Rooftops Solar Energy Potential Modeling in Informal Settlements of Tabriz, Iran

Growing energy consumption due to rapid urbanization increases the need to transition from fossil-based to renewable energy-oriented structures to guarantee sustainable communities. Nowadays, decentralized PV is one of the most encouraging ways of energy production due to the availability of rooftops. Our research is on the assessment of the rooftop solar energy potential modeling in informal settlements of Tabriz, Iran. Considering the neighborhood scale, a 250x250m block is considered from the informal settlements. Using DEM extracted through COSMO-SkyMed imagery and building footprint data, a 20cm DSM was generated via UMEP. Then, using a model of SEBE integrated into UMEP, we estimated solar radiation from rooftops. The results show that on average 1767.31 kWh of solar can be generated on the building rooftops in the study area. The total rooftop area of the study area is 42674 m2. This means that these informal settlements have the potential to generate 1656692 kWh (1656.692 mWh) of solar energy. Investing in solar energy in informal settlements is highly recommended due to its high potential. Investors can benefit from the results of this study, which offers them a new investment opportunity.