Impact of terrain Example

See how the solar radiation on a particular surface of the development changes with or without including the terrain to the simulations.

Terrain impact on solar radiations

Case Study : Houses, New Tredegar, Wales

As it can be seen the terrain of the development’s location has many differences in height and this will affect the solar radiation falling on the development.

Terrain impact on solar radiations

Case Study : Houses, New Tredegar, Wales

N

= vantage point of photo

Solar radiation

No Terrain(kWh/m²·a)

Solar radiation Terrain

(kWh/m²·a)

Change

South-West

1056

South-East

1023

Terrain impact on solar radiations

Case Study : Houses, New Tredegar, Wales

N

= vantage point of photo

Solar radiation

No Terrain(kWh/m²·a)

Solar radiation Terrain

(kWh/m²·a)

Change

South-West

1056 847 - 25%

South-East

1023 932 - 10%

Terrain impact on solar radiations

Case Study : Houses, New Tredegar, Wales

Solar radiation

No Terrain(kWh/m²·a)

Solar radiation Terrain

(kWh/m²·a)

Change

South-West

1056 847 - 25%

South-East

1023 932 - 10%

This example demonstrates the importance of including the terrain in the model.

Through simulations it is shown that when the terrain was included there were differences to the amount of solar radiation falling on a surface. This is particularly important as it affects the performance of solar technologies, such as solar panels that may be incorporated to the development.