Utility-Scale Solar PV in South Carolina: Analysis of Suitable Lands and Geographical Potential

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine prospective locations for the implementation of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies and the associated geographical potential of solar energy in South Carolina. By considering limitations imposed by land use, land type, protected areas, and topography, the absolute solar potential was restricted to areas physically, socially, and environmentally favorable for utility PV projects. Using a geographical information system-based suitability model, lands were ranked from 0 (unsuitable for development) to 100 (most suitable). The available solar resource was then calculated for lands with suitability values of at least 50, 70, and 90, with contiguous area requirements of 0.18 and 0.036 km2 (consistent with approximately 5 MWAC and 1 MWAC capacity systems, respectively). The results indicate that, with a 5 MWAC capacity requirement, 3253 km2 (approximately 4.2 % of state land area) obtains the mid-range suitability value of 70. These lands annually receive 5460 TWh of energy from the sun. The analysis and results can facilitate the identification of potential land areas for implementation of utility-scale solar development and demonstrate the maximum solar flux extractable on these lands.