PV Potential Analyses and Feasibility Studies

When searching for suitable areas for ground-mounted PV systems, various legal requirements, regional planning and the high pressure of land use must be taken into account. The "Digital Landscape Model" of the federal states provides an important basis for identifying and classifying potential open spaces. For decision-making purposes, the proximity to infrastructure and target areas is taken into account through the use of analytical hierarchy processes (AHP). This methodology enables a well-founded and systematic evaluation of the various locations and supports the selection of optimal areas for ground-mounted PV systems.

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For agrivoltaics, it is possible to calculate the potential for various system designs at regional and supra-regional level. In addition to the recording and classification of marginal conditions of use, the agricultural areas are characterized and evaluated. This is followed by a site assessment based on various geographical, legal and technical criteria, as well as an area-specific, relative yield estimate.

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Floating photovoltaics (FPV) has seen impressive growth worldwide in recent years, with installed capacity of between 4.3 and 5.7 GW by the end of 2023. In Germany, there are sufficient suitable areas available on artificial lakes, in particular flooded open-cast mining areas, gravel pits and some reservoirs.

A potential analysis for floating photovoltaics begins with a GIS-supported suitability assessment of the area. This takes into account various criteria such as solar radiation, water types and local conditions. Potential mounting areas are then identified, taking into account local conditions such as water depth, water quality and environmental regulations. The results of this analysis provide information on the suitability of a site for floating PV, including potential yields, technical feasibility and legal framework conditions.

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In Germany, there are a considerable number of noise barriers with a length of around 2,500 km and noise protection walls with a length of 1,300 km, which are ideally suited for the integration of photovoltaics. By using GIS tools in combination with yield simulations, high-resolution spatial yield forecasts can be created. Various aspects are taken into account, such as integration in new buildings or retrofitting in existing systems, as well as compliance with noise and glare protection requirements. This enables a well-founded assessment of the potential and profitability of such PV integrations.

Request a potential analysis for RIPV systems

Urban photovoltaics (Urban PV) uses sealed surfaces in cities and municipalities to generate renewable electricity and make the locations visually appealing. Examples include large parking lots, public squares or sports facilities where photovoltaics are installed to provide shade, in combination with light, with charging infrastructure for electromobility or rain protection. This enhances the places for the user and makes the energy transition a positive experience. PV systems can serve as advertising signs on roads, integrate WiFi, 5G mobile communications or monitoring functions. Further advantages of this technology are the often short connection to the grid and the additional sun and weather protection provided by the roofs. The dual use avoids an additional burden on the environment and, if the systems are well designed, creates attractive and exciting squares and streetscapes.

Urban PV installations have to meet high demands in terms of design and functionality and therefore usually require individual solutions. Challenges of this technology can include higher shading effects from surrounding buildings or trees, special regulatory requirements, as well as higher static and building code requirements with regard to stability, mechanical load, noise absorption or the reflection effects of the systems.

To analyze the PV potential on parking lots, a data set of all relevant study areas is first created based on data collected by the authorities or freely available data such as the OpenStreetMap database. In a site suitability analysis, these areas are then checked for their suitability for the construction of parking lot photovoltaic systems according to criteria previously agreed with the client. These include factors such as shading, inclination, size of the area and distance to the nearest electricity grid feed-in point. Once the unsuitable areas have been excluded, the technical performance and energy potential is calculated, which can be carried out for entire parking lot roofs as well as for individual parking space roofs.

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In an urban context, the integration of solar modules into the building envelope generally offers the greatest potential for the use of renewable energies. Large-scale potential analyses are also carried out on a building-specific basis.

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