RE-Powering Mapping and Screening Tools
Other Mapping Resources
On this page:
PVMapper
The Department of Energy’s SunShot Program’s PVMapper is a utility-scale solar site mapping Web application that is open-source and free to use. It is a geographical information system (GIS) with an easy-to-use interface that provides end users with specific information and capabilities relevant to siting large solar energy projects. PVMapper also includes the RE-Powering dataset of contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites.
Energy Zones Mapping Tool
The Energy Zones Mapping Tool is a free online mapping tool to identify potential energy resource areas and energy corridors in the United States. The tool enables users to identify areas with a high concentration of clean energy resources that could provide significant power generation in the future. The EZ Mapping Tool includes the RE-Powering dataset of contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites.
Solar and Wind Site Screening Decision Trees
Learn what characteristics make a site more attractive for solar or wind energy development with RE-Powering’s Electronic Decision Tree tool.
An overview of this tool can be found in the following fact sheet.
RE–Powering Screening Dataset
EPA's Re-Powering Screening Dataset (XLSX)(54 MB)
- Provides the data describing renewable energy potential for over 130,000 sites
- Allows users to filter sites of interest with renewable energy potential in key markets, at different development scales, and more.
- Contains location information and can be used in other mapping applications.
Siting Renewable Energy on Contaminated Lands
The Solar & Wind Site Screening Electronic Decision Tree builds on best practices and lessons learned from installing renewable energy projects on contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites, which are captured in the Handbook for Siting Renewable Energy while Addressing Environmental Issues.
Solar on landfills represents one of the dominant trends in RE–Powering. Go beyond screening with the Best Practices for Siting Solar PV on MSW Landfills with considerations from the feasibility stage through design, construction, and operation.
The Data Documentation for Mapping & Screening Criteria outlines the renewable energy mapping methodology, data considerations, data sources and attributes.
Training
EPA has been developing training to support successful renewable projects on contaminated lands, landfills and mine sites. The following trainings are available.
Land Use Considerations Training Module
Description: EPA developed the Land Use Considerations training module to educate stakeholders about the various land use considerations for pursuing renewable energy projects on contaminated lands, landfills and mine sites. In this module, learn how to screen sites for renewable energy project development. Topics include:
- Site liability, control and ownership
- Site cleanup status and timeline
- Where to locate the renewable energy within the site
- Environmental permitting requirements
- Engaging local communities
- Land use considerations during construction, operation and decommissioning
It will take approximately 40 minutes to complete the entire module. Users may progress through the training in order or navigate directly to the most useful sections. This module is best completed in a Google Chrome browser. **Please note, there is no audio component.
Interconnection and Electricity Sales Training Module
Description: EPA developed the Interconnection and Electricity Sales training module to educate stakeholders on the practical and economic aspects of how renewable energy produced on contaminated land can reach end users and generate revenue. In this module, learn how to identify and assess options for project interconnection and electricity sales. Topics include:
- Electricity basics
- Interconnection options
- Identifying users of electricity
- Electricity sales contracts
- Integrating interconnection and electricity sales decisions
The training module will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. Users may progress through the training in order or navigate directly to the most useful sections. This module is best completed in a Google Chrome browser. **Please note, there is no audio component.
Using NREL’s PV Watts® Calculator to Calculate Economic Feasibility
Description: NREL's PVWatts® Calculator is a web application developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that estimates the electricity production of a grid-connected roof- or ground-mounted photovoltaic system based on a few simple inputs. Developed with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s RE-Powering America’s Land, this video provides a step-by-step overview of how to use this comprehensive tool to conduct a basic economic feasibility study for a solar project on a landfill. It will take approximately 40 minutes to complete the training. Users may progress through the training or navigate directly to the most useful sections.