Suitability of Solar PV Plant Sites Using A Combined GIS-AHP And Remote Sensing Approach; A Case Study of Khanewal District, Pakistan
نویسندگان
1 Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
2 Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
3 Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
4 Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
5 Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
6 Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
doi
10.30501/jree.2025.507408.2278چکیده
Optimal siting of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants is essential for maximizing efficiency. Given Pakistan’s ongoing electricity shortages and rising energy costs over the past 30 years, identifying efficient and sustainable energy alternatives has become critical. This study integrates Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach to identify suitable locations. The combination of GIS and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides a structured, data-driven method for evaluating complex spatial factors. Seven thematic layers—slope, aspect, solar radiation, land use/land cover (LULC), smog, air temperature, and proximity to power lines—were analyzed. AHP was used to assign normalized weights to each criterion, and the weighted overlay method in GIS generated the final suitability map. Unsuitable areas were excluded using Boolean overlay and weighted linear combination (WLC). The results showed that 1.54% (42.94 km²) of the area was classified as very highly suitable, 36.52% (1024.4 km²) as highly suitable, and 30.88% (866.20 km²) as moderately suitable, while 30.97% (868.94 km²) was restricted from development. Uniquely, the study compares energy demand for horticultural crop production across grid, solar, and diesel sources, revealing the potential for solar energy integration. The novelty lies in combining spatial suitability with agricultural energy demand assessment, offering a replicable model for sustainable rural electrification.
