Use of GIS Tools for Decision-Making Support in Sustainable Energy Generation on the Example of the Solar Photovoltaic Technology

Abstract

The study proposes a simple procedure for evaluating the suitability of various locations for the installation of micro-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The main aim of the study was to determine the applicability of GIS tools for assessing the suitability of different locations for solar energy generation. The applicability of open-source databases in geoinformation analyses was emphasized. The study was conducted in the urban municipality of Mrągowo in the Region of Warmia and Mazury, Poland. Mrągowo is characterized by considerable physiographic diversity, which influenced the results of the study. The evaluation focused on rooftops which are most widely used for the installation of micro-scale solar PV systems. For the purpose of generalization, the results of the evaluation were presented for the districts of Mrągowo, so as to assist state agencies, local governments, and non-public institutions in implementing local policies that support renewable energy generation. The average amount of energy (MWh) that can be generated per building and the total amount of energy (MWh) that can be generated in cadastral districts were calculated to determine the solar energy potential of the study site