PV Analyst: Coupling ArcGIS with TRNSYS to assess distributed photovoltaic potential in urban areas

This study presents a means to extend the functionality of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in assessing distributed photovoltaic (PV) potential in urban areas, via the new ArcGIS extension: PV Analyst. A methodology is proposed for coupling ArcGIS with TRNSYS that enables the PV Analyst extension to use the capabilities of 4 and 5-parameter PV array performance models and the irradiance components in TRNSYS for solar energy simulations in geospatial contexts. Because PV Analyst is embedded within the ArcMap environment, part of ArcGIS software package, the strong capabilities of ArcGIS and other ArcGIS extensions such as 3D Analyst, Spatial Analyst and Tracking Analyst can be fully utilized with PV Analyst’s functionalities. This paper describes the concept and details of the extension development, as well as its application to the Pollock Commons area at the Pennsylvania State University.

► We propose a methodology for coupling ArcGIS with TRNSYS.
► We develop PV Analyst extension for solar energy simulations in geospatial contexts.
► PV Analyst can assess distributed PV potential in urban areas with different morphologies of buildings.
► Strong capabilities of ArcGIS can be fully utilized with PV Analyst’s functionalities.
► An application to the Pollock Commons area at the Pennsylvania State University is presented.