Overall Development Potential
Posted by Anthony Abercrombie on June 6, 2017
In the case of photovoltaic solar panels, which we consider to be the most scalable solution to off-grid power generation, we interpret development potential as solar surface energy yield. Solar surface energy yield (Kilowatt-hours) is dependent on climate, shading, and seasonality. In order to estimate kWh per square meter for the entirety of Myanmar, we used an open-source hemispherical viewshed algorithm that can be reapplied with QGIS and globally available satellite imagery. The input to the model is a digital elevation model that can be derived Aster, Lidar, or GMTED imagery. The algorithm then simulates the positioning of the sun at each hour over the course of a year and casts light on the 3D elevation surface. Climate variables that affect the transmissivity of the atmosphere are then used to weight the calculation of direct and diffuse solar irradiation for each 30 square meter area in Myanmar. You can read more about the algorithm here.