Construction of PV simulator by using geographic information system and digital surface model

Abstract

This paper analyses and evaluates the amount of solar radiation based on Digital Surface Model (DSM) information by using Geographic Information System (GIS). This study has developed an apparatus to evaluate suitable places for Photovoltaic (PV) panel installation based on the amount of solar radiation analysis. In this study, the area of Kitakyushu city is selected to be evaluated by the proposed tool as an example in the sense that PV panels can be installed optimally. The results show that the proposed tool based on DSM information by using GIS can precisely determine the amount of solar radiation considering the solar orbit under the condition of no clouds, and evaluate an optimum location for PV installation. In the future the results can be applied to a PV power generation analysis after superimposing a present weather condition or weather forecasting data.