GIS for Renewable Energy Planning and Solar Resource Mapping Training Course

Introduction

The GIS for Renewable Energy Planning and Solar Resource Mapping Training Course delivers specialized skills for professionals involved in the global transition to clean energy. This course equips participants with advanced GIS and remote sensing techniques to assess solar energy potential, optimize site selection, and support strategic renewable energy investments.

Participants will learn to integrate satellite-based irradiance data, terrain analysis, land suitability models, and regulatory constraints into solar energy development planning. The course provides practical tools to map solar farms, model energy yields, and visualize renewable infrastructure at scale, enabling participants to contribute to sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Target Audience

• Renewable Energy Engineers and Consultants
• Urban and Regional Planners
• Energy and Infrastructure Policy Experts
• GIS and Remote Sensing Analysts
• Environmental Impact Assessment Professionals
• Government and Utility Energy Planners
• Investors in Green and Clean Energy Projects

Duration

5 Days

Course Objectives

1. Understand geospatial frameworks for solar energy planning
2. Access and interpret satellite-based solar irradiance data
3. Identify suitable locations for solar PV and CSP systems
4. Model solar energy yields using GIS tools
5. Analyze terrain, land use, and environmental constraints
6. Map infrastructure requirements and grid connectivity
7. Develop interactive solar resource dashboards and reports
8. Support renewable energy policy through spatial analysis

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Renewable Energy and Spatial Planning

• Types of renewable energy and geospatial needs
• Solar PV vs Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems
• Overview of GIS in energy infrastructure planning
• Key spatial datasets for solar mapping
• Solar potential and land use dynamics

Module 2: Solar Radiation Data and Satellite Sources

• Understanding global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and DNI
• Accessing NASA POWER, HelioClim, and Solargis data
• Temporal variability and seasonality of solar resources
• Processing raster solar maps in GIS
• Data calibration and validation with ground stations

Module 3: Site Suitability Analysis for Solar Farms

• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using GIS
• Land cover and slope constraints
• Proximity to transmission lines and substations
• Environmental and social exclusion zones
• Final suitability index mapping

Module 4: Solar Energy Yield Modeling in GIS

• Energy production modeling using solar maps
• Estimating PV output with panel configuration inputs
• Shadow analysis and terrain shading
• Time-series solar yield analysis
• Integration with economic feasibility studies

Module 5: Infrastructure Mapping and Grid Integration

• Mapping energy transmission infrastructure
• Planning off-grid vs grid-connected solar systems
• Demand hotspot analysis using population and load data
• Buffer and network analysis for grid extension
• Identifying critical infrastructure needs

Module 6: Remote Sensing for Rooftop and Urban Solar Potential

• High-resolution imagery for urban solar mapping
• Identifying rooftop surfaces using LiDAR and orthophotos
• Estimating rooftop area and solar coverage
• Urban heat mapping and passive solar design
• Solar mapping in informal settlements and dense areas

Module 7: Environmental Impact and Policy Constraints Mapping

• Mapping ecological zones and sensitive habitats
• Land ownership and tenure data in solar planning
• Regulatory zoning and compliance visualization
• Socio-environmental impact screening with GIS
• Integration with EIA and permitting processes

Module 8: Solar Planning Dashboards and Energy Policy Tools

• Developing solar energy web dashboards
• Visualization of energy access and planning scenarios
• Linking spatial outputs to NDC and SDG reporting
• Tools for investment mapping and policy support
• Communicating energy potential to stakeholders

General remarks

• Customizable courses are available to address the specific needs of your organization.
• The participant must be conversant in English
• Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of completion from Lenol Development Center.
• The course fee for onsite training includes facilitation training materials, tea break and lunch.
• Accommodation and airport pick up are made upon request
• For any inquiries reach us through info@lenoldevelopmentcenter.com or +254 710 314 746
• Payment should be made to our bank