Development of Rasterized Map using PVGIS for Assessment of Solar PV Energy Potential of Odisha

Abstract

Solar energy is a potential resource among the various renewable energy options which is clean, inexhaustible and eco-friendly. The development of usage and installation of PV system needs a suitable solar policy making plan through proper assessment of solar PV Energy potential in Odisha. This study presents a very simple methodology for estimating the photovoltaic potential of Odisha using the PVGIS online software. The presented method is also useful in determining the PV potential of almost any state, country and region that covers the database of PVGIS. The study divides the total geographic area of Odisha into 1195 square areas with each having its particular coordinate approximately at the midpoint of the location. The PVGIS software is used to evaluate the value of incident solar radiation and generated PV energy at each site. The evaluation of PV Energy Potential includes implementation of four cases that differentiates the PV system according to its technology and structure. The evaluation of energy potential on each four cases estimates two important parameters that are total incident Global radiation for a year and total annual PV Energy production. PV potential of Odisha using the estimated data is presented in the form of rasterized plot.