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Solar Energy Potential in British Columbia

Solar Energy Potential in British Columbia. Geography 376 Project Alan Wiebe. Abstract. Determine topographic suitability of small-scale solar energy in BC Identify remote areas in BC that are possibly well-suited for small-scale solar energy. Introduction.

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Solar Energy Potential in British Columbia

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  1. Solar Energy Potential in British Columbia Geography 376 Project Alan Wiebe

  2. Abstract • Determine topographic suitability of small-scale solar energy in BC • Identify remote areas in BC that are possibly well-suited for small-scale solar energy

  3. Introduction • Three main categories of solar energy are: • Heating and cooling, • Producing electricity, • Chemical processes

  4. Introduction • Advantages of solar energy over conventional sources: • Produced at nearly no charge • Requires no connection to local grid • Unlimited energy supply • Produces no emissions • Displaces use of conventional energy • Open for all to harness!

  5. Introduction • Three forms of solar energy (as per Natural Resources Canada): • Active solar energy • use of a medium (air, water) • Passive solar energy • strategic placing of windows • Photovoltaic energy • semiconductor devices • energy conversion

  6. Introduction • Economic viability • most viable in remote locations • decreasing costs of production • (since 1980s) • approx. 1/6th of population of BC lives in rural areas (~600,000)

  7. Methodology • Data used • 2001 Census data • Elevation data (DEM) • Roads, rail lines • Lakes, wetlands, parks • Solar radiation (shortwavc.aml)

  8. Methodology • Area Omissions • lakes, wetlands, parks (no buffer) • roads, rail lines (buffered by 10m)

  9. Methodology – Area Omissions

  10. Methodology - Criteria Evaluation • Aspect • Scaled Aspect = [Cos(Aspect)+1]*5 • Solar Radiation • Average for year • Population Density • Census Division (28) • Transmission Line Proximity • Linear distance (up to 560 km)

  11. Methodology – Factor Weighing

  12. Methodology – Factor Weighing

  13. Methodology – Factor Weighing

  14. Methodology – Factor Weighing

  15. Methodology • Ran 6 scenarios • Assigning different weights to 4 variables

  16. Methodology – Model Comparison

  17. Discussion • Data Issues • Missing data • Inconsistent/unknown age of sets • Resolution (raster and vector) • Solar radiation data – AML script

  18. Discussion • Criteria Evaluation • Assumptions (linear/non-linear relations) • Low score-value range • Actual value classification • Possible Scenarios • Arbitrary factor weights • Results • Compounding errors

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