Rooftop Solar Potential Assessment with Area-Specific Benchmarks

The potential for rooftop solar energy has conventionally been estimated using area-based benchmarks within a given region. This study presents a month-wise estimation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation for Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), City Campus, Guwahati, based on area-specific benchmarking from Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), Azara Campus, which shares a similar geographic and climatic profile. Using rooftop area availability, technical specifications of PV systems, and typical monthly generation patterns from ADBU as a reference, projected generation values were computed for KKHSOU’s City Campus in Guwahati. The analysis of the results indicates that KKHSOU has strong potential to meet a significant portion of its electricity needs through gridconnected solar installations, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective energy model for the university. This study makes a way for estimation of solar generation which reduces the university's dependence on conventional electricity sources and the potential economic benefits obtained thereof for other similar projects, using solar PV systems’ real data from geographically proximate areas. The findings also highlight KKHSOU's contribution to global climate change mitigation efforts through the promotion of rooftop solar energy thereby supporting the reduction of carbon emissions at the local and global scales.