2.3 Site selection and solar resource mapping for CSP projects

Choosing the right spot for a concentrated solar power (CSP) project is crucial. It's not just about finding sunny places - you need to consider land, environment, and infrastructure too. Think flat land, minimal impact on nature, and easy access to power lines and water.

Mapping out solar resources is key to CSP success. Using fancy tech like GIS and satellite data, we can pinpoint areas with the most sunlight. But it's not just about today's sun - we need to look at long-term patterns to make sure the project will shine for years to come.

Site Selection Criteria

Land and Environmental Considerations

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  An exploratory study of the South African concentrated solar power sector using the ... View original

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• Land availability evaluates suitable areas for CSP plant construction considering size requirements and land use restrictions
• Topography assesses terrain characteristics impacting plant layout and performance
  • Flat or gently sloping land preferred for easier installation and maintenance
  • Steep slopes or uneven terrain may increase construction costs and reduce efficiency
• Environmental impact examines potential effects on local ecosystems and biodiversity
  • Habitat disruption (desert tortoise habitats)
  • Visual impact on landscapes
  • Noise pollution from plant operations

Infrastructure and Resource Availability

• Grid connectivity analyzes proximity and capacity of existing transmission lines
  • Distance to nearest substation or high-voltage power lines
  • Transmission capacity to handle CSP plant output
• Water resources assess availability and sustainability of water supply for CSP operations
  • Cooling systems in wet-cooled plants require significant water resources
  • Dry-cooling systems reduce water consumption but may decrease overall efficiency
• Road access evaluates transportation infrastructure for construction and maintenance
• Proximity to urban areas considers potential conflicts with residential or commercial zones

Solar Resource Assessment

GIS Mapping and DNI Analysis

• Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping integrates various data layers for site evaluation
  • Land use, topography, infrastructure, and solar resource data combined for comprehensive analysis
• Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) thresholds determine minimum solar radiation levels for viable CSP projects
  • Typical minimum DNI threshold ranges from 1800-2000 kWh/m²/year
  • Higher DNI values generally correlate with improved plant performance and economic viability
• Solar resource variability examines fluctuations in solar radiation over time
  • Daily variations due to cloud cover and atmospheric conditions
  • Seasonal changes in sun angle and day length

Long-term Resource Assessment Techniques

• Satellite-derived data provides historical solar radiation information over large areas
  • Typically offers 10-20 years of data for initial site screening
• Ground-based measurements use pyranometers and pyrheliometers for accurate local data collection
  • Ideally conducted for at least one year to capture seasonal variations
• Numerical weather prediction models forecast future solar resource availability
  • Incorporate climate change projections for long-term planning
• Data analysis techniques identify trends and patterns in solar resource data
  • Statistical methods assess reliability and consistency of solar radiation
  • Performance simulation tools estimate potential energy output based on resource data