This thesis focuses on using a GIS-based approach to model solar PV potential in the urban area. The first stage of the thesis elaborates the literature review on the related topic to identify the most efficient GIS-based algorithm for calculating solar radiation, as it is one of the essential components in estimating the solar PV potential. Based on the literature review, the r.sun module was selected as the model algorithm. The Morumbi district in São Paulo, Brazil, was chosen as the study area due to its data abundance, which can be accessed via the open data portal of São Paulo city (Geosampa).
Furthermore, it deals with LiDAR point cloud data as the topographical data input, as well as atmospheric parameters and the modelling process to obtain solar radiation values in the study area. The later stage highlights the visualization workflow in designing a back-end and front-end environment of a web-map application containing the information of the rooftop solar PV potential in the study area. Additionally, a simple CityGML document is generated to store the information obtained by the modelling process in 3D. The result includes the amount of solar energy yield within a year as well as additional attributes such as the PV capacity, installation cost and CO2 emission savings, which then visualized within an integrated spatial data infrastructure. In summary, the entire modelling workflow can be applied to solve a similar task in other study areas. It is expected that the result of this thesis could become guidance for the government, citizens, energy planners and solar energy engineers to evaluate the potential of solar energy within an urban area.