Diana Edwards, Megan Maurino, Alani Worden LAc188 Fall 2014 Acknowledgements c188 GSIs, Prof. John Radke, Janet Torres, National Map Viewer Limitations: Our model is an conceptual model that does not include land use and zoning. These two factors would provide a framework that would dictate where a facility would feasibly be built. Additionally, our results only identify locations that have a south facing aspect, however, the inclusion of areas that have southwest and southeast aspect could also be suitable (though not optimal) for solar power generating. Conclusion Solar power is an important component of sustainable infrastructure and will become increasingly important as we strive to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Our analyses revealed acres met our criteria of most suitable. Most suitable locations ranged in size from 11.7 acres to less than one acre. However, areas less then four acres are not ideal for solar power generating facilities, therefore only seven locations fit this criteria. Further research, including land use and zoning, is recommended in order to identify potential locations for future solar power generated facilities. Methods NDVI: We created Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the city of Berkeley. Using this map we hypothesised that the best locations for a solar power generating facility was going to be in areas with live green vegetation. Aspect: We created a Triangulated Irregular Network and performed an analysis in order to locate areas that have south facing slopes, as these areas receive the most sunlight. Suitability Analysis: In order to identify the best locations we performed a suitability analysis. We used the following factors in this analysis: Opportunities: -Located within 500 feet of roads -Less than 20% slope -South Aspect Constraints: -Located within 100 feet of water (chance of flooding) -Located within 1,000 feet of areas of potential landslides -Locations where burglary, theft, or vandalism have occurred. Introduction Solar power has been recognized a source of sustainable energy. The small but growing number of solar power generating facilities are an important component of meeting green house gas reduction goals. Our client is SunPower an industry leading solar panel manufacturer and electric utility partner. SunPower is the solar energy choice of more homeowners and businesses around the world. They have recognized that Berkeley is a unique place that is primed and ready for solar power. As a result, SunPower has asked us to find the best locations for a solar power generating facility in Berkeley. NDVI - Solar panels, like live plants, utilize solar rays. Areas with live green vegetation are likely to be good places for solar panels. Suitability Analysis – Data Processing: Unionize, create a new field, calculate the weights sum Results Best Locations for a Solar Power Generating Facility in Berkeley, CA Aspect Map – South facing aspect receive the strongest solar rays for the longest period of time. A Triangulated Irregular Network analysis creates a 3- D model that displays the different aspects of a landscape. Composite Constraints (weight of -1 each) -Within 100 feet of water (chance of flooding) -Within 1,000 feet of areas of potential landslides -Locations where burglary, theft, or vandalism have occurred. Composite Opportunities (weight of 1 each): -Located within 500 feet of roads -Less than 20% slope -South Aspect Composite Suitability Map Unionize, create a new field, calculate the weights sum