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Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS)

Description

PVGIS is an online tool that provides users with data on solar radiation and the energy production of photovoltaic (PV) systems worldwide and implemented by European Commission available in five languages with English as the primary. It is free to use without any restrictions or registration requirements. PVGIS offers various calculations and tools to assist users in their analysis.

To utilize the tools in PVGIS, users typically need to provide input by interacting with web forms. This can involve selecting options or entering information, such as the size of a PV system. Before performing calculations, users must specify the geographical location for which they want to obtain results. This can be done by clicking on the map, zooming in or out, entering an address in the designated field, or inputting latitude and longitude coordinates.

PVGIS provides users with multiple options for accessing the calculation results:

  1. Displayed in the web browser: The results are presented as numbers and graphs directly in the browser. Users can save the graphs as files if desired.
  2. Text format (CSV): Users can obtain the results as information in a text format, specifically comma-separated values (CSV). This format allows for further analysis or integration with other tools or software.
  3. PDF document: Upon requesting the results, users can choose to generate a PDF document that contains the relevant information. This document can be saved or printed for offline use.
  4. Non-interactive web services (API services): PVGIS offers non-interactive web services, also known as API services. These services allow users to retrieve results programmatically and integrate them into their own applications or systems. More details about these services can be found in the "Tools" section of PVGIS.

Overall, PVGIS provides users with flexibility in accessing and utilizing the calculation results, be it through graphical displays, text formats, PDF documents, or API services. This ensures that users can analyze and utilize the data in a manner that best suits their needs and preferences.

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Classifications

 

Scale of implementation

PVGIS is designed to be used at various scales, from individual users seeking data for a specific location to businesses, organizations, and governments analyzing solar energy potential and planning PV system installations on a larger scale. It can be utilized for both small-scale residential projects and large-scale commercial or utility-scale installations.

 

Type

PVGIS can be classified as a software tool. PVGIS can be accessed through a web browser and does not require any installation or local software setup. Users can interact with PVGIS's features and functionalities

 

Phase of solution

PVGIS is primarily used in the pre-installation or planning phase of photovoltaic system projects. It provides valuable information and calculations that assist users in assessing the feasibility, energy production potential, financial viability, and optimal placement of PV systems.

 

Target audience

PVGIS is for individuals, homeowners, businesses, energy consultants, engineers, project developers, and policymakers interested in solar energy and photovoltaic systems. It serves both beginners and experienced professionals, offering data-driven insights and analysis tools for informed decision-making.

Key Features-Functionality

The key features and functionality of PVGIS include:

  1. Solar Radiation Data: PVGIS provides accurate and detailed information on solar radiation levels at specific locations around the world. Users can obtain data on the amount of solar radiation received throughout the year, enabling them to assess the solar energy potential of a particular area.
  2. PV System Energy Production Estimation: The platform allows users to estimate the energy production of a photovoltaic (PV) system at a given location. By setting parameters such as system size, tilt angle, orientation, and other relevant factors, users can obtain an estimation of the energy output of the system over time. This helps in evaluating the feasibility and potential output of a PV installation.
  3. Financial Analysis: PVGIS includes tools for performing financial analyses related to PV system installations. Users can calculate metrics such as payback period, return on investment (ROI), and other financial indicators based on the estimated energy production and the cost of the PV system.
  4. Shading Analysis: The platform provides tools to assess shading effects on PV systems. Users can simulate and analyze the potential impact of shading caused by surrounding objects, such as buildings, trees, or other obstructions. This helps in identifying optimal locations for PV system placement to maximize energy production and minimize shading losses.
  5. Comparison of PV Technologies: PVGIS enables users to compare different photovoltaic technologies or configurations. It provides insights into the expected performance and energy production of various PV technologies under specific conditions.
  6. Maps and Visualizations: PVGIS offers interactive maps and graphical representations of solar radiation and energy production data. These visualizations help users easily understand and interpret the information, facilitating the identification of optimal locations for PV installations and aiding in data analysis.

Refences & Sources for Further Reading

 

  • Photovoltaic Geographical Information system (PVGIS), https://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools/en/
  • Psomopoulos, C. S., Ioannidis, G. C., Kaminaris, S. D., Mardikis, K. D., & Katsikas, N. G. (2015). A comparative evaluation of photovoltaic electricity production assessment software (PVGIS, PVWatts and RETScreen). Environmental Processes, 2, 175-189.
  • Huld, T., Müller, R., & Gambardella, A. (2012). A new solar radiation database for estimating PV performance in Europe and Africa. Solar Energy, 86(6), 1803-1815.
  • Suri, M., Huld, T., Cebecauer, T., & Dunlop, E. D. (2008). Geographic aspects of photovoltaics in Europe: contribution of the PVGIS website. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, 1(1), 34-41.
  • Questions and comments about PVGIS can be sent to our PVGIS team: JRC-PVGIS@ec.europa.eu