Part 2: Selecting and Evaluating Potential Installation Sites
To design a realistic solar PV system, your team must select and justify two potential installation sites on school grounds. Each site should be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative data.
You can collect site data in one of two ways:
Option A – Desktop Analysis
Use Google Earth or a similar tool to identify rooftops or open areas with the best solar potential. Capture annotated screenshots to include as evidence.
Option B – Site Walk
With teacher permission, visit possible locations on school property. Take photos or short video clips showing site characteristics (orientation, shading, accessibility, etc.). Record key measurements such as surface angle or nearby obstacles.
Step 1 — Evaluate Potential Sites
For each potential location, describe the characteristics that make it suitable for a PV array and provide supporting evidence.
| Criterion | Site 1: Observations and Evidence | Site 1: Reasoning and Justification | Site 2: Observations and Evidence | Site 2: Reasoning and Justification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunlight Exposure: Estimate how many hours per day the site receives direct, unobstructed sunlight (no shade from trees, buildings, or other structures). | ||||
| Environmental Impact: How installing the PV might affect the surrounding environment (plants, animals, soil, or water). | ||||
| Accessibility and Safety: How easy and safe it is to reach, build, and maintain the solar array at the site. | ||||
| Sufficient Area: Whether the site has enough open, flat space to fit all the solar panels. | ||||
| Additional Notes: |
Step 2 — Compare and Choose
After analyzing both sites, select the optimal location and use evidence from each criterion to justify your decision.