PhD student, URD-DIST/Politecnico di Torino
With rapid changes in sustainable development and incentives from the European Union, the energy sector, governments, and private companies are increasingly encouraged to use solar-powered sources in urban areas. Satellite-derived images provide estimates of solar irradiance, but images alone are insufficient for long-term solutions. To achieve more accurate results, this study integrates satellite images with modeling solutions, combining Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and GIS-based simulations. The research focuses on Torino, analyzing its solar energy potential at regional and city scales. Findings indicate that while urban morphology presents challenges such as shading and variable roof orientations, optimized modeling methods can enhance solar energy predictions. The study estimates that leveraging 40% of the available roof area could generate up to 20,6 GWh annually, covering approximately 25% of the city’s electricity needs. However, effective energy distribution remains crucial for sustainability.
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