GIS-based assessment of photovoltaic solar potential on building rooftops in equatorial urban areas.

Installing photovoltaic systems (PVs) on building rooftops is a viable and sustainable alternative to meet the growing demand for electricity in cities. This work develops a methodology that uses LiDAR (laser imaging detection and ranging) technology and roof footprints to obtain a three-dimensional representation of the rooftops in the urban centre of Santa Isabel (Azuay, Ecuador). This allowed the determination of characteristics such as area, slope, orientation, and received solar radiation, making it possible to calculate the rooftop's theoretical, technical, and economic photovoltaic potential.