Siting around distribution lines and substations uses many of the same tools as utility-scale siting, but there can be some differences.
DG siting overview
Below are the core steps (and the actions involved) to perform DG siting in PVcase Prospect.
Step 1: Create a new project
From the Portfolio View page (home page), create a new project to get started.
- In the left sidebar on the , click New Project
- Fill in project details:
- Name your project
- Select a region from the dropdown
- Fill in optional fields, if desired: Project Technology, Status, Stage, Priority, Description.
- Click Create Project
Step 2: Select grid infrastructure source and add substations or DG lines
Select desired DG substations or lines as primary assets when creating a project using one of the following methods. Which method you choose will depend on what's available for a given area/utility.
Select grid from Hosting capacity layers (where available)
Some utilities have published public hosting capacity maps that show the real-world locations of the distribution grid (as well as capacity). Start with these if they are available for the area you're targeting (see which hosting capacity maps we have integrated).
- Hosting capacity map: Bulk select lines/subs
- Hosting capacity map/Other: Manually add assets — trace/draw missing DG substations and lines to subsequently site around using the Add grid workflow or Drawing tools.
Select grid from public substations and lines
Use existing assets (substations and lines)
- Source: Rextag substation and lines
- Most of the substations and lines are 69 kV+, though there can be lower voltage substations (and occasionally lower voltage lines).
Select grid from premium DG layers
Use Premium DG layers — please contact us if you're interested in purchasing DG data.
Select grid from imported KMZ, Shapefile or GeoJSON
Import assets from a Shapefile or KMZ into PVcase Prospect.
Select grid from custom layer
If you have integrated a custom grid infrastructure layer that has lines or substations that you want to target for DG siting, you can add them in bulk to your project setup.
Step 3: Search for land
- Search for land using one of these standard parcel search methods.
- Search for land along lines within certain distance of substation.
- Search for land around both substations AND lines on the same project.