Solar Energy Based Model for Decarbonization: A Case Study in Istanbul

This study investigated the suitability of rooftops in Istanbul for solar panels using a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) based approach. The characteristics of the roofs of approximately 1.3 million buildings in Istanbul, such as slope, area and orientation, solar radiation, were calculated with ArcGIS by Esri software, and the electrical energy they would generate and the carbon footprint (CFP) they would prevent if solar panels were placed on the roof of each building were calculated. Various scenarios were created for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050, and the change in the amount of carbon footprint over the years was analyzed. Istanbul's solar energy potential is 258.59 TWh, and the electricity generation if monocrystalline silicon solar panels are used on rooftops is 29.72 TWh. Since the effect of roof obstructions on the efficiency of solar panels is not considered, PV power generation may be overestimated. Istanbul's total rooftop electricity production has the potential to meet 70% of the total electricity consumption for the year 2023. In addition, a solar building information system has been established to help citizens and policymakers in the future and to raise awareness, including various data such as the solar potential of buildings, the amount of electricity generation, and how much carbon emissions will be prevented, and will be available online soon. This study can contribute to Istanbul reaching its carbon neutrality goals and producing effective results on a global scale.