Comparison of Solar Planning Tools
Abstract
The energy master planning process for districts requires an analysis of different scenarios, which often includes the determination of the solar potential of a district. In the past, there were several planning tools developed. These are reviewed in the first part of this paper and classified according to some key features of the tool. Then, a benchmarking exercise is used to compare three classifications of tools. First, a detailed stand-alone tool was classified (e.g. PVSys, Polysun). The second class is open access tool based on GIS data (e.g. PVGIS, Solroof). The third class is embedded solar potential analysis in Energy Master Planning (EMP) tools (e.g. City Energy Analyst (CEA), Sympheny). A typical district was chosen and for each solar potential tool class an analysis was performed. The results are then compared and conclusions with regard to planning performance criteria are reported