Assessing Land Availability for Utility Solar in North Carolina Using GIS
Abstract
The use of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity has
been increasing substantially in the U.S., and North Carolina is a leading state in
its installation. Optimally siting utility PV projects can maximize power generation
and reduce projects’ costs, environmental impacts, and social opposition. Our analysis
develops a GIS method to optimize siting these projects and assess how suitability
factors affect land availability over large areas. We first identify criteria important
for siting utility PV projects, such as land-cover, slope, and proximity to electrical
substations. We then assess how the stepwise addition of these criteria, from most
to least stringent, reduces the availability of suitable land across North Carolina.
As the use of utility solar grows in North Carolina, our analysis provides a relevant
assessment of siting constraints, identifies prime locations, and quantifies the state’s
theoretical potential for this power source.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/14180Citation
Brawner, Eric; Wang, Yifu; Hassaram, Janesha; & Wiesner, Hoel (2017). Assessing Land Availability for Utility Solar in North Carolina Using GIS. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/14180.Collections
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