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Title
Japanese: 
English:Geospatial Assessment and Economic Analysis of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Potential in Thailand 
Author
Japanese: FARUNGSANGLinux, VarquezAlvin Christopher Galang, 時松宏治.  
English: Linux Farungsang, Alvin Christopher Varquez, Koji Tokimatsu.  
Language English 
Journal/Book name
Japanese: 
English:Sustainability 
Volume, Number, Page Vol. 17    Issue 15   
Published date Aug. 4, 2025 
Publisher
Japanese: 
English:MDPI 
Conference name
Japanese: 
English: 
Conference site
Japanese: 
English: 
File
Official URL https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/15/7052
 
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157052
Abstract Evaluating the renewable energy potential, such as that of solar photovoltaics (PV), is important for developing renewable energy policies. This study investigated rooftop solar PV potential in Thailand based on open-source geographic information system (GIS) building footprints, solar PV power output, and the most recent land use data (2022). GIS-based overlay analysis, buffering, fishnet modeling, and spatial join operations were applied to assess rooftop availability across various building types, taking into account PV module installation parameters and optimal panel orientation. Economic feasibility and sensitivity analyses were conducted using standard economic metrics, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback period, and benefit–cost ratio (BCR). The findings showed a total rooftop solar PV power generation potential of 50.32 TWh/year, equivalent to 25.5% of Thailand’s total electricity demand in 2022. The Central region contributed the highest potential (19.59 TWh/year, 38.94%), followed by the Northeastern (10.49 TWh/year, 20.84%), Eastern (8.16 TWh/year, 16.22%), Northern (8.09 TWh/year, 16.09%), and Southern regions (3.99 TWh/year, 7.92%). Both commercial and industrial sectors reflect the financial viability of rooftop PV installations and significantly contribute to the overall energy output. These results demonstrate the importance of incorporating rooftop solar PV in renewable energy policy development in regions with similar data infrastructure, particularly the availability of detailed and standardized land use data for building type classification.

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