Rapid and Effective Technology Development for 3D-Model-Based Solar Access Analysis and Comparative Study with Fish-Eye Camera

Abstract

In this study, we developed a 3D-model-based technology that can evaluate solar access by analyzing solar radiation and shade to find the optimal location for a solar system. We developed an algorithm that can quickly calculate viewshed by applying ray-casting technology, which is useful in the field of computer graphics. To apply the developed technology, an unmanned aerial vehicle (DJI MAVIC 3) was used to create a 3D model by taking 320 photos of the Kangwon National University Samcheok campus. To verify the developed technology, a comparison with image-based analysis using a 360-degree camera was performed for 30 points. As a result of applying the developed technology to the study area, it was possible to calculate the solar access for each point. In general, image-based analysis exaggerates the effects of objects such as trees, whereas the developed technique can produce realistic results if the 3D objects were well built. If the technology is further developed in the future, it can be used to increase the efficiency of solar power generation.