Abstract

Concentrated Solar Thermal Facilities: A GIS Approach for Land Planning
Track: Renewable Energy
Authors: Ronald Lehman

This study demonstrates how GIS can be effectively used by large scale solar utility developers to spatially reconcile prospect facility locations in a given region based on pre-existing geographic constraints. Beyond a typical siting model, this method addresses competitor application locations, exposes environmental concerns and adheres to California government regulations to efficiently facilitate the site development process. Prior literature, in conjunction with expert opinion, was used to define the appropriate search criteria. By using ESRI's Spatial Analyst, the weighted overlay tool, and other data driven inquiries, regions of undesired terrain were omitted leaving only the available sites favored for CSP solar development on BLM lands within San Bernardino County, California. Promising results have been witnessed when implemented in real-life working situations.