Guidance on North West Net Zero Hub’s methodology for assessing rooftop solar potential using GIS, LiDAR, and Ordnance Survey data, including building suitability assessment, solar generation estimates, and local authority mapping outputs.
Resource
Solar potential analysis – GIS mapping: Instructions pack
This instructions pack provides detailed step-by-step guidance on the methodology developed by the North West Net Zero Hub for assessing rooftop solar potential across local authority areas using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Based on ESRI’s rooftop solar analysis approach, the methodology has been enhanced and adapted to meet the Hub’s operational requirements and local authority use cases. It sets out the data requirements, processing steps, screening criteria, and output formats required to identify buildings suitable for solar photovoltaic installation and to estimate potential electricity generation.
The instructions cover the use of ArcGIS, LiDAR elevation data, Ordnance Survey building footprints, postcode datasets, and ward boundary information. Guidance is included on data preparation, solar radiation modelling, slope and aspect analysis, suitability filtering, validation, and the creation of final GIS and Excel reporting outputs to inform their Net Zero projects and investment decisions.
This resource is intended to support local authorities and public sector organisations seeking to undertake consistent and evidence-based solar potential assessments as part of their Net Zero planning and delivery programmes.
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