Solar panels require optimal light exposure to generate electricity cost-effectively. So things like shading, obstructions, and roof orientation play a critical role in determining the amount of solar electricity that can be generated and the overall viability of solar in an area. As you look at the sunniness of geographic locations in the data explorer, you might notice patterns of sunnier (yellow) and less-sunny (purple) roofs. Greenville, SC, seen here, has distinctly sunnier roofs around main highways. This is because there are fewer trees, resulting in less shade across roofs closest to the highways. In more urban regions, you will often observe very concentrated shady areas of a city, not from trees, but from skyscrapers. Regardless of its cause, shade is a significant factor when assessing solar viability.
Estimated rooftop solar potential of Greenville, SC
Last updated: {{ $ctrl.details.getDateUpdatedMillis() | date:'MM/yyyy' }}Based on 91% data coverage over buildings in this geographic area. All estimates are based on buildings viable for solar panels. Included panels receive at least 75% of the maximum annual sun in the county. For Greenville, the threshold is 1,101 kWh/kW. Read about Project Sunroof’s methodology for defining solar viability below.
Greenville, SC
Estimated solar installation potential
Overall
Total estimated size and solar electricity production of viable roofs for Greenville, SC
Total installation size (MW DC)
Total yearly energy generation potential (MWh AC)
Per roof
Median estimated system size and solar electricity production per viable roof for Greenville, SC
Rooftop solar capacity distribution (number of roofs, < 50kW)
Rooftop solar capacity distribution (number of roofs, > 50kW)
Potential impact
If all the viable solar installations were implemented, the amount of avoided CO2 emissions from the electricity sector in Greenville would be:
Solar incentives
Estimate methodology
This tool estimates the technical solar potential of all buildings in a region. Technical potential includes electricity generated by the rooftop area suitable for solar panels assuming economics and grid integration are not a constraint. There are many definitions of technical potential, and other definitions may affect results by 25% or more. Based on Project Sunroof’s definition of technical potential, installations meet the following criteria:
Attribution
Feel free to include data from Project Sunroof in other materials, reports, and communications with the following attribution:
Source: Project Sunroof data explorer ({{ $ctrl.details.getDateUpdatedMillis() | date:'MMMM y' }}).