How do I use the Global Solar Atlas?

Welcome to the Global Solar Atlas. Start exploring solar potential by clicking on the map. Select sites, draw rectangles or polygons by clicking the respective map controls. Calculate energy production for selected sites. The Global Solar Atlas provides a summary of solar power potential and solar resources globally.

What raster data is used to calculate photovoltaic power potential (pvout)?

The primary input is a global raster data layer, representing the long-term average of photovoltaic power potential (PVOUT), calculated by the Solargis approach. We consider a typical large-scale PV power plant.

What is a solar PV-T system?

Solar PV-T systems combine the production of both kinds of solar energy in one collector.

What is a photovoltaic power output histogram?

Distribution of a photovoltaic power output histogram communicates how much land in the country is available in practical potential Levels 0, 1, and 2, and various PVOUT ranges. It helps to understand what might be the approximate area for PV development available in the best or mod-erate parts of the country.

Will solar PV be a major power source by 2050?

By 2050 solar PV would represent the second-largest power generation source, just behind wind power and lead the way for the transformation of the global electricity sector. Solar PV would generate a quarter (25%) of total electricity needs globally, becoming one of prominent generations source by 2050.

How do we assess the costs of PV power generation?

We assess the costs of PV power generation at the country level based on the practical potential and the concept of LCOE. By using geospatial analysis of key factors, we identified the theoretical, practical, and economic poten-tial of PV in each country in the form of maps and summary tables. Theoretical physical potential