This dataset quantifies cumulative monthly solar irradiance totals for building footprints in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, providing monthly and annual energy budgets essential for photovoltaic system sizing and economic analysis.
Derived from hourly simulations aggregated to monthly totals, the dataset delivers cumulative irradiance values (W/m²) for each of 12 months plus annual totals across approximately 16,000 buildings. This format directly supports PV system performance modelling, return-on-investment calculations, and comparative analysis of seasonal energy availability across different urban areas.
The data combines Microsoft Bing 2D building geometries with validated climate datasets and Radiance-based solar simulation. Monthly cumulation allows users to assess seasonal energy production patterns, identify optimal installation timeframes, and estimate annual yield without managing high-temporal-resolution data files.
Key applications include renewable energy target setting for local government, preliminary system sizing for commercial solar installations, and academic research into urban energy self-sufficiency potential. Energy utilities and planners can use monthly totals to model distributed generation contributions to grid supply across different seasons.
Values assume flat rooftop surfaces without accounting for actual roof pitch, azimuth, or shading effects. Users requiring panel-specific calculations should apply the irradiance values to their chosen panel specifications using standard photovoltaic performance models. For sub-monthly temporal dynamics, see the hourly potential dataset.
Comprehensive technical documentation, including data dictionary, usage examples, and processing methodology, is available in here; software stack details and calculation workflows are documented in here.