Evaluation for block-scale solar energy potential of industrial block and optimization of application strategies: A case study of Wuhan, China

Industrial blocks are an important part of the city which is very suitable for PV application because of its largescale, unified property rights and simple form. In this study, a multi-dimensional evaluation method of solar energy potential suitable for the block-scale is constructed. Then, 48 cases of industrial blocks in a typical city of china were selected as examples. Basing on morphological parameters, all cases were classified into 7 types by clustering algorithm. Afterwards, the total amount and distribution of the solar energy potential were calculated. Finally, the strategies of the photovoltaic system application in blocks were proposed according to types of blocks. It is found that there is significant difference in solar energy potential between different types of industrial blocks. Among them, solar energy potential of single-storey types is the highest up to 90.85 kW h/ m2 center dot year, while solar energy potential of high-rise type blocks is relatively lower which is only 55.64 kW h/ m2 center dot year. In addition, block shape has obvious impact on solar energy potential, among which building density having the greatest influence, as building density increases from 20 % to 55 %, the solar energy potential also increased by 138.74 % from 42.54 kW h/m2 center dot year to 101.56 kW h/m2 center dot year.