Natural and energy potential of solar energy within the Vranje municipality

Abstract

Renewable energy sources (RES) have increasingly been used worldwide with the aim of im-plementing sustainable development and reducing the environmental impact of harmful gases. The most significant potential of all types of RES is attributed to solar energy. The paper presents the analysis of natural and energy potentials for the construction of solar power plants in the territory of the municipality of Vranje. The following natural factors were processed and mapped using geo-graphic information systems (GIS): terrain slope, relief aspect, land use method, and protected are-as. The analysis also allowed for the anthropogenic factors: the proximity of roads and settlements, affecting the accessibility of the potential solar power plant, but also the possible negative impact on people health due to excessive electromagnetic radiation. Thematic maps were produced by cab-inet work, valorization and elimination methods. By processing thematic maps, the final, synthesis map of the benefits of using solar energy in the territory of the municipality of Vranje was obtained. By analyzing the synthesis map and suitable locations obtained, calculations of potential installed power of solar power plants for the Vranje area were made to get an adequate representation of the quantity of electric energy that can be generated by photovoltaic effect in solar panels.