Applying GIS tools to assess the potential of vertical solar photovoltaics on arterial roads in Malta

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the deep analysis of the added value of installing vertical solar photovoltaics on arterial roads in Malta. The main justification for carrying out this study is two-fold. On one hand, the EU’s 2030 targets aim at significantly increasing the contribution of renewable energy in the overall energy consumption and therefore the obligations of each Member State have become more pressing. Given that Malta has limited space or unsuitable space on roofs and land, it becomes imperative to think outside the box and evaluate the potential of other available spaces, especially given that the cost of photovoltaics has dropped significantly and therefore one can now afford to install them in different configurations that might produce less output than the optimal position, but still remain competitive. The second justification for carrying out this study is that the EU has recently dedicated significant targeted budget for recovery after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Around 78 million Euro has been budgeted for Malta to invest in addressing climate neutrality through enhanced energy efficiency, which specifically includes investments in renewable energy along footpaths, roads, and public spaces. The aim of the project is to evaluate the potential sites along arterial roads that can be considered for installing vertical solar PV systems, also acting as sound barriers or for reducing incoming traffic glare at night. The objectives include GIS analysis of all relevant arterial roads and adjacent sub-stations, evaluate existing shading impacts due to topology or other obstacles, calculate the expected energy output and associated carbon dioxide savings and evaluate the economic impacts or benefits of such projects. The methodology makes use of several GIS tools to map and hierarchically categorise potential sites along arterial roads suitable for vertical PV installations. Other software was used to evaluate the expected energy outputs and the economic implications. Results showed a potential for generating 31,726 MWh/year, which amounts to a 12% increase when compared to the total renewable energy generation of 2021 and this is equivalent to 1.4% of the total electrical energy consumed in Malta. The economic analysis indicated that such projects are feasible and can be implemented by potential private investors, but the substations can be a cost hinderance, so it was proposed that a public-private partnership would further popularise these investments.