SOLAR PANEL SITE SELECTION INSTALLATION USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC IDAH, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The increasing request for clean, renewable energy has made solar power an essential component of sustainable development, particularly in regions with abundant sunlight like Nigeria. This study explores the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques to identify suitable rooftop sites for solar panel installation within Federal Polytechnic Idah. High-resolution satellite imagery and spatial analysis tools were employed to evaluate rooftops based on critical criteria such as slope, aspect, solar exposure, and rooftop area. The methodology involved digitizing building rooftops, conducting terrain analysis, and generating a suitability map using spatial overlay techniques. The study revealed that a significant number of rooftops on the campus meet the essential requirements for solar installation, with southern-facing and flat or slightly sloped roofs emerging as the most optimal. The results highlight the potential of geospatial technologies in aiding energy planning and promoting renewable energy use at the institutional level. By integrating solar suitability mapping with physical infrastructure data, this research provides a foundation for informed decision-making regarding solar power implementation. The study concludes that GIS and Remote Sensing offer effective, cost-efficient solutions for solar site selection and can be replicated in other institutions or urban areas to support Nigeria’s transition toward clean energy.
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