Android-based application for shading analysis and assessment of actual solar energy potential

Abstract

The excessive utilisation of conventional energy sources has highlighted a complicated energy crisis due to high dependency and depletion of non-renewable resources; along with the inefficiency to cope up with the pressing requirements of the economy. Shifting to alternative, replenishable forms of energy and developing technology for the same, will fulfil the current energy needs and complement the national security. Solar energy can be productively exercised to meet the current energy requirements. Shading analysis is one of the most critical steps essential to any successful installation of a solar energy system. In photovoltaics, it is important to analyze shading caused by surrounding objects and/or vegetation. In special cases like analysis or design of BIPV systems, the exact analysis of shadow-voltaic systems (overhangs, vertical shading fins, awnings, etc.) is also very important. Detection of shading is important in photovoltaics installations and shall be eliminated or minimized as much as possible. Even small obstacles in any colonial set-up like chimneys, telephone poles, etc. shouldn't be neglected. To minimize the influence of photovoltaic array shading (if shading cannot be avoided), we hereby present first of its own kind smartphone application backed with Deep learning algorithms, designed to calculate effective solar insolation, perform shading analysis, check the efficacy of the site and list the related requirements for the installation of photovoltaic systems.