Potential rooftop distribution mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Solar PV Installation: A case study for Dhaka, Bangladesh

To meet the ever increasing electricity demand in the urban area, roof-top solar PV offers a feasible and alternative solution along with conventional power supply from the electricity grid. Geographic Information Systems can be used as a significantly useful tool for potential rooftop distribution mapping. This paper aims at mapping potential roof-top area available in Dhaka city and evaluating the possible electricity supply from such installations. In this work, ArcGIS software has been used to compile and analyze the geographic data for potential bright roof-top area whereas HOMER has been used to model the energy system and to investigate the energy share from the roof-top PV installations. This type of study will encourage the entrepreneurship in the field of rooftop solar home system in the urban areas of a country.