Online Solar Atlas

View of solar potential on downtown Berlin rooftops

One common barrier to solar panel installation has been reduced. The Solar Atlas concept provides  free rooftop analysis of solar generating potential on precise sites, roof by roof, using GIS software. This data then becomes available through an internet portal accessible by any citizen curious about the solar potential of their property.  Using a GIS toolbox, 3D analysis of rooftops’ slope, the square meter area of solar radiation, and buildings’ cardinal orientation is calculated, and then expressed visually. Solar maps bring macro level solar radiation data to the micro, rooftop level. Thus homeowners can visualize their own power production.

The methodology for the Solar Atlas was developed by a graduate student in Basel, Switzerland. A pilot project is now in Berlin.  “With a few mouse clicks,” reads the press release, “one can read whether a rooftop is well suited for solar panels.”

The 3D model depicts the house in question, and all surrounding buildings – but with the twist every building is shown not in its actual height, but rather, taller or far shorter in proportion to their energy generating potential. From this, an investor can determine the potential rate of return on investment in solar panels, and CO2 savings.

Harold Wolf, an elected official tasked with economic concerns, said, “The ‘green economy’ is a key factor for growth and innovation in Berlin. Plus, resource efficiency plays a very important role in terms of our competitiveness. Our goal is to use the potential of ‘green technology’ to strengthen and expand Berlin’s role as a leading location for solar energy.”

The methodology assesses the following parameters:
1)    The roof’s slope in degrees
2)    Roof orientation
3)    Size of useable portion of the roof
4)    Solar irradiation per roof in question, as a percent of total global irradiation
5)    Power output in KWh, assuming a 12% efficiency rating
6)    Overall suitability of the roof , measured in 4 qualitative classes:

1. Very well suited
2. Good
3. Conditionally suited
4. Inappropriate

7)    CO2 saving potential
8)    Estimated investment costs
9)    Annual cost amortization

Informed about power generation potential, investors or building owners are one step closer to engaging a solar firm to audit or ultimately install panels on the roof.
To visit the Berlin site, in English, click here