using spatial filters and buffer tools, unsuitable areas can be excluded early, helping identify optimal, low-conflict zones for solar investment.

Educational Relevance

This mapping workflow strengthens:

  • The link between energy concepts and practical planning

  • Spatial reasoning and analytical thinking

  • Integration of GIS skills with sustainability goals

Methodology (Step-by-Step)

Start by launching a new map. Load foundational layers like state boundaries, industrial land parcels, flood zones, and powerlines. Upload the GHI dataset and style it as a heat map to highlight areas with high solar potential. Use buffer tools to create 2 km zones around rivers and 500 m around transmission lines, then merge these layers for analysis using merge polygon. Apply filters to eliminate parcels at flood risk or lacking transmission access. From the final filtered map, identify six high-GHI locations, measure their area, and mark them manually. Assign each point using “Add story” and add  attributes such as GHI value, location name, and description. Use styling tools to label and customize icons. Finally, publish and share the interactive map.

Use Case: Mapping Solar Potential for a University Campus

A university in southern India aims to power its campus using solar energy. Students mapped GHI, campus land use, and existing electrical infrastructure. After applying buffers and filters, they identified rooftops and open spaces suitable for solar panels. The resulting map guided the campus's solar panel installation plan and became a live teaching tool.

Wider Impact

GIS-based solar suitability mapping promotes clean energy planning, reduces environmental and social conflicts, and fosters collaboration between planners, researchers, and decision-makers.

Conclusion

With simple tools and strategic geospatial analysis, platforms like MAPOG make solar planning more efficient, inclusive, and climate-resilient. This approach transforms raw spatial data into smart energy solutions, accessible to students, planners, and institutions alike.

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