The Potential of Solar Photovoltaic Systems Integrated into Building Roofs with Open-Source GIS Techniques. The Case Study of Portland, Oregon

The following study investigates the technical feasibility of integrating solar photovoltaic systems within residential rooftops and discusses a case study concerning Portland, Oregon. This research employs free and open-source Geographic Information System techniques to carry out an extensive analysis. It considers the integration of various building characteristics and data on solar irradiance to determine highly apt rooftops for generating energy from the sun, estimating the amount probably produced. Regression analysis is focused on the relationship between building attributes and energy consumption to find the controlling factors of residential electricity use. In addition, the given study calculates the Solar Suitability Index-SSI and the Solar Capacity Index-SCI at a census tract level within the study area, hence enabling the comparison of the potential of solar energy production with the local demand for electricity. The findings particularly highlight the economic and environmental benefits from the diffusion of rooftop PV systems contributing to energy sustainability but also develop a useful base of insights for a set of policy recommendations focused on the widespread adoption of solar energy in urban contexts. These results therefore set a premise for strategies that could potentially enable the growth of urban solar infrastructure, in turn offering energy efficiency and a transition toward renewable sources of energy.