Site Selection
We decided to focus our efforts on a case study approach
to delve deeper into the details of the project. The first step was the selection of a suitable site.
Selection Criteria
Site
Characteristics
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Proximity to grid connections
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Environmental or legal restrictions
Renewables
Suitability
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Available space to develop storage and renewable generation
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Potential for
Solar PV and Wind
Site Energy
Data Gathering
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Availability of recent and updated demand data
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Demand profile and characteristics
Data
Analysis
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Potential for best return on installed renewable
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Opportunity to mitigate demand through renewable / storage installation
Area selection for Renewable Installation
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Area calculated using Google Earth
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Rooftop & Ground Mounted
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10% reduction for spacing
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Area chosen based on minimal EIA impact
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Total estimated area : 5,166 m2
Since it was not possible to arrange a visit onsite, Google Maps were relied on to select a suitable area for renewable installation. Roofs were chosen based on material, pitch, and height.
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Other buildings shown are lower, more susceptible to shading and do not have an internal MCC,
so would require additional electrical connections and infrastructure and groundworks to be undertaken.
The highlighted area just adjacent is owned by the representative and was selected due to the minimal amount of trees that would be cut down as opposed to the area more to the right. Solar irradiation angles and direction was also considered while making our selection to install south facing PV panels. Wind although initially considered, was unsuitable due to residential proximity and expected wind and energy generated – it was not feasible from initial cost and benefit perspective.