A new map created by the City University of New York and the Department of Energy shows that two-thirds of the New York City's rooftops are suitable for solar power installations and if all of those roofs were outfitted with solar panels, the city could double the nation's current solar power capacity.
The NYC Solar Map was made by surveying every -- yes every -- rooftop in the city to see which were most primed for capturing solar power. A team of researchers made a series of flights over the city using a Lidar laser system to collect date on size, shape, angle and sun exposure vs. shade cover of each building. The rooftops that were deemed suitable could generate 5,847 MW, which is more than twice the nation's capacity of 2,300 MW, and enough to power half the city on solar power alone.
The map is interactive and allows users to type in addresses and get information on any building's solar potential. Building owners can even draw a mock system on their roof and see how much energy it would generate and how much money it would save. The map also has full details on all existing rooftop installations.
via NY Times
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written by Robert, June 21, 2011
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written by V, June 21, 2011
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written by Edouard Stenger, June 21, 2011
Now if more studies find that cities can generate half the electricity they need locally just with solar, this would surely be excellent !
Local and cleaner electricity production is key for a greener future !
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written by Albert, June 21, 2011
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written by Laurie, June 21, 2011
Some older roofs may not be viable, but the vast majority are- it also depends on the size of the installation.
Robert,
It is less expensive then you might think and the map calculates the cost and the payback for you- payback time averages 5 to 7 years for most installations and then the savings on your electrical bill really starts to add up. Check out your building on the map!
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written by Matt, June 22, 2011
Cost coming down, efficiency up, starting to see finance options. Dang nab-bit, soon we will be seeing those things on the roof in all those sunny cities.
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written by Chris, June 22, 2011
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written by sarah, June 23, 2011
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