Drone Workflows for the Solar Sector
- Arpit Shah
- Sep 28, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 8
HYPERLINKED SECTIONS
1. ESTIMATING ROOFTOP SOLAR POWER POTENTIAL
The power of technology aside, what many of you may find compelling about this workflow is the ability to address a specific, albeit complex problem statement using a structured approach. Much like those tricky questions posed during interviews - What is the market size for shaving blades in India? - where you are only given macro-level data at the outset and are evaluated on your application of critical thinking and problem-solving.
So here's my question for you - Estimate the annual Solar Power generation potential on rooftops in your locality.
Spare a couple of minutes to think over it before you watch the four-minute workflow below. What information would you need? Which parameters would you consider in your analysis? Is your methodology pragmatic?
Credits: Esri Learn ArcGIS tutorials and ArcGIS Pro software
In the video demonstration below, I've addressed the problem statement utilizing-
a Digital Surface Model dataset (DSM is a digital representation of the Bare Earth and the Elevation values of the natural or man-made features above it) captured using Drone
a Building Footprint (outline of building exteriors) for the entire Locality captured using Drone
a powerful Location Analytics platform (GIS) to derive the Solar Power generation potential
Videos are best viewed in YouTube's HD mode either on PC or in Landscape view on Mobile Phone. You can adjust the play speed as per your viewing preferences
I hope you found the methodology used to arrive at the solution to be interesting. The answer (not shown in the video) is -
The Electricity Generation potential from Rooftop Solar Panels in the locality is 20,710 MWh annually.
The model's output can be refined further by adding more features besides Building Rooftops such as Parks and other public spaces or by relaxing/strengthening the parameters such as factoring in Weather Forecasts.
There are a wide variety of geoprocessing tools available for Solar Radiation computation & analysis within the advance Location Analytics platform - known in common parlance as Geographic Information System or just GIS.
Refer the GIS technology page here to know more about how it can benefit the Renewables sector
2. THERMAL INSPECTION OF SOLAR FARM
Have a look at the footage of my vendor's Drone equipped with a Radiometric Thermal Payload inspecting the solar panels at an industrial farm-
3. WET CLEANING OF SOLAR PANELS
Here's another footage from my own project involving the use of Drone equipped with Tank and Spraying Nozzle performing Wet Cleaning of Solar Panels at an industrial farm-
Useful, isn't it?
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers Mapping services that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India and will aid your organization to meet its stated objectives pertaining to Operational Excellence, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, the firm's area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities-
Our Mapping for Operations-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this brochure. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,
