Methodology for Evaluation of unused Photovoltaic Rooftop Potentials based on real Distribution Grid Data and georeferenced Solar and Land Registry Data

Abstract:
This paper presents a methodology for the evaluation of unused photovoltaic (PV) rooftop potential while taking into account the technical constraints which define a grids’ hosting capacity. It is the goal of this paper to show how much additional PV generation (in kWp and kWh/a) could be installed on specific roofs without triggering grid reinforcement measures at low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) level. The proposed methodology differs from state-of-the-art hosting capacity studies by combining relevant real-world data sources, such as georeferenced grid data for LV and MV level, georeferenced solar registry data depicting a buildings’ specific PV rooftop potential with high accuracy and land registry data into one single database. Load-flow calculations are carried out to determine the optimal set of additional rooftop PV including their specific point of common coupling (PCC). The investigation identifies a significant PV rooftop potential if optimal PV placement is considered. As the methodology is based on real-world data only, this optimal set of additional PV plants could be further exploited by specific dissemination activities addressing the owner of the respective buildings, for example.