GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis for spatial planning of solar photovoltaic power plants in canakkale province, Turkey

A comprehensive site selection analysis is essential for implementing cost-effective and efficient SPPs. We selected optimal sites for SPPs by considering different criteria and restrictions using the GIS-based MCDA. Highly suitable and most suitable sites were determined by GIS and AHP for establishing PV SPP in the canakkale province. Furthermore, the potential of these sites to meet the energy demand was examined. Next, the potential power capacity and payback period of each of the five alternative SPP project sites selected from the most suitable sites were analysed. The results demonstrated that 96% of the study area was restricted, 3 parts per thousand was most suitable and 3% was highly suitable for PV SPPs. The most suitable sites exhibited the potential to meet all electrical energy needs of the province of canakkale during installation. The potential power capacities of the five selected alternatives were between approximately 0.9 and 1.6 MWp, whereas potential payback periods were between 12.1 and 14.7 years.