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Calculating solar photovoltaic potential on residential rooftops in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

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Calculating solar photovoltaic potential on residential rooftops in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

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CALCULATING SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POTENTIAL ON RESIDENTIAL
ROOFTOPS IN KAILUA KONA, HAWAII

By

Caroline Carl

A Thesis Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
MASTER OF SCIENCE
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

May 2014

Copyright 2014 Caroline Carl

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my loving husband Bill and beautiful baby girl Delainey for all their
support throughout this entire process. Without their patience, I could never have
completed this work.
I would also like to thank Professor Su Jin Lee for guiding me through this process and
always going above and beyond. Thank you for taking on this work with me, which has
been the greatest learning experience of my life.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
LIST OF FIGURES vi
LIST OF EQUATIONS vii
LIST OF TABLES viii
ABSTRACT ix
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Renewable Energy and Trends in Solar Photovoltaic Energy Production 1
1.2 Electricity Demand in Hawaii 4
1.3 Growth of Solar Photovoltaic in Hawaii 5
1.4 Solar Photovoltaic Research on Hawaii Island 7
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 10
2.1 Modeling Solar Radiation 10
2.2 Solar Radiation Models with GIS 12
2.2.1 Esri’s Solar Analyst 14
2.3 Calculating Rooftop Area 17
2.4 Calculating Photovoltaic Potential from Solar Radiation 19
2.5 Solar Mapping Projects as Decision Support Tools 23
2.6 Hawaii Solar Mapping Projects 24
2.6.1 Oahu 24
2.6.2 Kauai 26
2.6.3 Hawaii Island 27
2.6.4 Statewide 27
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CHAPTER 3: METHODS 29
3.1 Description of Study Area 29
3.2 Data 30
3.2.1 LiDAR data 30
3.2.2 Tax Map Key Parcel Data 32
3.2.3 Aerial Imagery 33
3.2.4 PV Production on Active Residential Site 33
3.3 Research Design 34
3.3.1 Isolating Building Rooftops for Sample Set 36
3.3.1.1 Stratified Parcel Selection 36
3.3.1.2 Digitizing Rooftops 38
3.3.2 Estimating Terrain Parameters and Incoming Solar Radiation 39
3.3.2.1 Terrain Parameters: Slope and Aspect 39
3.3.2.2 Estimating Solar Radiation 40
3.3.3 Spatial Analysis for Selected Rooftops 44
3.3.3.1 Raster to Point 44
3.3.3.2 Spatial Join 47
3.3.4 Calculating PV Potential on Building Rooftops 49
3.3.5 Statistical Analysis for Extrapolation to Study Area 50
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS 52
4.1 Distribution of Lot Sizes, Rooftop Area, Terrain Parameters, and PV
Potential 52

4.2 Correlation Analysis 54
4.3 Rooftop and Lot Size Correlation 58
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4.4 Regression Analysis 59
4.5 Extrapolation to Study Area: Rooftop Area, Average and Total
PV Potential 61

4.6 Comparison with Real Home PV Production 63
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION 66
5.1 Project Assumptions 68
5.2 Review of Methodology 70
5.2.1 LiDAR Performance 70
5.2.2 Modeling Solar Radiation 71
5.2.3 Rooftop Area Estimation 72
5.2.4 Estimating PV Potential 73
5.3 Future research 74
5.3.1 LiDAR 75
5.3.2 Optimizing Solar Radiation Model 76
REFERENCES 77

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Breakdown of electric energy sources in Hawaii 4
Figure 2.1 Incoming solar radiation components 10
Figure 3.1 Study area LiDAR coverage 30
Figure 3.2 Elevation with 2-meter spatial resolution from LiDAR 32
Figure 3.3 Flowchart for calculating PV potential for this study 35
Figure 3.4 Sample set of rooftops 38
Figure 3.5 Map showing aspect 39
Figure 3.6 Map showing slope 40
Figure 3.7 Incoming solar radiation surface 43
Figure 3.8 Points of solar radiation on rooftops 45
Figure 3.9 Aspect points on rooftop 46
Figure 3.10 High resolution sample rooftop image from Google Earth 46

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LIST OF EQUATIONS
Equation 1: Suri et al. photovoltaic potential calculation 20
Equation 2: Hofierka and Kanuk photovoltaic potential 21
Equation 3: Jakubiec and Reinhart 2012 22
Equation 4: Jakubiec and Reinhart 2012 adapted from NREL
PVWatts Version 2 22

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1 Tax map key (TMK) parcel data attributes 33
Table 3.2 Stratified parcel selection 37
Table 3.3 Samples design for digitization 38
Table 3.4 Input parameters for area solar radiation tool in ArcGIS 42
Table 3.5 Final rooftop layer attribute table used for PV potential calculation 48
Table 3.6 PV potential calculated data for rooftop layer attribute table 50
Table 4.1 Statistical summary of sample set parcel attributes in six classes 53
Table 4.2 Standard correlation showing the relationship between variables
across all classes 55

Table 4.3 Standard correlation table showing the relationship between variables
across all 224 samples 57

Table 4.4 Bivariate fit modeling the correlation between rooftop and lot size for
each class 1-6 and the total sample set 58

Table 4.5 Average PV potential least squares regression analysis 59
Table 4.6 Total PV potential least squares regression analysis 60
Table 4.7 Regression analysis average and total PV potential 62
Table 4.8 Solar panel information used for model versus as built in sample
home 61

Table 4.9 Recorded PV production data compared with adjusted model 65

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ABSTRACT
As carbon based fossil fuels become increasingly scarce, renewable energy
sources are coming to the forefront of policy discussions around the globe. As a result,
the State of Hawaii has implemented aggressive goals to achieve energy independence by
2030. Renewable electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technologies plays an
important role in these efforts. This study utilizes geographic information systems (GIS)
and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data with statistical analysis to identify how
much solar photovoltaic potential exists for residential rooftops in the town of Kailua
Kona on Hawaii Island. This study helps to quantify the magnitude of possible solar
photovoltaic (PV) potential for Solar World SW260 monocrystalline panels on residential
rooftops within the study area.
Three main areas were addressed in the execution of this research: (1) modeling
solar radiation, (2) estimating available rooftop area, and (3) calculating PV potential
from incoming solar radiation. High resolution LiDAR data and Esri’s solar modeling
tools and were utilized to calculate incoming solar radiation on a sample set of digitized
rooftops. Photovoltaic potential for the sample set was then calculated with the equations
developed by Suri et al. (2005). Sample set rooftops were analyzed using a statistical
model to identify the correlation between rooftop area and lot size. Least squares multiple
linear regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of slope, elevation,
rooftop area, and lot size on the modeled PV potential values. The equations built from
these statistical analyses of the sample set were applied to the entire study region to
calculate total rooftop area and PV potential.
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The total study area statistical analysis findings estimate photovoltaic electric
energy generation potential for rooftops is approximately 190,000,000 kWh annually.
This is approximately 17 percent of the total electricity the utility provided to the entire
island in 2012. Based on these findings, full rooftop PV installations on the 4,460 study
area homes could provide enough energy to power over 31,000 homes annually.
The methods developed here suggest a means to calculate rooftop area and PV
potential in a region with limited available data. The use of LiDAR point data offers a
major opportunity for future research in both automating rooftop inventories and
calculating incoming solar radiation and PV potential for homeowners.
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Renewable Energy and Trends in Solar Photovoltaic Energy Production
Around the globe, concern is mounting over conventional carbon based energy
production. The issues at hand are numerous and include increasing atmospheric carbon
dioxide concentrations from greenhouse gas emissions, environmental safety of energy
production techniques, volatile energy prices, and depleting carbon based fuel reserves to
name a few (Nguyen and Pearce 2010; Choi et al. 2011). As a result, countries are facing
an increasing challenge to diversify energy sources and bringing renewable generation to
the forefront of policy discussion.
In the United States, a rise in renewable energy generation has been supported by
the availability of federal tax credits and programs in individual states (U.S. Energy
Information Administration 2013a). Many states are implementing renewable portfolio
standards, or renewable energy standards, that outline goals to increase electricity
generation from renewable resources (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013a).
These policies seek to remove barriers to install renewable generation and can include
grant programs, loan programs, and state renewable electricity tax credits. The Database
of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides an outline of state
renewable portfolio standards available throughout the nation (North Carolina State
University 2013).
In 2012, about 12 percent of U.S. electricity was generated from renewable
sources (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013b). The United States Energy
Information Administration states that the five renewable sources most often utilized
include biomass, water, geothermal, wind and solar (U.S. Energy Information
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Administration 2013b). Of these, hydropower (water) contributed 7 percent of renewable
electricity generation (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013c). The other
common renewable sources make up the remaining 5 percent including wind (3.46
percent), biomass (1.42 percent), geothermal (0.41 percent), and solar (0.11 percent)
(U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013c). The study presented in this manuscript
focuses on renewable generation from solar energy.
Solar energy is received from the sun’s light rays hitting the earth and is
commonly referred to as solar radiation (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013d).
Solar radiation can be harnessed and converted to electricity by photovoltaic (PV)
technologies. Photovoltaic cells produce electricity by absorbing photons and releasing
electrons that can be captured in the form of an electric current (Knier 2011). Cells can be
used individually to power small electronics or grouped together into modules and arrays
to generate larger amounts of power (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013d).
PV array systems are becoming an increasingly popular means for powering residential
and commercial locations in the form of distributed generation (Loudat 2013).
The photovoltaic market in the United States has grown tremendously in the last
decade (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2013a). PV is a robust technology that
possesses a great deal of potential because it is both scalable and geographically
dispersed (Pearce 2002; Zekai 2004; Nguyen and Pearce 2010; Choi et al. 2011). In an
article in Renewable Energy Focus, Dianna Herbst (2009) explains how PV production
has been doubling every two years, increasing by an average of 48 percent each year
since 2002, making it the world’s fastest growing energy technology. In 2012, PV
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technology consisted of 12 percent of all new U.S. electricity generation (Interstate
Renewable Energy Council (IREC) 2013).
Despite a banner year for solar technologies in 2012, it only comprises 0.11
percent of overall electricity generation in the United States and many barriers to the
wide scale adoption of photovoltaic production still exist (U.S. Energy Information
Administration 2013c). Initial cost is a major barrier to implementation of PV systems
(Súri and Hofierka 2004). Even with falling prices, renewable sources of energy are still
expensive compared to traditional fossil fuel generation. The expense of installation and
lack of information to quantify PV technology capacity, and thus predicting return on
investment, are a few of the barriers facing the industry today (Choi et al. 2011; Herbst
2012). Beyond financial factors there are a number of social and regulatory factors that
can influence a consumer’s decision to purchase solar panels.
In addition to existing renewable portfolio standards and tax credits, many state,
city and local governments to break down barriers for distributed PV installation have
implemented GIS-based modeling and decision support tools (Voivontas,
Assimacopolous and Mourelatos 1998). Online solar potential maps are one type of
decision support tool that is becoming increasingly popular throughout cities in the
United States. Currently cities such as Boston, Denver, New York, Portland, San Diego,
and San Francisco host online solar potential mapping sites available to the public. These
allow users to evaluate the geographical, technological and financial factors that affect
system performance and then predict the costs and benefits associated with installing
solar PV panels for both residential and commercial buildings.

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1.2 Electricity Demand in Hawaii
The economic consequences of fossil fuel dependence are profound in Hawaii.
Figure 1.1 outlines the breakdown of electric energy sources as of February 2013 (U.S.
EIA 2013e). The state relies on petroleum for 73 percent of its electricity generation and,
with no indigenous fossil fuel resources like oil or coal, Hawaii must import the majority
of its energy resources (Piwko, et al. 2012; State of Hawaii Department of Business,
Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) 2013a). The island chain is located over
2,500 miles from any major land mass which greatly increases the cost of transport and
translates into electricity rates that are three times greater than the U.S. average (Piwko et
al. 2012; DBEDT 2013a; U.S. EIA 2013e).

Figure 1.1 Breakdown of electric energy sources in Hawaii
(Source: Electric Power Monthly, U.S. EIA 2013e)

Despite the state’s dependence on imported oil, there simultaneously exists an
abundance of renewable energy generation sources including geothermal, ocean power,
wind, and sunshine. To harness these, the state has one of the most aggressive clean
energy goals in the nation. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) was launched in
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2008, when the governor of the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Energy
signed a historic agreement committing the state to achieve 70 percent clean energy by
2030 (HCEI 2010). This 70 percent will be comprised of 30 percent energy efficiency
and 40 percent generation from local renewable sources (HCEI 2010). Various scenarios
for achieving this goal have been proposed by several working groups comprised of local
stakeholders and national experts. The HCEI remains an ongoing, collaborative effort
within which rooftop solar generation plays a significant role in the path to achieving
energy independence in the State of Hawaii (HCEI 2011).
A number of documents produced by the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative and the
State of Hawaii Department of Business and Economic Development (DBEDT) reference
the importance of increasing solar generation capacity in order to meet renewable energy
goals (Global Energy Concepts 2006; Braccio, Finch and Frazier 2012). In an analysis of
the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative End State 2030 Scenarios, estimates for installed
capacity for residential rooftop solar ranged between 67-205 Megawatts (MW) (Braccio
et al. 2012). The most ideal end state scenario suggested by the working group proposes
179 MW of residential rooftop solar by the year 2030 (Braccio et al. 2012).
1.3 Growth of Solar Photovoltaic in Hawaii
In the five years since the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative was enacted, solar
generation has seen unprecedented growth. The United States Energy Information
Administration (2012) states that solar PV capacity increased by 150 percent in 2011,
making it the eleventh largest state for PV capacity. In 2012 the growth rate was 182
percent moving it up to the seventh slot (DBEDT 2013a; IREC 2013). In a recent
publication of Hawaii Energy Facts and Figures, DBEDT states the 2013 installed
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capacity for distributed PV at 223 MW. Residential rooftops represent 28,351 systems
contribute 57 percent of this total or approximately 127 MW (DBEDT 2013a).
This growth can be attributed to a combination of falling prices, federal and state
solar tax credits, and increased use of leases with third party ownership for systems
(IREC 2013). Financial incentives work for the solar industry by lowering the cost of
panels thus enhancing the affordably of solar photovoltaic systems for both residential
and commercial buildings (Kerschen 2012). A recent study performed by the Blue Planet
Foundation explains how Hawaii’s solar tax credit has been extremely effective at
making the state a leader in both PV and solar water heating (Loudat 2013). Based on
these trends, one might think there is no need to assess overall PV potential as Hawaii
will continue to witness exponential growth as they march towards their clean energy
goals. This may not, however, be the case for long.
The majority of PV systems in Hawaii are net energy metered (DBEDT 2013a).
Net energy metering gives residential and commercial customers the ability to feed
excess solar energy to the utility grid and receive full retail value to offset the electricity
supplied to them by the utility (Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) 2013). Each
distribution circuit has specific penetration levels of non-firm solar power that are
deemed acceptable in order to ensure reliable service on that circuit (HECO 2013). High
penetration of residential and commercial distributed generation from solar thus brings
additional concerns regarding interconnection and grid saturation (Mangelsdorf 2013a,
2013b and 2013c; IREC 2013).
Each of the main islands has an independent electricity grid. Because there are no
interconnections between islands there is a critical risk of grid saturation (Piwko et al.
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2012; DBEDT 2013a). The Hawaii Electric Company serving Oahu and its subsidiaries,
Maui Electric Company (MECO) serving the county of Maui (Maui, Lanai and Molokai)
and Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO) serving Hawaii Island, maintain that
circuits with distributed generation capacity less than 15 percent peak load may qualify
for simple interconnection (HECO 2013). For those over 15 percent, further investigation
may be necessary before systems can be added. Each utility maintains its own maps that
allow customers to view a summary of distributed generation peak load by circuit (HECO
2013).
At the time this project research was being conducted, circuit saturation was a
critical issue. One just need peruse the local newspapers to see references to solar
‘feeding frenzy’ and solar market consolidation (Mangelsdorf 2013a, 2013b and 2013c).
As of September 2013, HECO and its subsidiaries issued an update asking all customers
to receive approval prior to any installation moving forward (HECO 2013; HELCO 2013;
and MECO 2013). This has slowed the interconnection process spurring outrage from
many customers waiting to connect their recently installed solar PV systems.
1.4 Solar Photovoltaic Research on Hawaii Island
It is important to note that while the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is a statewide
effort, each county has its own clean energy initiatives that inform the steering committee
at the state level (HCEI 2011). Each county has its own unique demographic and
environmental characteristics that influence renewable generation capacity. The work
discussed in this paper focuses on Hawaii Island, commonly referred to as the “Big
Island,” as it is the largest and youngest island within the Hawaiian archipelago. The total
population of Hawaii Island is a little over 185,000 and the population density is
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relatively low at about 46 people per square mile. The area chosen for evaluation in this
study lies on the leeward side of the island in the town of Kailua Kona. It is
approximately 628 Km
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and extends about 44 kilometers north to south over Kailua
Kona.
Hawaii Island is serviced by the Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO).
The utility has a total generating capacity of 359 MW and experiences a system peak of
189 MW (HELCO 2013). In 2012 HELCO provided 1,085 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of
electricity to the Big Island (DBEDT 2013a). Residential customers utilized 38 percent
of this energy, or 412.3 GWh (DBEDT 2013a). In June 2013, DBEDT listed the total
number of PV systems for the Big Island at 3,913 with a capacity of 28.9 MW. Of these
an estimated 92 percent, or approximately 3,600, are residential. These residential PV
systems have a total capacity of 15.84 MW (DBEDT 2013a).
Much like the rest of the state, Hawaii Island residents are seeing the effects of
circuit saturation associated with distributed PV generation. In the face of growing
uncertainty, it seems more important than ever for residents to understand the total solar
photovoltaic potential on their rooftops based on their location and the factors that affect
PV performance before making a significant investment in this technology. To date,
investigation into the future PV generation potential on the Island of Hawaii has not been
as common as it has been elsewhere. In one study produced in 2007 by The Kohala
Center, an independent research institute, HELCO estimates that with the continued
subsidies installed solar generating capacity on the Big Island could be between 80-130
MW by 2030 (Davies et al.2007). Beyond this, little else could be found regarding the
total distributed PV generation potential for this Island.
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The research presented in this study utilizes the modeling and analytical power of
geographic information systems (GIS) with statistical analysis to answer the question:
What is the solar PV potential of residential rooftops in the town of Kailua Kona on
Hawaii Island? The study calculates total PV potential for a sample set using Esri’s solar
radiation modeling tools and existing PV equations. It then uses statistical analysis to
extrapolate the findings to the entire study area.
While a number of solar PV mapping initiatives exist throughout world, this
research will be the first study of its type on the Big Island. It is an effort to quantify the
magnitude of possible solar PV electric energy generation on residential rooftops within
the specific study area. The hope is that this can be a launching point for future studies
using LiDAR data to evaluate rooftop solar potential.
The next chapter includes a review of existing literature that pertains to the goal
of this study. Three main areas were addressed in the execution of this research: (1)
modeling solar radiation, (2) estimating available rooftop area, and (3) calculating PV
potential from incoming solar radiation. The literature review also includes a discussion
of existing solar mapping efforts. The material discussed in the literature review was used
to inform the methods chosen for this study. The remaining chapters 3, 4, and 5 outline
the methodology, results and conclusions for the work completed.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
The potential for photovoltaic electricity generation on rooftops depends on a number of
global, local, temporal, and spatially variable conditions (Redweik, Catita, and Brito
2011). The literature review included here discusses the factors that influence PV
potential including incoming solar radiation, available rooftop area, and the effects of
panel efficiency. Section 2.1 and 2.2 discuss existing methods for modeling incoming
solar radiation with GIS, Section 2.3 discusses rooftop calculation methods and Section
2.4 addresses methods for calculating photovoltaic potential from solar radiation. The
chapter concludes with a review of solar mapping initiatives in Hawaii.
2.1 Modeling Solar Radiation
It can be argued that the most important factor influencing photovoltaic electricity
generation is the amount of incoming solar radiation. Solar radiation, or insolation, is the
sun’s energy reaching the earth’s surface. It is comprised of three components: direct
beam, diffuse, and ground-reflected radiation (Perez et al. 1987). Figure 2.1 displays the
way the three components reach the earth’s surface.

Figure 2.1 Incoming solar radiation components
(Source: International Building Performance Simulation Association 2011)
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Direct radiation is the direct beam of solar energy that is intercepted by the
surface without any interactions with particles in the atmosphere (Hetrick, Rich and
Weiss 1993). Diffuse radiation is the intercepted radiation that is scattered in the
atmosphere by gases and aerosols (Hetrick et al. 1993; Kumar, Skidmore and Knowles
1997). Reflected radiation is reflected from terrain and surrounding surfaces (Kumar et
al. 1997, Esri 2013a). Together, direct, diffuse and reflected radiations make up global
radiation, or total radiation, reaching the surface.
The amount of solar radiation reaching the surface depends on location,
atmospheric effects, and topography. Solar radiation is affected by the earth’s geometric
rotation and revolution around the sun (Fu and Rich 1999). It also varies with
environmental factors like atmospheric attenuation effects including cloud cover and
water vapor (Fu and Rich 1999). On the ground, topographic effects such as elevation,
slope, and orientation influence the amount of radiation reaching a surface (Kang, Kim
and Lee 2002; Súri and Hofierka 2004).
Understanding the amount of solar radiation reaching a surface is important for
more than just evaluating renewable energy potential. Almost all human activities depend
on the sun’s power (Fu and Rich 1999). Unfortunately, for most geographical areas,
measured insolation data are incomplete or are available only at a very coarse scale (Fu
and Rich 1999). Solar radiation data are measured at a number of ground stations around
the world but because solar irradiation levels can vary drastically with the terrain,
vegetation, ground structures and weather, in most cases it is not accurate to just use the
nearest weather station in one’s analysis. Studies have found that solar irradiance data
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collected from stations 20-30 kilometers from a project can have a root mean square error
as much as 25 percent (Perez, Seals and Zelenka 1997).
To overcome the scarcity of trustworthy measured solar radiation data, a number
of empirical models have been developed to predict the amount of solar radiation
reaching the earth’s surface at a given point (Katiyar and Pandey 2013). These include
those developed by Perez, Zhang, Kasten and Muneer (Seo 2010). Seo (2010) provides
an extensive overview of existing empirical models developed to predict the intensity of
solar radiation on the earth’s surface. Clear sky models commonly use inputs such as
solar angle, clearness index, beam and diffuse fraction, and average efficacy values in
their calculations (Seo 2010). All-sky models are typically derived from clear sky models
but consider additional variables like cloud cover and cloud layers in order to account for
intermediate and overcast skies (Robinson and Stone 2004; Seo 2010). Despite the large
number of models developed, no existing model is universally applicable. Models differ
mainly in their consideration of the diffuse component of incoming radiation (Perez et al.
1987). This depends mostly on climate and regional terrain conditions (Súri and Hofierka
2004). In fact, most are developed and validated for a particular region (Seo 2010). The
choice of model depends on the conditions in the area of study and the scale of analysis.
2.2 Solar Radiation Models with GIS
In the last two decades, several empirical solar radiation models have been
enhanced by the use of geographic information systems tools. The faster processing
capabilities associated with GIS platforms allows for integration of sophisticated solar
radiation models and additional consideration of the effects of topography on incoming
solar radiation (Dubayah and Rich 1995). GIS tools let the user examine the temporal and
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spatial variability of incident solar radiation on a landscape level (Rich et al. 1994).
Integrating solar radiation models within GIS has helped to eliminate the complexity of
programming GIS functions into mathematical models (Nguyen and Pearce 2010).
Moreover, solar radiation models with GIS can also incorporate environmental and socio-
economic datasets for scenario modeling of interest to policy makers (Nguyen and Pearce
2010).
SolarFlux is one of the original GIS-based models (Súri and Hofierka 2004). It
was implemented in the ARC/INFO platform as an ARC Macro Language (AML)
program (Dubayah and Rich 1995). This tool simulates the influence of shadow patterns
on direct insolation at specific intervals through time (Helios Environmental Modeling
Institute, LLC 2000). It uses the input of a topographic surface with elevation values,
latitude, time interval for calculation, and atmospheric conditions (Dubayah and Rich
1995). The output provided shows direct radiation flux, duration of direct radiation,
skyview factor and diffuse radiation flux for each surface location (Dubayah and Rich
1995). While originally implemented at a variety of temporal and spatial scales, Súri and
Hofierka (2004) explain how Solarflux uses simple empirical formulas wherein input
parameters are averaged and therefore does not perform well when calculating over large
areas.
The SRAD model calculates complex short-wave and long-wave interactions of
solar energy with the earth’s surface and atmosphere (Wilson and Gallant 2000; Súri and
Hofierka 2004). The model is based on simplified underlying physics but incorporates the
main solar radiation factors to account for the spatial variability of landscape processes
(Sheng, Wilson and Lee 2009). It was designed to calculate solar radiation as a function
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of latitude, slope, aspect, topographic shading, and time of year with modifications for
cloudiness and sunshine hours (Wilson and Gallant 2000). Surface temperature is also
extrapolated across the landscape (Sheng, Wilson and Lee 2009). This model is
specifically designed for topo- and meso-scale processes so is not ideal for calculation of
solar radiation over larger surfaces (Súri and Hofierka 2004).
The r.sun model can be used at various map scales and was developed to
overcome shortcomings of other models’ limited applicability for larger regions. It is
based on the equations published in the European Solar Radiation Atlas (ESRA) and is
fully integrated in the GRASS GIS environment (Súri and Hofierka 2004). The r.sun
model calculates all three components of solar radiation (beam, diffuse and reflected) for
both real sky and clear sky conditions (Súri, Huld and Dunlop 2005). The inputs include
elevation, slope, aspect and solar time (Súri and Hofierka 2004). As mentioned
previously, one of the main differences between various solar radiation models is the way
the diffuse component is handled. The r.sun model is designed to calculate diffuse
radiation specifically reflective of European climate conditions (Súri and Hofierka 2004).
2.2.1 Esri’s Solar Analyst
Esri’s Solar Analyst was developed to draw on the strengths of accurate point
specific radiation models while quickly and accurately generating insolation maps over
an area of landscape (Helios Environmental Modeling Institute, LLC 2000). It is
conveniently available as part of Spatial Analyst extension allowing easy integration with
other analysis tools available in Esri’s ArcGIS. This model is discussed at length here as
it was chosen for use in the work presented in this study.
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Solar Analyst calculates solar radiation using the hemispherical viewshed model
originally developed by Rich in 1990 and later enhanced by Fu and Rich (1999). A
viewshed is the distribution of sky obstruction, or the view of the sky looking upward
from each point on the ground (Helios Environmental Modeling Institute, LLC 2000).
The model calculates the viewshed for each cell in the input digital elevation model as
the visible sky changes based on topography (Fu and Rich 1999).
Solar radiation is presented as global radiation, which is calculated as the sum of
direct and diffuse radiation for a point or an area. Direct and diffuse totals are added to
determine total global radiation in watt-hours per square meter (Wh/m
2
). Reflected
radiation is not included in the calculation. The viewshed is overlaid on a direct sunmap
to estimate direct radiation and a diffuse skymap to estimate diffuse radiation (Esri
2013a). The sunmap is a representation of position of the sun over time. The sun track for
each cell depends on the location and the time of day and year. When calculating direct
radiation the tool determines whether the sky is visible or obstructed for each cell in this
surface grid, it identifies the solar constant, transmittivity, time duration, the portion of
visible sun, and the angle of incidence (Esri 2013a).
Skymaps are used to calculate diffuse solar radiation because it can originate from
any sky direction. The entire sky is divided into sectors to create the skymap. Sectors are
determined by the zenith and azimuth divisions. The diffuse solar radiation variables
identified by the tool for each location include the global normal radiation, the proportion
of global radiation that is diffused (this varies between 0.2 for clear sky conditions and
0.7 for cloudy sky conditions), the time interval, the proportion of visible sky, the angle
of incidence, and the weighted proportion of diffuse radiation originating in a sky sector
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compared to all sectors (Helios Environmental Modeling Institute, LLC 2000; Esri
2013a).
The strengths of this toolset lie in its flexibility. A user is able to account for any
time period, site latitude, elevation, surface orientation and atmospheric attenuation (Fu
and Rich 1999). The user can set the sky size resolution of the viewshed, the number of
azimuth directions used for the viewshed, and the diffuse proportion (based on
atmospheric conditions), slope and aspect input types, the amount of azimuth and zenith
divisions, and the diffuse model conditions (Esri 2013a).
Despite all its strengths, the Solar Analyst also has limitations in its
implementation. As mentioned previously, it does not calculate reflected radiation.
Although, Fu and Rich (1999) argue that the contribution from reflected radiation is
generally small unless the area has a high albedo. The tool also does not take into
consideration cloud cover directly. The user must modify the transmittivity and diffuse
proportion to account for these effects. Finally, the tool is only as accurate as the Digital
Elevation Model provided as input. In cases where the built environment and surrounding
terrain can greatly affect the solar radiation results for the surface, this can be particularly
problematic (Fu and Rich 1999).
Generally speaking, with limited snow cover, Hawaii does not have a high albedo
on its land surface but cloud cover in the study area can play a significant role in the
afternoon. These factors must be taken into account when selecting input parameters. The
creation of a high resolution digital surface model (DSM) is also necessary to account for
the effects of shading from buildings and vegetation around rooftops.

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2.3 Calculating Rooftop Area
This study seeks to calculate the photovoltaic potential for residential rooftops in
the town of Kailua Kona. In order to do so, it is necessary to calculate the amount of
rooftop space in the study area. As explained by Jakubiec and Reinhart (2012), two of the
most crucial components for calculating PV potential include the amount of solar
radiation reaching the surface and the amount of useable rooftop area that can be
dedicated to photovoltaic panels.
A number of studies have outlined methods to extract building or rooftop shapes
for analysis. In many cases the methodologies have relied heavily on the existence of
high resolution satellite or remotely sensed imagery. For the most advanced analysis, it is
ideal to have 3D models in which individual buildings are represented next to other
objects like trees and man-made structures. Nguyen et al. (2012) explain how accurate
building generation from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data requires a number
of processes including building detection, object segmentation, roof shape reconstruction,
and modeling quality analysis. These techniques are often only possible with high cost
data and feature recognition software. In some cases existing building shape or outline
datasets are also utilized to assist with building detection and segmentation (Nguyen et al.
2012).
Jo and Otanicar (2011) propose a methodology for quantifying the usable rooftop
surface by accounting for existing obstructions like chimneys, air conditioning equipment
and skylights that would limit the space available for PV panels. They utilize Quickbird
remotely sensed images processed by Definiens Developer software along with existing
building shapefiles for the four-square mile study area in Chandler, Arizona (Jo and
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Otanicar 2011). The object-oriented analysis utilizes brightness indicators to identify
obstructions on rooftops and then calculates shadow effects associated with these objects
(Jo and Otanicar 2011).
In situations where advanced processing software and lack of building boundary
data are limiting factors, there are other more simplistic techniques employed to estimate
available rooftop space. In a pilot study published in Esri’s ArcUser magazine, Chaves
and Bahill (2010) describe a simple method for isolating building rooftops by classifying
suitable elevations as those cells with an elevation greater than or equal to bare earth
elevation plus five feet. Similarly, for the Los Angeles County Solar Mapping Portal
(2010), ground elevations were first subtracted from the digital surface model and then
the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was utilized to isolate live
vegetation within each cell. To create the building surface, live vegetation was removed
along cells with a height below eight feet (LA County 2010). Furthermore, a number of
authors around the world have explored the relationship between population density and
rooftop area. Izquiredo, Rodrigues and Fueyo (2008) use accessible data like population,
land use and building density and explore their relationship with roof area in Spain.
Another study of particular interest was completed by Wiginton, Nguyen and
Pearce for the province of Ontario, Canada (2010). This study designed a five-step
procedure to overcome limited rooftop data. The study area was first stratified based on
low, medium, and high population density (Wiginton et al. 2010). A representative
sample was then selected from the stratified classes to reflect the distribution of
population density within the region. The Feature Analyst extraction tool was then used
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to isolate rooftops in the sample set based on available high resolution orthophotos
(Wiginton et al. 2010).
Rooftop areas were plotted against population density to determine the existing
relationship. Their results indicated a total roof area of 70 m
2
/capita +/- 6.2%, although
the stratified analysis indicated rooftop area per capita decreases with increasing
population density (Wiginton et al. 2010). The equation built from this sample set
analysis was used for extrapolation to estimate gross rooftop area for the entire region.
The study goes on to reduce overall rooftop area to account for usable area based on
characteristics of residential and commercial rooftops in the sample set (Wiginton et al.
2010). Finally, rooftop photovoltaic potential was calculated using the average global
insolation and various types of photovoltaic panels (Wiginton et al. 2010).
2.4 Calculating Photovoltaic Potential from Solar Radiation
Understanding available solar radiation and rooftop area are essential components
when calculating photovoltaic electricity potential but there are also technological
considerations to take into account. These include photovoltaic panel efficacy, tilt, and
proper maintenance. Additionally, it is necessary to account for losses during conversion
from the photovoltaic produced direct current (DC) to useable alternating current (AC).
In order to assist in understanding the variability associated with PV potential, a
number of simulation tools have been created. Some of these specifically complement the
solar energy GIS models discussed in the previous section, others use interpolated solar
radiation surface datasets. Choi et al. (2011) explain how these efforts have helped
overcome existing barriers to implementing PV penetration by providing information
needed for design, financing, and operation of PV systems. This section discusses some
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of the PV simulation tools available and the variables considered in the formulas utilized
to calculate PV potential from solar radiation data.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed the PVWatts (Version 1
and Version 2) simulation tools to estimate energy production for grid-connected
crystalline silicon PV systems (Marion et al. 2001). These tools use typical
meteorological (TMY and TMY2) solar datasets derived from the National Solar
Radiation Database (Marion et al. 2001). PVWATTS Version 1 uses data from 239
existing stations, while PVWATTS Version 2 translates this station data into a 40-km
solar radiation grid taking into account global, direct, and diffuse radiation along with
monthly temperatures and average surface albedo (Marion et al. 2001; Jakubiec and
Reinhart 2012). The user selects the PV system parameters including panel rated size,
tilt, orientation and AC to DC derate factor (Marion et al. 2001). The National Renewable
Laboratory (2013) suggests a standard derate factor of 0.77 to account for the following
system losses: inverter and transformer, mismatch, diodes and connections, DC wiring,
AC wiring, soiling and system availability.
Along with their development of the r.sun irradiance calculation model, Súri et al.
(2005) also created the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PV-GIS)
database for Europe and Africa (Choi et al. 2011). The PV-GIS web tool uses the
following equation (Equation 1) to calculate the yearly potential of an installed
photovoltaic system.
E= 365P
k
r
p
H
h,i
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Equation 1

Where E is the yearly potential for electricity generation in kilowatt hours (kWh),
P
k
is the peak power of the equipment installed in kilowatts (kW), r
p
is the system
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performance ration or derating factor, and H
h,i
is the monthly or yearly average of daily
global radiation in watt-hours (Wh). In the development of the r.sun based PVGIS web
calculator, the system performance ratio (r
p
) utilized for mono- and polycrystalline silicon
panels was .75 (Súri et al. 2005).

Hofierka and Kanuk (2009) also utilize the PVGIS estimation utility for their
assessment of photovoltaic potential in urban areas. They suggest a similar formula
(Equation 2) where total annual electricity output in kWh for a system is assessed by the
following equation:
E
out
= A
e
E
e
G !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Equation 2
Where E
out
is the annual electricity production in kWh, A
e
is the total surface area of
solar cells in square meters (m
2
), E
e
is the annual mean power conversion efficiency
coefficient for each PV technology, and G is the annual total global irradiation (Wh/m
2
).
This is also quite similar to Clark, Klein and Beckman’s formula published in
Solar Energy in 1984, where the main variables affecting PV potential include area of the
photocells, monthly average hourly radiation, and average efficiency of the array
(including any power conditioning equipment).
Beyond module efficiency and standard derating, Jakubiec and Reinhart (2012)
suggest derating panel efficiency based on ambient temperature, as temperature is known
to have an adverse effect on panel production. In their recent study performed at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, they incorporated work performed in the National
Renewable Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator Version 2 to build the following equations
(Equation 3 and Equation 4) to approximate derating of PV panels based on temperature
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and point irradiation data at an hourly time step (Marion et al. 2001; Luque and Hegedus
2011; and Jakubiec and Reinhart 2012).
T
C
= T
amb
+ (T
0
- 20°C)E/800Wm
-2
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Equation 3
Where T
C
is the photovoltaic panel temperature °C, T
amb
is ambient temperature

in
degrees Celsius (°C), T
0
is the nominal operating cell temperature at ideal conditions °C
and E is the incident radiation in W/m
2
at each time step.
Pmp = Pmp
0
* [1 + ! * (T
C
- T
0
)] !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Equation 4
Where Pmp is the derated panel max DC power in watts (W), Pmp
0
is the
photovoltaic maximum power at ideal conditions (W) and " is the temperature correction
factor equal to 0.0038 °C
-1
.
Similarly, Choi et al. (2011) also argue that simplistic formulas like that proposed
by Hofierka and Kanuk (2009), while easily integrated into GIS software, do not account
for intermittent behavior of solar irradiance and the dynamic performance of PV systems.
In a study published in Solar Energy, they cite the weaknesses of PV-GIS and PVWatts
Version 2 for urban studies as the tools impose a coarse spatial resolution for calculations
(Choi et al. 2011). They explain how even though solar modeling tools like r.sun and
Solar Analyst allow the user to choose a higher spatial resolution, they are focused on
solar irradiation and not the assessment of PV potential (Choi et al. 2011). To combat
these weaknesses the authors suggest their PV Analyst extension for ArcGIS which
incorporates 4 and 5-parameter PV performance models with irradiance data in TRNSYS
(Choi et al. 2011). The PV Analyst extension is intended accurately simulate
performances of mono- and polycrystalline silicon PV arrays using data available from
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manufacturers including: short circuit current, open circuit voltage, voltage and current at
maximum power point, and temperature coefficient of open circuit voltage and short
circuit current (Choi et al. 2011).
2.5 Solar Mapping Projects as Decision Support Tools
As mentioned in the introduction chapter, solar mapping applications can be
considered GIS-based decision support tools for solar PV potential. These tools assist
energy planners, advisors, and policy makers in evaluating the potential for the
dissemination of renewable energy technologies. They can also provide a unique benefit
by incorporating an analysis of the financial considerations associated with the
investment. As stated by Voivontas, Tsiligiridis, and Assimacopoulos, “GIS provides a
promising approach that can reveal spatial and time discrepancies of solar potential and
energy demand (1998, 419).”
The increased functionality afforded by a mapping application is very useful for
the potential solar adopter. Common mapping applications for solar potential allow the
user to identify their location and specific household characteristics to get a series of
predictions of production from PV system, electricity savings in dollars, carbon savings,
system payback, and information on local incentive programs (Jakubiec and Reinhart
2012). Jakubiec and Reinhart (2012) explain how these websites rely on various GIS
modeling techniques that differ based on solar radiation calculations, spatial and temporal
accuracy of data, and software used to perform the analysis.
For the most part, a handful of GIS-based solar radiation models have been
employed to generate the majority of solar maps created for U.S. municipalities. For the
eleven solar potential maps created for popular North American cities reviewed by
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Jakubiec and Reinhart (2012), the most commonly used methodologies for rooftop
irradiation maps include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory PVWatts calculator
and Esri’s Solar Analyst.
While an abundance of literature about city and municipal solar mapping projects
exists, there is rather limited information available on similar efforts in rural
communities. Lietelt (2008) explains how the lack of integration of solar mapping into
communities less dense than larger cities and municipalities may be attributed to limited
interest or the unavailability of suitable data. This research initiative seeks to identify and
implement suitable techniques for mapping solar PV potential on the Island of Hawaii, a
County with a low population density of about 45 people per square mile.
2.6 Hawaii Solar Mapping Projects
To date, a handful of solar modeling and mapping efforts have been undertaken in
the State of Hawaii. They are described in the remainder of this chapter. The main
contributors to this work have been the United States Department of Energy through the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
(HNEI) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the State of Hawaii Office of Planning and
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and the utilities including
the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) and Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) and
its subsidiaries. The various efforts are described below by Island.
2.6.1 Oahu
In 2012, HNEI jointly sponsored a solar modeling and integration study with
NREL and HECO, which was presented at the 2
nd
Annual International Workshop on
Integration of Solar Power in Power Systems Conference (Piwko et al. 2012). This study
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focused on the Island of Oahu and was a follow up to the Oahu Wind Integration Study
completed in 2010 (Piwko et al. 2012). This solar integration study looked at the impact
of higher penetration of solar energy into the Oahu electric grid from both centralized and
distributed PV plant scenarios (Piwko et al. 2012).
The solar data developed for this work consisted of 2-second solar power
production profiles for Oahu and downward shortwave radiation every ten minutes
during 2007-08, for every point on a one kilometer spaced grid over all the Hawaiian
Islands (Matthias Fripp, Professor University of Hawaii, email 28 March 2013). These
datasets were developed with the AWS Truepower proprietary software using weather
station data from 2007-2008 (Piwko et al. 2012; AWS Truepower 2013). The software
utilizes a Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model coupled with a stochastic-
kinematic cloud model (Piwko et al. 2012). This data had not been published for use in
the public domain at the time of this research project was underway.
The Blue Planet Foundation, a local nonprofit organization committed to
Hawaii’s clean energy future, has developed a Solar Portal that is currently in beta testing
(blueplanetfoundation.org/solar-portal.html). The portal is designed to be a resource for
both existing and new solar installation customers providing location information and
resources including contractor information and educational videos. The site does not
incorporate incoming solar radiation information but rather provides the location of
existing solar PV and solar thermal hot water systems allowing users to search their
neighborhood and add comments and feedback about their solar systems and contractors.
At the time this research was conducted the main sources of data for the portal were the
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City and County of Honolulu and the Department of Planning and Permitting.
Installation locations were listed only for Oahu, neighbor-island data was still pending.
The State of Hawaii has also recently added a solar roof potential 3D model with
coverage from downtown Honolulu to Diamond Head (State of Hawaii Office of
Planning 2013). It is available for download at the Office of Planning, Statewide GIS
Program website. This data was produced by CyberCity 3D, and acquired by the Hawaii
State Office of Information Management and Technology in February 2013. The data
was derived from 2008 remote sensing imagery and converted to 3D models using
CyberCity proprietary software (State of Hawaii Office of Planning 2013). This data
includes building rooftop height and area along with their solar potential. CyberCity 3D
quantifies solar potential assessing the roof angle, surface area and solar azimuth
(orientation). This dataset characterizes solar potential based on a ranking of 0- no to low
solar potential, 1- medium solar potential, and 2- high solar potential. Roof areas with a
high solar potential (2) are those with a minimum of 100 square feet and an orientation
from 161 degrees to 200 degrees (State of Hawaii Office of Planning 2013).
2.6.2 Kauai
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in conjunction with Kauai Island
Utility Cooperative, has conducted an island wide solar photovoltaic assessment in Kauai
(Helm and Burman 2010). This project customized the In My Back Yard (IMBY)
software that utilizes the PVWatts performance model to Kauai environmental conditions
and utility load information. The goal of the project was to create created a tool help
promote renewable adoption on the Island (Helm and Burman 2010).
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Appropriate commercial rooftop area was estimated using satellite imagery and
taking into account aspect, rooftop obstructions and shading potential. Rooftops were
chosen mainly because of their large area unobstructed by air conditioning equipment.
The findings identified 136,412 square meters of useable commercial rooftop area for
photovoltaic installations and calculated a total potential of 15,938 MWh/year (Helm and
Burman 2010). The study did not, however, address the economic feasibility of installing
PV on the suggested areas.
2.6.3 Hawaii Island
The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), in conjunction with Hawaii Electric
Light Company, currently has a project examining the performance of PV arrays within
the different microclimates of Hawaii Island (Hawaii Natural Energy Institute 2012).
Solar radiation and weather data is collected at one-second intervals and stored within the
HNEI database (Larry Cutshaw, HNEI Project Manager, phone conversation 28
December 2012). The goal of this project is to better interpret the interconnection
between weather conditions and PV performance. This data is currently being analyzed
and no report has been publicly released at this time.
2.6.4 Statewide
The Office of Planning, Statewide GIS Program website houses two solar spatial
datasets for public use. The first is a monthly and annual solar resource potential 10-
kilometer grid measured in global horizontal irradiance and direct normal irradiance. This
GIS data was developed by NREL using the Perez model from the State University of
New York/Albany (NREL 2013). It is worth noting that with a spatial resolution of 10
kilometers there is little confidence in the accuracy of this dataset. The metadata
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associated with this dataset states that modeled values are only accurate to approximately
15 percent of a true measured value in the grid (State of Hawaii Office of Planning 2013).
This is attributed to the terrain effects and microclimate influences including local cloud
cover that can vary significantly over short distances (State of Hawaii Office of Planning
2013).
The second, and perhaps the most commonly utilized solar dataset, is the solar
radiation polyline dataset commonly referred to as the “Solar Zone Map.” These
polylines were digitized from 1985 Sunshine Maps of varying scales (State of Hawaii
Office of Planning 2013). The data displays solar zones measured in calories/cm
2
/day.
Solar zones range from 200-650 calories/cm
2
/day. These zones were compiled based on
old Hawaii Sugar Planters Association anemometer solar data (State of Hawaii Office of
Planning 2013). This dataset is also served on the Department of Business Economic
Development and Tourism web map “EnerGIS” (DBEDT 2013b).
With only two low-resolution solar datasets currently available for Hawaii Island,
there are limited mapping resources to help commercial and residential facilities identify
their own solar potential. The literature and mapping applications reviewed here were
used to inform the development of the methods for this study. The methodology
described in the following section seeks to incorporate higher resolution data and GIS
solar modeling tools to better quantify total photovoltaic potential for residential rooftops.

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CHAPTER 3: METHODS
This chapter begins with further elaboration on the study area characteristics and a
description of the data utilized in this research. The research design is then presented and
methods for determining the rooftop sample set, calculating incoming solar radiation and
analyzing rooftop points are discussed in detail. The final section presents the methods
for performing statistical analysis to generate the equations needed for extrapolation to
estimate total PV potential for the study area.
3.1 Description of Study Area
The town of Kailua Kona, on the leeward side of the Big Island was chosen for
this study (Figure 3.1). The Big Island is centered at 19.63 N, 155.52 W and measures
8,150 Km
2
. The island is often described as a warm tropical environment but, in fact,
climate on the island varies greatly over relatively short distances. The average
temperatures on both the leeward and windward side of the island range between average
highs from 75 to 83 F° with average lows between 57-70 F° (Western Region Climate
Center 2012). The large volcanic mountains of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea dominate the
island physiography. This mountainous terrain is the largest influence on climate
variability with windward coasts receiving over 130 inches of rain annually while the
leeward coasts see less than 30 inches of precipitation (Western Pacific Regional Fishery
Management Council 2012). Calculation of solar radiation and PV potential on the Big
Island presents a unique set of challenges with the highly variable weather conditions and
elevations creating multiple microclimates. The study area was selected to ensure the
highest resolution data were used to assess solar radiation (Figure 3.1). The boundaries
were defined by the availability of LiDAR data.
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Figure 3.1 Study area LiDAR coverage
3.2 Data
3.2.1 LiDAR data
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data was utilized for the creation of the
digital surface model (DSM). Point-cloud files were obtained from the Hawaii State
Office of Planning, Statewide GIS Program. Data was originally collected on July 14,
2006 by Airborne1. Data was obtained in ASCII raw format in UTM Zone 5.
Point cloud data is a type of vector data in which spatial location is explicitly
stored in each point (Chen 2007). A high density point cloud therefore has a much larger
file size than imagery with the same resolution (Chen 2007). In order to allow for easier
management of the files, the raw point files available for the study area were separated
into 156 tiles.
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The ASCII data obtained for this study included XYZI point files for all points,
ground points, and extracted points. This means that all points were filtered into ground
and non-ground returns to create the ground points and extracted points. For this study,
the extracted points were selected to create the digital surface model (DSM). The
extracted points contain the height information for the built environment and vegetation
on the ground. The bare earth, or ground points, have been removed.
The workflow for creating the DSM from the available LiDAR ASCII data was
adapted from the workflow presented by the County of Los Angeles-Solar Mapping
Portal (LA County 2010). Using tools in the ArcMap 3D Analyst extension, the raw
LiDAR extracted point files were processed into terrain rasters that served as the digital
surface models for input into the solar radiation analysis.
The Esri point file information tool was used to generate a summary of the
characteristics for each tile including the number of points, average point spacing, z min,
and z max. The raw extracted point data files were processed to multipoint feature
classes. The new feature classes were then added to a feature dataset. Terrain datasets
were generated within these feature datasets. Average point spacing was determined from
the point file information tool findings for each tile. The Terrain to Raster tool was used
to produce a rasterized surface model model. This step created the surface grid from the
terrain. Cell size was set to 2 meters after consideration of the average point spacing for
each tile. An example of the final product is displayed in Figure 3.2. This graphic
illustrates the surface of the land including buildings and vegetation heights. !!
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Figure 3.2 Elevation with 2-meter spatial resolution from LiDAR
3.2.2 Tax Map Key Parcel Data
The tax map key (TMK) parcel data is a polygon shapefile that was also obtained
from the Statewide GIS Program (State of Hawaii Office of Planning 2013). The TMK
parcel data was originally in UTM Zone 4, North American Datum (NAD83), but was
projected into UTM Zone 5 for proper alignment with the Hawaii digital surface data.
The dataset was created by a local agency, Geographic Decision Systems International,
and is maintained by Hawaii County. The last update was July 2011.
The TMK parcel data played an integral part in this research design. This is the
most comprehensive list of parcel characteristics available to the public containing a
number of attributes for each lot. The most relevant to this study are displayed in Table
3.1. The TMK number is the unique identifier for each parcel. The parcel index (PITT)
code is the tax category applied to the property and the Homeowner attribute designates
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the existence of a home. Attributes were sorted by PITT code to identify the residential
parcels and then unoccupied lots were eliminated by filtering for the Homeowner
attribute. This process identified the pool of residential lots to be considered for analysis
of PV potential.
It is important to note that the parcel data does not have any building square
footage data recorded. Without any existing rooftop or building structure size data for the
study area, the parcel area (lot size) was used to analyze against a digitized rooftop
sample to look for correlations.
Table 3.1 Tax map key (TMK) parcel data attributes
Attribute Description
TMK Unique 9 Digit Tax Map Key Number
PITT code
Used to identify tax rate applied to the property
(examples include residential, commercial, and industrial)
Homeowner Homeowner on property (Yes, No, Unknown)
Shape Area Lot Size
Source: State of Hawaii Office of Planning, State GIS Program 2013

3.2.3 Aerial Imagery
The Bing Maps Aerial Imagery was used as the reference for digitizing rooftops
from building outlines. It offers worldwide orthographic aerial and satellite imagery with
the most detailed coverage in the United States and the United Kingdom (Esri 2013b).
Bing Maps was chosen as the basemap over the ArcGIS online World Imagery Map
Service as it displayed at a higher resolution with less cloud cover over study area
parcels.
3.2.4 PV Production on Active Residential Site
Real time PV production data was provided by a local resident. This data was
used for a comparison with PV potential modeled in this study. The performance of this
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residential 2 kilowatt, 12 inverter photovoltaic system is logged through the EnPhase
Energy Products website (enlighten.enphaseenergy.com). The dashboard allows the user
to see search the installation by location. The system size, lifetime production and
number of microinverters are displayed. It also documents the daily, monthly, and annual
performance of each panel installed. Historical output reports can be generated based on
user defined time periods. This interface was used to generate total production reports
for 2012 and January – June 2013 for the location.
3.3 Research Design
Once the available data sources were identified a number of tasks were outlined in
order to estimate total rooftop photovoltaic potential for the study area. It was first
necessary to identify a sample of parcels for which to digitize rooftops. These sample
rooftops and the rooftop with real time PV production were digitized. The terrain
parameters and solar radiation were then calculated for those rooftops. These rasters were
converted to vector points to perform a spatial join with rooftops. The average slope,
elevation, and solar radiation were spatially joined to each rooftop so that PV potential
could be calculated. The variables for each rooftop were used for statistical analysis of
the relationship between rooftop and lot size, as well as multiple linear regression for
average and total rooftop PV potential. Finally, the equations built were applied to the
entire study area. Figure 3.3 outlines the research design and the remainder of the chapter
discusses each step in detail.

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Figure 3.3 Flowchart for calculating PV potential for this study
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3.3.1 Isolating Building Rooftops for Sample Set
The rooftop isolation methods discussed in the literature review chapter refer to
methods for mapping urban environments using LiDAR, 3D modeling and other higher
resolution data sources (Jo and Otanicar 2011; Nguyen et al. 2012). In these cases, the
rooftop area calculation for each location is a part of an automated process. For this study
area, automated rooftop estimation was not possible as there were no existing building
footprint shapefiles available. It was also not possible to isolate existing tree vegetation
from building structures when processing the LiDAR point files into the digital surface
model. Without the option to automate building extraction, the sample set of rooftops
needed to be hand digitized for analysis. Due to time constraints, it was not feasible to
analyze every rooftop in the study area so the decision was made to follow similar
methods as those proposed by Wiginton et al. 2010 and use a sample set of rooftops to
characterize the region. This was accomplished in the two steps described below.
3.3.1.1 Stratified Parcel Selection
A representative sample of rooftops was selected by analyzing the available parcel
dataset. The hypothesis was that available parcel area (lot size) data would display a
correlation with the rooftop size and this relationship could be used to extrapolate out to
the entire study area.
The sample rooftops to digitize were chosen using stratified random parcel
selection based on the TMK parcel area found in the attribute table. There were a total of
15,676 parcels in the study area. The study area was comprised of parcels of all tax
classifications (PITT Codes Table 3.1) including residential, commercial, apartment,
industrial, agricultural and rural, conservation, hotel and resort, unimproved residential
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and homeowner. Parcels were first sorted for residential tax codes then filtered to identify
those with a homeowner classification. This resulted in 4,694 parcels with single family
dwellings located on them.
The size distribution for the 4,694 parcels was then analyzed using JMP software.
Outliers with areas in the smallest 0-2.5 percent and largest 97.5-100 percent were
removed. The result was 4,460 eligible study area parcels. The parcel area stratified
classes are displayed in Table 3.2. There are six classes based on lot size. Table 3.2
displays the number of parcels that fall within each class and the size range of the lots.
Classes were created to ensure the sample chosen for digitizing was representative
of the range of lot sizes in the study area. This was done strategically for future analysis
of the correlation between lot size and rooftop size.
Table 3.2 Stratified parcel selection
Class Percentage Total Parcels Lot Size Range (m
2
)
1 2.5-10% 352 536 – 688
2 10-25% 704 688 – 766
3 25-50% 1,174 766 – 958
4 50-75% 1,174 958 – 1,419
5 75-90% 704 1,419 – 1,893
6 90-97.5% 352 1,893 – 3,026

In order to create an appropriate sample size, the Creative Research Systems
(2012) sample size calculator was utilized. It was determined that a population of 4,460
parcels a 5 percent sample size (or 223 parcels) results in a 95 percent confidence level
and confidence interval of 6.4. Table 3.3 displays the breakdown of the number of
samples to digitize for the 5 percent sample size for each class. The resulting 223 parcels
for digitizing were chosen at random using Microsoft Excel.

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Table 3.3 Sample design for digitization
Class Total Parcels Samples to Digitize
1 352 17
2 704 36
3 1,174 59
4 1,174 58
5 704 36
6 352 17
Total 4,460 223

3.3.1.2 Digitizing Rooftops
The built in Bing Maps Aerial Imagery was chosen as the base map to digitize for
reasons discussed in Section 3.2.3. The rooftop feature class was digitized at the highest
resolution possible given (between 1:500 to 1:1,000). An example of digitized rooftops is
displayed in Figure 3.4.
Figure 3.4 Sample set of rooftops

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3.3.2 Estimating Terrain Parameters and Incoming Solar Radiation
The sample set rooftops were used to determine the LiDAR tiles needed for
analysis of terrain parameters and solar radiation. For each tile where sample set homes
were located, the slope, aspect and solar radiation was also calculated.
3.3.2.1 Terrain Parameters: Slope and Aspect
The 2-meter LiDAR elevation data provided the raster surface input to run the
slope and aspect tools in the ArcGIS toolbox. This resulted in an output aspect raster and
an output slope raster. The aspect, or orientation, was calculated in degrees measured
clockwise from north 0 - 359.9°. The inclination of slope was also calculated in degrees,
from 0 - 90°. Examples of the aspect and slope are displayed in Figure 3.5 and 3.6. These
figures display a small section of the study area with three sample rooftops.

Figure 3.5 Map showing aspect
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Figure 3.6 Map showing slope

3.3.2.2 Estimating Solar Radiation
Using GIS to model solar radiation provides a convenient way to generate
insolation maps and relate them to other spatial data (Fu and Rich 1999). The Esri toolset
was chosen as the appropriate GIS modeling tool for calculating solar radiation for this
project.
The main input for the tool is a digital elevation model (DEM) or digital surface
model (DSM). In this case, the 2-meter resolution LiDAR provides the latitude for the
site area, the slope and the aspect for each cell. The user determines a number of
conditions for the remaining tool parameters. Table 3.4 displays the input parameters
were selected to create the solar radiation surface for this study.
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The sky size sets the resolution of the viewshed, sky map and sun map; which
determines the number of calculations that take place to estimate the direct radiation
reaching each cell in the surface grid. The default is 200 x 200 cells but increasing sky
size increases accuracy. Multiple trials were run to balance calculation time with desired
accuracy of results. Unfortunately, processing time increased greatly with higher
resolution values of 400 x 400 and above. Upon further research it was determined that,
when testing their model performance Fu and Rich (1999) found highly similar results
from both 200 x 200 and 400 x 400 viewshed resolutions, so the decision was made to
utilize the default values for this input parameter. The calculation direction input sets how
many directions are used when calculating the viewshed. Thirty-two (32) is the default
and is considered sufficient for complex mountain topography (Fu and Rich 1999). The
azimuth and zenith divisions relate to how many divisions are used to create the sky map.
The default, 8, was selected for each.
The time period for which the insolation is calculated can be set to within one
day, multiple days, specific days or across the whole year (Esri 2013a). For this case, the
maximum range of one year was chosen. The user must then choose the day interval and
hour interval. These variables also relate to sky size. When the sky resolution is set to the
default it is important to have a day interval greater than 14. In this case where time
configuration is set to one year, the day interval is disabled by the tool in order to
calculate on monthly calendar intervals (Esri 2013a). The hour interval indicates the time
used for calculating sky sectors of sun maps. The default of 0.5 hour was chosen.
Finally, the user must indicate the parameters having to do with how diffuse
radiation is calculated. Standard overcast sky was chosen for the diffuse model type. This
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Table 3.4: Input parameters for area solar radiation tool in ArcGIS
Input Description Value
DEM Input elevation parameters from surface raster layers. 2 meter-LiDAR
Latitude Latitude of site area, units are in decimal degrees.
19.5º N
(Automatic input
from raster)
Sky Size
Resolution of the viewshed, sky map and sun map, upward
looking representation of the sky.
200
Time
Configuration
Specifies the time configuration period used for calculating solar
radiation: within a day, multiple days, special days, or whole year.
Whole year 2013
Day Interval
Time interval through the year (units: days) used for the
calculation of sky sectors for the sun map.
(monthly)
Hour Interval
Time interval through the year (units: hours) used for the
calculation of sky sectors for the sun map.
.5
Each Interval
Specifies whether to calculate a single total insolation value for all
locations or multiple values for the specified hour and day interval
No interval
Z Units Number of ground x,y units in one surface z unit. 1
Slope Aspect
Input Type
How slope and aspect information are derived (either from DEM
or Flat surface).
From DEM
Calculations
Directions
Number of azimuth directions used when calculating the
viewshed (multiples of 8, 32 is default).
32
Zenith Divisions
Number of divisions used to create sky sectors in the sky map,
default is 8 divisions relative to zenith.
8
Azimuth
Divisions
Number of divisions used to create sky sectors in the sky map,
default is 8 divisions relative to north.
8
Diffuse Model
Type
Type of diffuse model- uniform sky, the incoming diffuse
radiation is same from all directions OR standard overcast sky-
standard overcast diffuse model varies with zenith angle.
Standard overcast
sky
Diffuse
Proportion
The proportion of global normal radiation flux that is diffuse (0-
1).
0.3
Transmittivity
Relates to cloud cover, fraction of radiation that passes through
the atmosphere averaged over all wavelengths, values range from
0-1, 0 is no transmission and 1 is all transmission, .5 for a
generally clear sky.
0.5
Source: Descriptions from Esri 2013a Desktop Help

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ensures incoming diffuse radiation is calculated for each zenith angle (Esri 2013a). The
diffuse proportion and transmittivity have an inverse relationship. The diffuse proportion
indicates the amount of global normal radiation is that is diffuse and the transmittivity
indicates the amount of radiation that passes through atmosphere. The defaults were
chosen, 0.3 and 0.5 respectively (Esri 2013a).
Figure 3.7 displays an example of the final annual solar radiation calculated for
2013, for the same part of the study area displayed in the slope and aspect figures.
Incoming solar radiation in this example displays a minimum of 123.6 kWh/m
2
/yr and
maximum of 1,767 kWh/m
2
/yr.

Figure 3.7 Incoming solar radiation surface

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3.3.3 Spatial Analysis for Selected Rooftops
Once the sample rooftops were identified and the elevation, slope, aspect and solar
radiation were generated for the area, it was necessary to compile the findings so that PV
potential on each rooftop could be calculated.
3.3.3.1 Raster to Point
The elevation, slope, aspect and solar radiation rasters were converted to vector
point layers in order to prepare for spatial analysis with the rooftop polygon layer. Using
the Raster to Point tool in the toolbox, each cell was converted to a point in an output
feature class. Each elevation, slope, aspect and solar radiation cell value became an
attribute in the point layer feature classes.
Using the Clip tool, the rooftop polygon feature class was used to isolate the
terrain and solar radiation points falling specifically on the buildings and eliminate the
remaining areas from the point feature classes (Lietelt 2010). An example of the solar
radiation points within rooftops is displayed in Figure 3.8.
Figure 3.8 displays a significant variation in the range of solar insolation (340-
1,750 kWh/m
2
/yr) reaching the sample rooftops pictured. The higher solar radiation areas
appear to be located on the southeast corners of both rooftops but there are some high
insolation points scattered on the northern edge of each rooftop as well. Variance in
rooftop insolation is not uncommon and can be attributed to a number of causes including
building structure orientation, shading from surrounding vegetation, and drastic elevation
changes. It is not, however, clear from the findings displayed in Figure 3.8 whether any
of these variables are influencing factors that would cause these divergent results. This
warrants further investigation into the characteristics of the area in order to assess the
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quality of the solar rooftop points. To do so, the solar radiation points (Figure 3.8) and
aspect points (Figure 3.9) were compared to a high resolution image of the location
obtained from Google Earth (Figure 3.10).

Figure 3.8 Points of solar radiation on rooftop

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Figure 3.9 Aspect points on rooftop

Figure 3.10 High resolution sample rooftop image from Google Earth
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:'
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:'
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The use of the Google Earth image allowed the critical evaluation of the
reliability of the rooftop point data. Overall, the comparison of all three figures highlights
some inconsistencies that cause concern over the quality of the rooftop point solar
radiation data. Both properties have tree landscape around their perimeters but there are
no large tree stands or continuous vegetation areas that would significantly shade the
portions of the rooftops from incoming sunshine. Moreover, the aspect points (Figure
3.9) do not appear to correspond with the actual orientations of the rooftop surfaces
(Figure 3.10). In Figure 3.10 the upper right hand sample rooftop (B) displays a complex
rooftop with varying roof levels and directions. The lower left hand rooftop (A) seems to
have four main orientations with some smaller skylights or objects located on the surface.
In Figure 3.9, the majority of aspect points on both rooftops are west facing. The other
orientations, while less represented, are scattered and do not seem to align with the
symmetrical rooftop divisions displayed in Figure 3.10.
3.3.3.2 Spatial Join
While the solar insolation point data was initially considered the ideal
representation for calculating PV potential from incoming solar radiation, the lack of
consistency between Figure 3.8 and 3.9 and the available imagery and led to an approach
considering average incoming solar radiation on rooftops. The spatial join tool was used
to create a final feature class layer containing the average elevation, slope, and solar
radiation for each rooftop. This tool joins the attributes from one feature (the join feature
class) to another (the target feature class) based on their spatial relationships (Esri 2013c).
Each point layer was set as the join features to the rooftop target feature class. The Join
operation was set to JOIN_ONE_TO_ONE with the merge rule specified as Average.

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Therefore the output layer contained the 224 rooftops (223 samples and one rooftop with
real PV production) with the average elevation, slope and incoming solar radiation. The
attributes of the final rooftop layer are outlined in Table 3.5. The aspect point layer was
not joined to the rooftop layer as it was not possible to average the directional degrees
and get an accurate representation of orientation.
Once the elevation, slope and solar radiation points were spatially joined to the
rooftop polygon layer, the final layer was exported to Microsoft Excel for statistical
analysis of the variables and their relationship to photovoltaic potential.

Table 3.5: Final rooftop layer attribute table used for PV potential calculation
Column Unit Description
OBJECT ID

Numeric Unique ID for each rooftop
Join Count

Numeric Total number of data points
within shape area
TMK Number

Numeric Tax map key number for parcel
where rooftop is located
Average Elevation

Meters Average of elevation points
within shape area (output of
LiDAR elevation surface)
Average Slope Degrees Average of slope points within
shape area (Output from slope
raster)
Average Incoming Solar
Radiation
Watt-hours per
square meter per year
(Wh/m
2
/yr)
Output from Area Solar radiation
tool; average of incoming solar
radiation points within shape area
Rooftop Area M
2
Area of digitized rooftop
Parcel Area M
2
Area of parcel where rooftop is
located
Parcel Class Number Class used for stratified parcel
selection

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3.3.4 Calculating PV Potential on Building Rooftops
Although solar radiation is one of the largest factors in calculating photovoltaic
generation potential, other factors like technology, orientation and maintenance play
important roles as well. As discussed in the literature review, many web-based GIS solar
tools use simplified formulas to assess PV potential. In most cases, calculating the PV
potential requires a consideration of different output capacities the type of the panels or
system in place. Súri et al. (2005) suggest Equation 1 presented in the literature review
for estimating PV potential. This equation was chosen for this evaluation as it
incorporates both the peak power rating for the panel type and a system performance
ratio.
The peak power rating is a reflection of the efficiency of the PV technology under
consideration. Each available model has a specific peak power rating under standard test
conditions (STC) and PVUSA test conditions (PTC). Standard test conditions reference
model output at 1000 W/m
2
solar irradiance and 25
o
C PV module temperature (NREL
2012). PVUSA test conditions are designed to be a better reflection of real world
conditions.
Neither STC nor PTC ratings account for system losses from converting from
direct current to alternating current. Variables like wiring, transformers, or inverters all
affect panel output. This is typically accounted for by a derating factor, which can also be
referred to as the conversion coefficient or performance ratio. As mentioned in the
literature review, Súri et al (2005) suggest a typical performance ratio for mono- or
polycrystalline silicon panels of 0.75. Hofierka and Kanuk (2009) use a default value of
0.766 for the power conversion efficiency coefficient for crystalline silicon. For this
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study, a performance or derate factor of 0.77 was chosen as this is the standard utilized by
NREL (2013) PVWATTS and commonly accepted by industry professionals in Hawaii.
On Hawaii Island, one of the most common photovoltaic panels installed is the
SolarWorld SW260 monocrystalline panel (Jim Garber, Inter-Island Solar Supply
Representative, email 13 May 2013). A detailed list of manufacturer specifications and
ratings for modules is available in the Home Power 2012 PV Model Guide. The
specifications for the chosen PV panel model were obtained from there.
The average and total PV output potential for the sample set rooftops were
calculated by applying the average incoming solar radiation determined by the Area Solar
Radiation tool to the Súri formula. When coupled with the total rooftop area, the above
formula provides a means to determine the total capacity (kW) and annual energy output
(kWh) potential for the study area. These calculations were completed in Microsoft Excel
using the exported attribute table from the final rooftop feature class layer. The data
outlined in Table 3.6 was added to the rooftop attribute table.
Table 3.6 PV potential calculated data for rooftop layer attribute table
Column Unit Description
Average Incoming Solar
Radiation in kWh
kWh/m
2
/yr
1 kWh = 1,000 watts, kWh is the standard
unit of energy, calculated by dividing Area
Solar Radiation tool results by 1,000.
Total Incoming Solar Radiation
on Rooftop
kWh/yr
Average incoming solar radiation multiplied
by rooftop area.
Average PV potential per square
meter
kWh/m
2
/yr Calculated using the chosen equation.
Total Rooftop PV potential kWh/yr
Average PV potential multiplied by rooftop
area.

3.3.5 Statistical Analysis for Extrapolation to Study Area
In order to answer the research question “what is the total solar PV potential for
residential rooftops in Kailua Kona,” it was necessary to use the data from the sample
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set to extrapolate out to the entire study area. To accomplish this, a number of analyses
were performed using JMP statistical discovery software. Analysis was done by parcel
class and for the total sample set. This work was undertaken to assess the influence of
terrain parameters on modeled PV potential and identify the relationship between
rooftop and lot size.
Multivariate correlation analysis was performed to identify any simple linear
associations between the various terrain parameters, PV potential, rooftop size and lot
size. Simple linear regression was run to identify a linear fit equation for rooftop and lot
size. This linear fit equation was the basis for extrapolating from the rooftop area in the
sample set to estimate the rooftop area in the entire study area.
Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to look at the influence of
multiple variables together on PV potential and to build the equations for calculation of
total PV potential for study area rooftops. This regression analysis was performed for
both average PV potential and total PV potential. The findings from the regression
analysis were used to look for patterns between classes and determine the influence of the
terrain parameters.

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CHAPTER 4: RESULTS
The following chapter shows the results of the modeling efforts described in the
methodology as well as a series of statistical analyses. The statistical analysis work was
performed to identify relationships and trends in the data in order to extrapolate from the
sample parcels to make predictions for PV potential in the entire study area.
4.1 Distribution of Lot Sizes, Rooftop Area, Terrain Parameters, and PV Potential
Table 4.1 displays a summary of the attributes of the total 224 samples parcels
(223 in the sample set and one rooftop with real PV production). This layer was created
by spatially joining the elevation, slope, and solar radiation point layers to the rooftop
polygon layer. Incoming solar radiation was used to calculate PV potential based on the
Súri et al. (2005) formula presented in Equation 1 in the literature review chapter. The
calculation of PV potential considered the average incoming solar radiation reaching the
total rooftop area. The layer was exported to Excel to create a pivot table summary of the
attribute characteristics.
In Table 4.1 we see that average elevation is relatively consistent across all
classes and in the total sample set. Class 6 displays a significantly higher minimum
elevation than all other classes. Minimum, average and maximum slope are also
relatively consistent across classes and in the total sample set. Finally, minimum,
average and maximum incoming solar radiation and thusly, PV potential, are also
consistent across classes and in the total sample set.

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Table 4.1 Summary of sample set parcel attributes in six classes: (A)-minimum lot
size (m
2
), (B)-average lot size (m
2
), (C)-maximum lot size (m
2
), (D)-minimum rooftop
size (m
2
), (E)-average rooftop size (m
2
), (F)-maximum rooftop size (m
2
), (G)-
minimum elevation (m), (H)-average elevation (m), (I)-maximum elevation (m), (J)-
minimum slope (°), (K)-average slope (°), (L)-maximum slope, (M)-minimum solar
radiation (kWh/m
2
/yr), (N)-average solar radiation (kWh/m
2
/yr), (O)-maximum
solar radiation (kWh/m
2
/yr ), (P)-average PV potential (kWh/m
2
/yr ), and (Q)-total
PV potential (kWh/yr ).

On the whole, rooftops in the sample set are approximately one quarter the size of
the lots. The total lot size area of the 224 sample parcels is 249,741 square meters and
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Total
No. of
parcels
17 36 59 58 37 17 224
A 554.00 691.00 774.00 958.00 1,423.00 1,896.00 554.00
B 614.47 721.08 879.53 1,114.45 1,576.49 2,263.29 1,114.92
C 685.00 766.00 953.00 1,417.00 1,878.00 2,951.00 2,951.00
D 43.47 109.52 34.67 117.92 195.02 194.65 34.67
E 179.84 227.40 250.49 293.26 324.87 363.62 273.37
F 302.37 452.99 390.74 511.89 489.94 570.05 570.05
G 14.15 29.09 13.21 9.63 6.56 50.36 6.56
H 211.97 182.47 222.36 245.75 205.64 264.85 221.68
I 495.63 525.57 490.81 474.00 526.27 483.08 526.27
J 8.65 9.56 2.04 5.65 11.84 3.68 2.04
K 22.34 20.91 23.48 23.38 22.85 21.76 22.72
L 42.14 38.01 41.11 40.63 38.90 32.60 42.14
M 1,311.25 1,298.06 1,153.50 959.26 1,059.42 1,283.31 959.26
N 1,488.08 1,488.50 1,463.10 1456.87 1,458.92 1,479.98 1,468.06
O 1,642.73 1,662.37 1,658.95 1,626.01 1,666.21 1,636.40 1,666.21
P 158.12 158.17 155.47 154.81 155.03 157.26 156.00
Q 479,093 1,297,527 2,301,597 2,630,450 1,866,895 971,135 9,546,696
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their digitized rooftop area is 61,234 square meters. When considering rooftop size, both
Class 1 and Class 3 show small minimum values (43.47 and 34.67 square meters). There
are only two of these small structures in the sample set and they were investigated
further. It is likely that they are not in fact residences but rather garage or shed type
buildings existing on an empty residential lot. Table 4.1 shows an interesting
characteristic for the rooftop area values of Class 2. The classes were stratified by lot
size under the assumption that lot size would influence size of homes on it. While the
average rooftop sizes fall in line with this assumption, the findings diverge when
considering the minimum and maximum rooftop size values. Class 2 has significantly
larger values than Class 3, with a minimum of 109.52 and maximum of 452.99 whereas
Class 3 has values of 34.67 and 390.74 respectively.
4.2 Correlation Analysis
Multivariate correlation analysis was completed to identify the linear association
between PV potential and each explanatory variable in order to test for any relationship
between the variables. Correlations were assessed by class section and across all samples.
Results are displayed in Tables 4.2 and Table 4.3.
In Table 4.2, we can see that average PV potential per square meter is the most
strongly correlated with average slope across all classes. This negative relationship
indicates a lower PV rooftop solar photovoltaic potential on more steeply angled
surfaces.

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Table 4.2 Standard correlation showing the relationship between variables across all
classes: (A)-average PV potential (kWh/m2), (B)-average elevation (m), (C)-average
slope (degrees), (D)-size of rooftop (m
2
), and (E)-lot size (m
2
)
Class A B C D E
Class 1 A 1.00
N = 17 B 0.12 1.00
C -0.85 -0.02 1.00
D -0.34 0.34 0.10 1.00
E -0.35 0.47 0.23 0.15 1.00
Class 2 A 1.00
N = 36 B 0.12 1.00
C -0.83 0.10 1.00
D 0.13 -0.06 -0.26 1.00
E -0.17 0.26 0.35 -0.28 1.00
Class 3 A 1.00
N = 59 B 0.11 1.00
C -0.81 0.04 1.00
D 0.09 0.01 -0.06 1.00
E -0.05 -0.03 0.14 0.20 1.00
Class 4 A 1.00
N = 58 B 0.12 1.00
C -0.75 0.24 1.00
D -0.60 -0.04 0.04 1.00
E -0.07 -0.17 0.13 0.07 1.00
Class 5 A 1.00
N = 37 B -0.03 1.00
C -0.91 0.15 1.00
D 0.10 -0.05 -0.24 1.00
E -0.02 0.26 0.00 0.28 1.00
Class 6 A 1.00
N = 17 B -0.03 1.00
C -0.93 0.13 1.00
D -0.07 0.35 0.12 1.00
E -0.02 -0.24 0.15 0.29 1.00
Bold indicates statistically significant (0.99)
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The correlation between average PV potential with rooftop size or lot size is not
as clear. Class 1 and Class 4 samples display the strongest statistically significant
correlation between rooftop size and average PV potential (-0.34 and -0.60). Class 1 also
shows a negative correlation between lot size and PV potential (-0.35) which is also
statistically significant. Both of these correlations are negative suggesting that larger
rooftops and lot sizes have less average PV potential per square meter. Class 2, 3, and 5
rooftop size is positively correlated with PV potential while lot size is negatively
correlated; however only lot size shows significance.
Elevation appears to show a slightly positive correlation with rooftop size (0.34)
and lot size (0.47) in Class 1, which suggests that larger lot sizes are located in higher
elevation areas. It is not statistically significant, however. In Class 2, average elevation
shows a small correlation (0.26) with lot size. Class 5 shows the same correlation
between lot size and elevation (0.26), also suggesting that larger lot sizes appear to be
located at higher elevations but neither are statistically significant. This is not, however,
the case for Class 6 where elevation and lot size show a statistically significant negative
correlation. Class 6 does display a moderate correlation between rooftop size and
elevation (0.35), although it is not significant.
When looking at the relationship between rooftop and lot size, all classes display
a positive relationship except Class 2 which is the only statistically significant variable.
Class 3, 5 and 6 show a moderate correlation between rooftop and lot size (0.20, 0.28 and
0.29, respectively) with no statistical significance. This suggests that larger lot sizes have
larger homes. The remaining classes (1 and 4) show little correlation between these two
variables.
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Table 4.3 displays the correlation across all samples. We can see that average PV
potential per square meter is strongly correlated with average slope (-0.83) with statistical
significance, while no significant correlation is shown with elevation. Average PV
potential is not very correlated with rooftop area or parcel area but the relationship is
statistically significant. Lot size and rooftop appear to be relatively correlated (0.54) with
statistical significance. This warrants further investigation into the relationship between
rooftop and lot size as this relationship will be used to estimate the total available rooftop
space for the study area.
Table 4.3 Standard correlation table showing the relationship between variables
across all 224 samples. (A): average PV potential (kWh/m
2
), (B): average elevation
(m), (C): average slope (degrees), (D): size of rooftop (m
2
), and (E): lot size (m
2
).
N = 224 A B C D E
A 1.00
B 0.07 1.00
C -0.83 0.12 1.00
D -0.03 0.08 -0.03 1.00
E -0.04 0.07 0.03 0.54 1.00
Bold indicates statistically significant (0.99)
When considering the results of the above multivariate correlation analyses, one
consistently sees a strong negative correlation between PV potential and average slope.
The findings from the multivariate correlation for both the total samples as well as the
correlations at each Class level show there is not much significant interaction between the
elevation and slope variables. Thus, we can further investigate how they influence PV
potential without being concerned about how they may be affecting one another.
The relationship between lot size and rooftop area is of particular interest in this
study as total rooftop area must be estimated based on lot size data. The correlation
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analysis results are inconclusive. The total sample set shows a statistically significant
correlation of 0.54 (Table 4.3) but when considered by class there are no consistent
findings. Class 2 shows a significant negative correlation of -0.28 and Class 4 does not
display any significant correlation at 0.07.
4.3 Rooftop and Lot Size Correlation
In order to estimate the total residential rooftop photovoltaic potential for the
study area it is necessary to extrapolate from the sample set results. For the sample, 224
parcels (223 samples and one rooftop with real PV production) were chosen for rooftop
digitizing from the total of 4,460 residential parcels in the study area. The relationship
between rooftop and lot size was analyzed using a bivariate fit Y by X model. The
bivariate fit model provides the intercept and coefficient for the linear fit of rooftop to
parcel size. The results are displayed in Table 4.4. The intention was to use the findings
in order to estimate the total rooftop area in the 4,460 residential parcels. Similar to the
multivariate correlation discussed in Section 4.2, there is little conclusive when
considering the samples broken down by Class. The adjusted R
2
values for Classes 1-6
show no significant influence of lot size on rooftop area. Once again we see a negative
coefficient relating rooftop size and lot size for Class 2. When considering the total
sample set, we see a more promising adjusted R
2
value of 0.29.
Table 4.4 Bivariate fit modeling the correlation between rooftop and lot size for
each Class 1-6 and the total sample set
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Total
R
2
Adj
-0.04 0.05 0.02 -0.01 0.05 0.02 0.29
Intercept 46.74 836.96 65.55 258.66 66.65 155.18 **162.14
Coefficient 0.22 -0.85 0.21 0.03 0.16 0.09 **0.10
**statistically significant 0.99
>B!
!
4.4 Regression Analysis
After reviewing the results from the multivariate correlations and the simple
linear regression, a final analysis was run to look at the influence of the multiple variables
together and build the linear fit equation that would be used for extrapolation to the entire
study area. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the relationship between the
slope, elevation, rooftop area and lot size explanatory variables and their influence on the
modeled PV potential values. This method was employed so that a stronger case could be
made for the findings from the modeling exercise. The results discussed here serve as the
basis to the extrapolation to the entire study area. Both standard least squares and
stepwise approaches were utilized. Each method displayed the same final results. Table
4.5 displays the results for average PV potential and Table 4.6 summarizes the results for
total rooftop PV potential.
Table 4.5 Average PV potential least squares regression analysis (A)-average PV
potential (kWh/m
2
/yr) from ESRI model, (B)-average elevation coefficient, (C)-
average slope coefficient, (D)- rooftop area coefficient and (E)- lot size coefficient
**Class 1 **Class 2 **Class 3 **Class 4 **Class 5 **Class 6 **Total
A 158.12 158.17 155.47 154.81 155.03 157.26 156.00
R
2
Adj
0.86 0.72 0.66 0.64 0.84 0.86 0.71
Intercept **234.51 **163.92 **174.54 **177.39 **206.81 **170.54 **188.18
B 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01
C **-1.09 **-1.31 **-1.37 **-1.56 **-1.88 **-1.31 **-1.44
D *-0.08 0.03 0.01 0.01 -0.00 0.00 0.00
E *-0.06 -0.01 0.00 -0.00 -0.02 -0.01 -0.01
*statistically significant 0.95
**statistically significant 0.99
In Table 4.5 we see that the average slope was the most statistically significant
variable across all classes and in the total sample. Elevation also shows a significant
@C!
!
influence when considering the total sample set. Class 1 shows some statistically
significant influence from both rooftop area and lot size but this is not seen in any of the
other classes nor does it appear this way for the total sample set. Overall, rooftop and lot
size show very little influence on average PV potential per square meter in the linear fit
equation.
The adjusted R
2
values for each class range from 0.67 in Class 3 up to 0.84 in
Class 4. Here we see an adjusted R
2
value of 0.71 for the total sample set indicating that
the variables included can describe approximately 71 percent of the variance in PV
potential.
Table 4.6 Total PV potential least squares regression analysis (A)-total PV potential
(kWh/ yr) from ESRI model, (B)-average elevation coefficient, (C)-average slope
coefficient, (D)-roof top area coefficient, and (E)-lot size coefficient
**Class 1 **Class 2 **Class 3 **Class 4 **Class 5 **Class 6 **Total
A 479,093 1,297,526 2,301,596 2,630,449 1,866,895 971,135 9,546,696
R
2

Adj
0.99 0.99 0.98 0.97 0.97 0.99 0.98
Intercept *11,182.44 1,981.36 3,430.38 *6,900.85 *14,942.77 999.92 **7,738.05
B *7.65 *2.33 *3.71 *7.72 4.72 4.44 **3.83
C **-174.06 **-269.96 **-289.47 **-456.59 **-616.61 **-462.06 **-385.18
D *150.86 **161.14 **160.90 **154.30 **153.30 **157.73 **157.05
E -12.80 3.65 1.41 1.77 -0.74 3.38 -0.13
* statistically significant 0.95
**statistically significant 0.99

As one would expect in Table 4.6, rooftop area plays a significant role in total
rooftop PV potential. Here we see slope as the other significant variable across all
classes and elevation once again statistically significant for the entire sample set. The
adjusted R
2
values for total PV potential least squares regression range from a low of 0.97
in Class 5 to 0.99 in Classes 1 and 2. The total sample set has an adjusted R
2
of 0.98.
@%!
!
4.5 Extrapolation to Study Area: Rooftop Area, Average and Total PV Potential

In order to answer the proposed research question, it was necessary to use the
rooftop lot size bivariate fit equation built from the sample set data (Table 4.4) along with
the regression equations created for the average and total PV potential (Tables 4.5 and
4.6) and apply them to the data available for the entire study area parcels. The first step
was to estimate the total rooftop area for all residential parcels. This was done using the
equations built from the coefficients in Table 4.4 and the results are displayed in Table
4.7. The rooftop area for each of the 4,460 was calculated using the lot size area listed in
the TMK parcel dataset. The available data shows total lot area equaling 4,959,217.49
square meters. In Column B of Table 4.7 there are two rooftop totals listed for the study
area. The sum of classes total is the total rooftop area as summed from the bivariate fit
equations for each class. The second total was calculated using the bivariate fit equation
built for the total sample set. The results from the calculations performed here estimate
total rooftop area between 1,213,074.61 and 1,219,066.15 square meters, or
approximately 24.5 percent of lot area. This falls in line with the sample set measured
values discussed in Section 4.1.
This estimated rooftop area was then utilized for the average and total PV
potential equations. Table 4.7 also displays the results for average and total PV potential
for the study area. The average rooftop PV potential per square meter was calculated for
the study area based on the linear fit equations built from the regression analysis
displayed in Table 4.5. Total PV potential was calculated using the equations built from
Table 4.6. For both calculations, the average elevation and slope variables were
@&!
!
populated using the sample set average values calculated for each class (displayed in
Table 4.1).
Table 4.7 shows the total PV potential using the regression analysis equations.
Here we see a range of 189.847,428 - 190,788,394 kWh (or 189.85-190.79 GWh) of
electricity annually.
Table 4.7 Regression analysis rooftop area, average and total PV potential: (A)-
Total lot area from parcel data (m
2
), (B)-total calculated rooftop area (m
2
), (C)-
average calculated PV potential (kWh/m
2
/yr), and (D) total PV potential (kWh/yr)
A B C D
Class 1 212,453.91 62,471.29 159.11 9,234,300.24
Class 2 509,134.07 158,830.50 158.28 25,176,164.25
Class 3 1,023,162.68 292,103.62 155.40 45,466,573.85
Class 4 1,319,884.01 344,389.50 154.89 53,281,471.12
Class 5 1,103,117.98 227,609.66 155.11 35,357,562.85
Class 6 791,464.85 127,670.03 157.13 20,031,420.68
Total
(sum of classes)
Total
(regression analysis)

4,959,217.49

4,959,217.49

1,213,074.61

1,219,066.15

156.65

156.10

189,847,428.76

190,788,394.32

When considered in the context of the total energy use by Hawaii Island, this is
approximately 17 percent of the total electricity HELCO provided to the Island in 2012.
At the current residential electricity rate of $.43, the total of 190.79 GWh per year has a
dollar value of value of $82,039,009.56. This works out to be an average of 42,778 kWh
or $18,394 per rooftop. This potential far exceeds the average demand for an average
household. Typical residential energy use is around 500 kWh per month or approximately
$2,580 dollars for electricity annually (DBEDT 2013a). These findings are elaborated on
in the discussion chapter.
@'!
!
4.6 Comparison with Real Home PV Production
One parcel from the sample set was chosen for comparison with modeled
findings. This parcel is in Class 5 with a total lot size of 1,673 square meters. The
digitized rooftop area measures 340.92 square meters. This digitized rooftop area was
compared to the rooftop area calculated by applying the bivariate fit equations built from
Table 4.4. When using the Class 5 equation with the given lot size, the rooftop area for
this parcel calculates out to be 340.76 square meters. This is very close to the digitized
area. The bivariate fit equation for the total sample set calculates a rooftop area of 329.48
square meters.
The modeled average PV potential generated by this study using the Esri toolset
was analyzed against actual generation data recorded by the homeowner’s PV tracking
system. It is important to note that the PV potential values initially calculated using the
modeled incoming solar radiation were based on the SW260 panel chosen for this
research and presented in the methods section. After discussing with the homeowner
however, it was discovered that he does not have the SW260 installed, and the
characteristics associated with the installed panel are quite different. The main thing to
note is that the installed panel is both smaller and less powerful than the SW260 used in
the original calculations. The estimated PV potential from the incoming solar radiation
model was adjusted to properly reflect the installed panel’s size and power rating in order
to accurately compare with the real time product data collected from the home. Table 4.8
below shows how the installed panels compare with the type used for the original
estimation.

@(!
!
Table 4.8 Solar panel information used for model versus as built on sample home
Originally Modeled Modified to As Built
Panel Type Solar World SW260 Solar World SW175
Total rated power output in W per m
2
(PTC or PV
USA conditions, unit-W)
232.30 156.60
Panel size (m
2
) 1.68 1.34
Panel output (kW/m
2
) 0.14 0.12
Average Solar Radiation from Esri model
(kWh/m
2
/year)
1,568.78 1,568.78
Average PV Potential (kWh/m
2
/yr) 166.70 145.06
Total Rooftop Area (m
2
) 340.92 340.92
Total PV Potential (kWh/yr) 56,832.27 49,453.47

The actual generation data from the site was downloaded from the Enphase Enlighten
dashboard system with the homeowner’s permission. Production data was collected for
all of 2012 and from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013. There are a total of 12 panels on
the rooftop but only 11 were functioning during 2012. Calculations were adjusted to
reflect the installed panel type and the difference in total panel area between 2012 and
2013. Because data for 2013 was only available through June, the total output for the six
months was doubled to get an estimate for the entire year. The total PV production in
2012 and estimated total for 2013 was used to calculate the average PV production per
square meter. This recorded average PV potential was then compared with the modeled
average PV potential. The results are displayed in Table 4.9.
When we compare the recorded PV production with the model we see the
adjusted model average PV potential significantly underestimated the actual PV
generation per square meter. The study modeled average PV potential of 145.06
kWh/m
2
/yr is 68 percent of the actual production in 2012 (212.5 kWh/m
2
/yr) and 69
percent of the average estimated for 2013 (208.48 kWh/m
2
/yr). When taking this
@>!
!
difference into account it is important to remember that the model assumed an average
for the entire rooftop incoming solar radiation whereas the 12 panels on the home were
installed on the portion of the roof receiving the most sun. This discrepancy is addressed
in more detail in the discussion chapter.
Table 4.9 Recorded rooftop PV production data compared with adjusted model

Actual 2012 Actual 2013 Adjusted Model
Logged PV Production 6 months
January - June (kWh)
1,597.34 1,631.28
PV Production 12 months (kWh) 3,043.27 *3,262.57
Total PV Panel Area (m
2
) 14.35 *15.65
PV Production (kWh/m
2
/yr) 212.15 *208.48 145.06
*estimate based on 6 months data

@@!
!
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION
This study sought out to answer the question: What is the PV potential for residential
rooftops in Kailua Kona? This work provides a high level overview of photovoltaic
energy potential in the study area and proposes a method to model two pieces of
information that were unavailable at the time the study was implemented. These include
high-resolution incoming solar radiation data and total rooftop area. The work highlights
the potential for future analysis using LiDAR data to automate rooftop inventories and
describe solar radiation point data on rooftops.
Based on the total study area regression analysis findings presented in this
document (Table 4.7), we see that the estimated photovoltaic electric energy generation
potential for rooftops is approximately 190,000,000 kWh annually. This would be
approximately 17 percent of the total electricity the utility provided to the entire Big
Island in 2012 (DBEDT 2013a).
While it is not possible to calculate exact installed capacity for the proposed
energy generation, we can make an estimate based on calculated rooftop area. For
example, total rooftop area from the sum of each class equals 1,213,075 m
2
. This amount
of space could potentially hold up to 722,068 Solar World SW260 PV panels (each panel
is 1.68 m
2
). This equates to 129,157 kW or approximately 130 MW in distributed PV
capacity (with standard derating of 0.77). Installations of this magnitude would be about
36 percent of the utility’s current total generating capacity and 69 percent of the Big
Island’s peak load (DBEDT 2013a).
When reporting these PV potential and rooftop area estimates, it is essential to
discuss the uncertainty inherent in these findings. Three main steps were taken to build
@4!
!
the model for extrapolation to the study area. It was first necessary to select a
representative sample, then the linear fit between rooftop size and lot size was calculated,
and finally multiple linear regression analysis for total PV potential was completed.
Uncertainty was introduced at each step in the analysis and is discussed in detail in the
next paragraphs.
A total of 4,460 residential parcels were identified within the study area.
Recognizing that digitizing and calculating incoming solar radiation for each rooftop was
not feasible, a 5 percent sample set (223) was chosen to provide the basis for
extrapolation. This sample size has a 95 percent confidence level with confidence interval
of 6.4. This means that we can be 95 percent confident that a sample size of 223 parcels
(+/- 6.4) will provide accurate representation of parcels in the whole study area.
The total rooftop area was predicted using the bivariate fit Y by X model. The
sample rooftop areas were fit against the lot sizes and these equations were the basis for
extrapolation to the entire study area. This model explains about 30 percent of the
variability in rooftop area across the study area according to adjusted R
2
.
The multiple linear regression model predicts total PV potential based on average
elevation, average slope, rooftop area and lot size. This has a higher degree of confidence
with an adjusted R
2
of 0.98. The model therefore can describe almost all of the variation
in PV potential in the sample rooftops. That said, this model is inextricably linked to the
available rooftop area thus relies on the input from the less certain bivariate fit model.
Beyond the statistical uncertainty there are also unquantified sources of
uncertainty introduced by processing of LiDAR point data, manual digitization of
rooftops, estimating solar radiation, and averaging of parameters for calculation of PV
@A!
!
potential. While great care was taken to minimize errors, it is important to recognize
potential sources of uncertainty introduced throughout the research. Additionally, there
were a number of simplifications that were necessary to complete the analysis. These are
described in the next section.
5.1 Project Assumptions
The findings presented in this document are based on a methodology that has
simplifications about system design and overall feasibility. The regression equations
utilized were constructed using averages for each rooftop as opposed to individual point
data. The research was designed as such to overcome inconclusive point data and
produce an understanding of the overall potential magnitude of distributed rooftop PV in
this region. The hope is that this work can inform future research projects that further
integrate higher resolution topographic data and imagery to create viable solar insolation
point data for individual homeowners. The major assumptions are described in detail in
this section in order to set the stage for evaluating the methodology and describing future
research.
For this study it was assumed that the entire rooftop can be used for PV
generation. Based on the extrapolated total rooftop calculations, average rooftop area for
the 4,460 parcels in the study area is approximately 272 m
2
. An average rooftop of this
size could hold approximately 161 panels per rooftop, or a 28.76 kW system (with
standard derating of 0.77). DBEDT (2013a) estimates the current residential PV systems
on Hawaii Island around 4.4 kW per system. The national average for residential is 4.77
kW (IREC 2013). Thus, the average whole rooftop system proposed by this project
would be at least six times the current average size.
@B!
!
In reality, whole roof PV installations are not feasible. The major limiting factors
include grid saturation and high installations costs. In the systems described here,
production capacity far outweighs typical household usage. Current residential usage is
approximately 500 kWh per month or 6,000 kWh annually (DBEDT 2013a). This
study’s findings estimate the overall PV potential energy generation around 190,000,000
kWh (190 GWh). This would be approximately 42,600 kWh per rooftop; over seven
times the current usage. Based on these findings, full rooftop PV installations on the
study area homes could provide enough energy to power over 31,000 homes annually.
As discussed in the introduction chapter, grid interconnection is a very important
consideration. Whenever generation is greater than what is being consumed the power
must go somewhere. Solar electricity is not a firm source of power and therefore is only
available during daylight hours and at varying intensity throughout the day. The fact that
an excess of generation would be produced during a short period of time during the day
would cause substantial interconnection issues that would need to be addressed before
any installations of such magnitude could be considered. With high levels of distributed
PV generation already causing saturation issues on much of the utility grid, the oversizing
of rooftop systems is even less likely in the future.
The research design also does not consider financial feasibility of installations of
this size. There are high installation costs associated with the larger system sizes like
those proposed here. If we are to take the proposed system size of 28.76 kW and look at
overall cost of installation based on current installed costs of about $5,750 per kW, each
household system would cost approximately $165,370 before rebates and tax credits
(Solar Energy Industry Association 2012; DBEDT 2013a). Even with available tax
4C!
!
credits and incentives potentially reducing installed cost by over 50 percent, this would
still be a tremendous investment. Without a system to sell power back for distribution,
systems of this size would not make financial sense for homeowners.
Despite these simplifications and assumptions there is some value in the methods
developed for this study. The following sections discuss the methods in detail to identify
the strengths and weaknesses of the work undertaken.
5.2 Review of Methodology
The methods were designed to overcome a lack of available data for the study
area. The main things executed in this research include (1) modeling solar radiation, (2)
estimating available rooftop area and (3) calculating PV from incoming solar radiation.
The high resolution LiDAR data was a key input for the completion of this study.
5.2.1 LiDAR Performance
LiDAR was chosen as the main source data for the rooftop analysis performed in
this study. This decision was made to take advantage of the benefits of using the highest
resolution data available. As explained by Chen (2007), LiDAR is gaining popularity in
many urban planning and landscape ecology applications.
The ArcGIS 3D Analyst extension was used to process the point clouds to usable
products for the study. The LiDAR data obtained contained raw ASCII files with all
points, ground, points and extracted points. The extracted points were chosen to create
the 2-meter resolution digital surface model (DSM). Thus, the final surface included all
the extracted points, meaning both the building rooftops and surrounding vegetation are
displayed in the surface model.
4%!
!
The inclusion of both vegetation and rooftop points proved more problematic than
originally anticipated. Because the rooftop points could not be differentiated from the
surrounding vegetation automatically, the building rooftops had to be manually digitized
to isolate rooftop points. This greatly increased the time needed to generate a rooftop
sample and introduced additional human error into the sample as well.
The DSM served as the main source data for the rooftop elevation, slope, aspect,
and solar radiation data points. These point datasets were clipped to the rooftop sample to
prepare for spatial joining. Figure 3.8 displays highly divergent solar insolation points
that warranted additional review to determine the reliability of these results. Using the
aspect points (Figure 3.9) and a high resolution image obtained from Google Earth
(Figure 3.10), it was determined that there were some significant limitations in the point
data as it was displayed on rooftops. In particular, the orientation (aspect) points do not
appear to align with the as-built rooftop directions. This error could have been introduced
during processing or digitizing, but it also could be a result of the age of the LiDAR data.
For example, the image displayed in Figure 3.10 was captured in 2013 while the LiDAR
points were collected in 2006. The differences in rooftop appearance and LiDAR points
could also be attributed to modifications made to the vegetation and building structures
during the seven years between the times when the different datasets were created.
5.2.2 Modeling Solar Radiation
As discussed in the previous section, great care was taken to utilize existing high
resolution LiDAR data and build a 2-meter digital surface model as the input to calculate
solar radiation. Because of the high resolution of this input data, processing time for
calculating incoming solar radiation greatly increased. Insolation calculations are
4&!
!
typically very time-consuming, especially with high-resolution topographic data. Like
any research project, trade-offs must be made between accuracy and calculation time.
After an initial effort to run the area solar radiation with a higher resolution values for the
viewshed (sky size) and day interval, it was determined this resulted in significant
calculation time that was not feasible with the computer available for processing. To
overcome this barrier, the default input values for the Area Solar Radiation tool were
chosen. Although the default value for viewshed is adequate for complex topography, the
output solar radiation surface could have benefited from optimizing input parameters for
surfaces with man-made structures.
5.2.3 Rooftop Area Estimation
At the outset, this study suffered from the lack of a rooftop or building structure
dataset. The available parcel dataset only included lot size measurements. The
methodology was then developed to test the hypothesis that lot size was in some way
correlated with rooftop size in the sample set with the hope that the available parcel
dataset could be utilized to predict rooftop area for the sample set.
The residential parcels were divided into classes by area in order to select the
representative sample randomly. Rooftop size was digitized for all parcels in the sample
set and the parcel with real time PV production. These rooftop sizes were then analyzed
against the lot sizes to develop the bivariate fit equation for each class and across the
entire sample set. The intention was to evaluate the performance of the model at each
class level compared with the equations built for the total sample set to see if the division
into classes showed any additional correlations that were not visible when analyzing the
sample as a whole. Similar to the work completed by Wiginton et al. (2010), these
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!
equations were used for extrapolation to the study area. The correlation between rooftop
and lot size is displayed in Table 4.4.
The adjusted R
2
values for these correlations did not initially offer much
confidence in the fit model built for Classes 1 to 6, respectively, thus indicating very little
association between rooftop and lot size. The equation built for the total sample set shows
an adjusted R
2
of 0.29, offering a bit more confidence in the relationship but still only
indicating that parcel size can explain approximately 30 percent of the variance in rooftop
size.
When designing this research project, the initial intention was to have at least two
parcels for a ground truth comparison with modeled data. Unfortunately, after contacting
multiple residents, only one homeowner with at least one year of historical data was
willing to volunteer this information. This parcel is located in Class 5. For this chosen
parcel, digitizing produced a feature class with rooftop size of 340.92 m
2
. When the
Class 5 bivariate fit equation is applied to the parcel size, the rooftop area calculates to be
340.76 m
2
. The total sample set bivariate equation calculates this rooftop to be 329.48 m
2
.
This indicates that despite the low adjusted R
2
, the Class 5 fit model was more effective
at predicting the rooftop area for this particular parcel. Further assessment of the
calculated rooftop areas for each of the 223 digitized samples would provide additional
insight into the error associated with the fit models created by class and for the entire
sample set.
5.2.4 Estimating PV Potential
This study was designed by averaging incoming solar radiation for each rooftop
and then using that value to predict average PV potential. This means that the entire
4(!
!
rooftop, including portions that had lower incoming solar radiation, were also included in
the analysis. The method employed here was implemented as a means to overcome
uncertainty displayed in the specific rooftop point data (Figure 3.8, Figure 3.9).
We see the effects of the averaging when we compare the model findings with the
home with real PV production data. Table 4.9 shows a significant difference between the
average PV potential (kWh/m
2
/yr) produced on the actual rooftop installation in 2012 and
2013, and the average predicted by our project model. The average predicted PV
potential from the model is 30 percent less than the average PV produced by the installed
panels. The homeowner has installed a smaller system that is strategically located on the
portion of the rooftop receiving the most sunlight. Therefore the average energy
produced is justifiably higher than our predicted average for the entire rooftop.
That being said, the PV potential estimated for the sample set rooftops is based on
the incoming solar radiation and the efficiency of the technology installed on the roof.
Since it was possible to adjust the model for the specific type of panel installed on this
rooftop, this discrepancy could also be the result of the input parameters chosen for the
solar radiation toolset.
5.3 Future Research
This study was designed as a starting point to assess PV potential in an area that
has not yet had an analysis of this sort. It is useful to have an idea of the total potential
PV production but it does not provide an in depth analysis of the feasibility of the
installation of this magnitude of rooftop PV. There were many simplifying assumptions
that were made in order to move forward with this work and while we were able to
4>!
!
answer the research question, a number of new research directions have been identified
since performing this work.
5.3.1 LiDAR
The use of LiDAR point data offers a major opportunity for future research in
both automating rooftop inventories and calculating incoming solar radiation and PV
potential for homeowners. The results of the point data produced for rooftops in this
study highlight some uncertainty in the LiDAR surface created (Figure 3.8, Figure 3.9).
In the near term, future research is needed to improve the reliability of the rooftop point
data. Specifically, efforts to isolate vegetation from rooftop points are necessary.
Chen (2007) is a proponent for using imagery to validate filtering results from
LiDAR. In this case, analyzing additional rooftops against available imagery could assist
in the differentiation of trees from building structures. Even without high cost processing
software, there are opportunities to use existing imagery to automate the creation of a
rooftop vector layer. The Solar Model for the County of Los Angeles Solar Mapping
Portal (2010) uses aerial imagery to derive a normalized difference vegetation index
(NDVI) to subtract from the digital surface model to isolate buildings. The benefits for
automating rooftop layer creation are especially relevant for the Big Island, where there is
a lack of building structure data. The ability to create quick and low cost rooftop solar
inventories for whole communities would help developers and future homeowners
optimize the installation of photovoltaic technologies.
Future photovoltaic modeling should move beyond the use of averages, using the
technique described and implemented to get point data in this study. Averaging was a
necessary first step but it has identified the need for more detailed areas that need be
4@!
!
explored further for the data to become more useful in a real world implementation. By
generalizing the terrain parameters this study has done little to identify areas that would
be more appropriate to focus on for PV. This would also allow the incorporation of aspect
points which would add another significant variable to the overall analysis. In the face of
major grid saturation issues, solar radiation point data would give homeowners an idea
about viable areas for panel placement and better inform on the overall installation costs
and therefore the return on investment.
5.3.2 Optimizing Solar Radiation Model
With more time, additional optimization of the solar radiation model input
parameters would be beneficial. Multiple solar radiation surfaces should be created to test
performance. By optimizing the input parameters for a finer resolution viewshed one
may see more accurate results for complex surfaces with man-made structures. Modeled
surfaces could also be analyzed against measured incoming solar radiation collected from
a local weather station throughout the year. Although, at the time of this research was
conducted, only one weather station existed within in the area where LiDAR data was
collected.

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!
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Abstract (if available)

Abstract As carbon based fossil fuels become increasingly scarce, renewable energy sources are coming to the forefront of policy discussions around the globe. As a result, the State of Hawaii has implemented aggressive goals to achieve energy independence by 2030. Renewable electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technologies plays an important role in these efforts. This study utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data with statistical analysis to identify how much solar photovoltaic potential exists for residential rooftops in the town of Kailua Kona on Hawaii Island. This study helps to quantify the magnitude of possible solar photovoltaic (PV) potential for Solar World SW260 monocrystalline panels on residential rooftops within the study area. ❧ Three main areas were addressed in the execution of this research: (1) modeling solar radiation, (2) estimating available rooftop area, and (3) calculating PV potential from incoming solar radiation. High resolution LiDAR data and Esri’s solar modeling tools and were utilized to calculate incoming solar radiation on a sample set of digitized rooftops. Photovoltaic potential for the sample set was then calculated with the equations developed by Suri et al. (2005). Sample set rooftops were analyzed using a statistical model to identify the correlation between rooftop area and lot size. Least squares multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of slope, elevation, rooftop area, and lot size on the modeled PV potential values. The equations built from these statistical analyses of the sample set were applied to the entire study region to calculate total rooftop area and PV potential. ❧ The total study area statistical analysis findings estimate photovoltaic electric energy generation potential for rooftops is approximately 190,000,000 kWh annually. This is approximately 17 percent of the total electricity the utility provided to the entire island in 2012. Based on these findings, full rooftop PV installations on the 4,460 study area homes could provide enough energy to power over 31,000 homes annually. ❧ The methods developed here suggest a means to calculate rooftop area and PV potential in a region with limited available data. The use of LiDAR point data offers a major opportunity for future research in both automating rooftop inventories and calculating incoming solar radiation and PV potential for homeowners.

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Asset Metadata

Creator Carl, Caroline (author)

Core Title Calculating solar photovoltaic potential on residential rooftops in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

School College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Degree Master of Science

Degree Program Geographic Information Science and Technology

Publication Date 02/24/2014

Defense Date 01/09/2014

Publisher University of Southern California (original), University of Southern California. Libraries (digital)

Tag Hawaii,LiDAR,OAI-PMH Harvest,photovoltaic,PV,solar

Format application/pdf (imt)

Language English

Contributor Electronically uploaded by the author (provenance)

Advisor Lee, Su Jin (committee chair), Ruddell, Darren M. (committee member), Vos, Robert O. (committee member)

Creator Email caroline.neary@gmail.com,carolinn@usc.edu

Permanent Link (DOI) https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-c3-365262

Unique identifier UC11296164

Identifier etd-CarlCaroli-2267.pdf (filename),usctheses-c3-365262 (legacy record id)

Legacy Identifier etd-CarlCaroli-2267.pdf

Dmrecord 365262

Document Type Thesis

Format application/pdf (imt)

Rights Carl, Caroline

Type texts

Source University of Southern California (contributing entity), University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses (collection)

Access Conditions The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the a...

Repository Name University of Southern California Digital Library

Repository Location USC Digital Library, University of Southern California, University Park Campus MC 2810, 3434 South Grand Avenue, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, California 90089-2810, USA