Building an interactive web mapping tool to support distributed energy resource planning using public participation GIS

Community solar projects involve the installation of large PV systems whose net outputs are then virtually allocated to customers at other locations. They represent a relatively new model distributed energy resource (DER) implementation that could help overcome some historical barriers low-income, disadvantaged community, renter household participation in ongoing renewable transition. Siting community assets is thick and inherently geographic problem however, one which relates patterns infrastructure investment, local urban development, socio-demographic change. Creating more equitable system will require planning tools better coordinate DER adoption decisions individual property owners with grid operators. Interactive decision support based on web maps well suited addressing this need for improved information sharing coordination. However, such be designed implemented through process public stakeholders who explicitly focus social environmental justice. Here we describe by tool was developed. We also report several important findings derived from its use relating current imbalances between supply potential integration capacity limits exist within Southern California's communities.