Assessment of Solar Power Potential Mapping in Telangana State Using GIS

Solar energy replacing conservative non-renewable energy is being witnessed in often around the world. Solar energy has a massive prospective in a humid country like India. Most parts of the country get around 300 sunshiny days in a year with 8 h of daily sunlight. Presently, one of the most interesting problems is how to mend the effectiveness of generating solar energy. Before installing solar panels, evaluating where solar panels should be positioned can considerably benefit panel performance. The present study is aimed at carrying out site selection analysis for setting up of solar panel using geographic information system (GIS). Telangana is a state which ranks fourth in terms of capacity to harness and utilize solar energy. The project is aimed at mapping the areas with high solar energy potential at both macro- and micro-levels. The solar irradiation data (GHI and DNI), land use data and digital elevation model (DEM) have been used in GIS environment while retaining land use criteria and topography to omit unsuitable sites for harnessing solar energy. The study carried out concludes total suitable area of 11,520.60 km² at macro-analysis for economical and effective harnessing of solar power.