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Solar Energy Potential in British Columbia

This project aims to determine the topographic suitability of small-scale solar energy in British Columbia, and identify remote areas that are potentially well-suited for such systems. The study explores the advantages of solar energy over conventional sources and evaluates economic viability. Methodology includes analyzing elevation and solar radiation data, population density, and proximity to transmission lines. The discussion highlights data issues, criteria evaluation, assumptions, and possible scenarios, emphasizing the need for further research.

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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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