Geospatial optimization of siting large-scale solar projects
Technical Report
NREL/TP-6A50-61375
The Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis is operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the University of Colorado-Boulder, the Colorado School of Mines, the Colorado State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.
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Abstract
Recent policy and economic conditions have encouraged a renewed interest in developing large-scale solar projects in the U.S. Southwest. However, siting some large-scale solar projects, such
as concentrating solar power (CSP), is complex. In addition to the quality of the solar resource,
solar developers must take into consideration many environmental, social, and economic factors when evaluating a potential site. This report describes a proof-of-concept, Web-based Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tool that evaluates multiple user-defined criteria in an
optimization algorithm to inform discussions and decisions regarding the locations of utility-
scale solar projects. Existing siting recommendations for large-scale solar projects from
governmental and non-governmental organizations are not consistent with each other, are often
not transparent in methods, and do not take into consideration the differing priorities of stakeholders. The siting assistance GIS tool we have developed improves upon the existing siting
guidelines by being user-driven, transparent, interactive, capable of incorporating multiple criteria, and flexible. This work provides the foundation for a dynamic siting assistance tool that can greatly facilitate siting decisions among multiple stakeholders.
Suggested Citation
Macknick, J., Quinby, T., Caulfield, E., Gerritsen, M., Diffendorfer, J., Haines, S.S., 2014, Geospatial optimization of siting large-scale solar projects: Technical Report NREL/TP-6A50-61375, v, 20 p.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Federal Government Series |
| Title | Geospatial optimization of siting large-scale solar projects |
| Series title | Technical Report |
| Series number | NREL/TP-6A50-61375 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis |
| Publisher location | Golden, CO |
| Contributing office(s) | Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center |
| Description | v, 20 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona;California;Colorado;Idaho;Montana;Nevada;New Mexico;Oregon;Utah;Washington;Wyoming |