INDUSTRYGEODATA
olar energy, the radiant heat and light from the sun, has been harnessed by humans for many thousands of years. A Swiss scientist, Horace de Saussure, invented the world’s first solar energy collector, or ‘hot box’ in 1767 and British astronomer John Herschel used a solar energy collector box to cook food during an expedition to Africa in the 1830’s. Albert Einstein won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his experiments with solar energy and photovoltaics. In fact enough sunlight energy falls on the earth every hour to meet the world’s energy demands for an entire year and if just a small fraction of the Sahara desert were covered with photovoltaic cells, all the world’s electricity requirements could be generated.
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With currently more than 40,000 solar installations in the UK and demand and interest growing Bluesky has developed some of the UK’s first maps of solar energy potential. Created using a range of different data type including measurements from aircraft mounted lasers and high resolution aerial photographs the 3D maps identify homes and other buildings with roofs that may be suitable for mounting solar panels to generate renewable energy. As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of aerial photography Bluesky already has access to off the shelf data for the whole of the UK and measurements such as the shape, pitch, size and aspect of building roofs are being extracted - information that is essential when considering the potential for solar energy installations.
“Using data that has already been used to create 3D maps and assess environmental risks such as flooding, we are creating a nationwide map of solar energy potential focusing on high population density areas first. We believe this is a first for the UK and we are following in the footsteps of cities like New York, San Francisco and Boston,” commented Rachel Tidmarsh of Bluesky.
Picture perfect
Bluesky has developed a unique method of generating solar potential maps using photogrammetric techniques to accurately measure and record factors that may contribute to the suitability for solar power. Energy potential is calculated using high resolution aerial photography combined with 3D data to determine the size, aspect and gradient of individual properties. The suitability of each roof element is then considered taking into account roof shape and other
“To date we have calculated the potential solar energy yield of nearly 15,000 properties across the UK,” commented Antony Scott, Senior Associate at Sustain Ltd. “Using the data supplied we are able to calculate the potential yield on a roof by roof basis. This can then be amalgamated into a value for the entire stock. We then work with the individual Housing Association to offer advice on funding options and on procurement, as well as management of the installation programme.”
impediments such as sky lights or dormer windows, as well as potential obstructions such as neighbouring properties or trees.
“In the UK we receive approximately 60% of the suns energy received at the equator and even on a cloudy day this can be sufficient to generate electricity,” continued Tidmarsh. “However, while some properties offer optimum conditions – a large, unobstructed south facing roof space - others, although still viable, may not produce a sufficient return on the investment made. It is therefore essential for anyone considering solar panels to get a realistic and independent idea of what their property can achieve.”
Bluesky is already working with leading carbon reduction company Sustain to help a number of Housing Associations across the UK make the most of their housing stock’s solar energy potential. This in turn will help the Housing Associations produce income from Feed-in Tariffs, reduce energy bills for householders and decrease carbon emissions.
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www.solar-pv-uk.com Issue IV 2011
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