Geospatial Analysis of Solar Energy in Riyadh Using a GIS-AHP-Based Technique

Lamya Albraheem,Leena Alabdulkarim

doi:10.3390/ijgi10050291

Lamya Albraheem, Leena Alabdulkarim

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi10050291

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Abstract

In recent years, spatial multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been applied to different types of spatial problems, such as solar power site suitability. MCDA can be used to support the process of identifying suitable regions for solar energy projects. To the best of our knowledge, no study has addressed the problem of site evaluation for solar photovoltaic PV systems in the Riyadh region. Therefore, a spatial MCDA framework is proposed to perform a geospatial analysis of solar energy in the Riyadh region, which includes data collection, spatial analysis, a spatial decision support system and visualization. The methodology that was used to solve the site suitability problem is described. It involved the combination of a Geographical Information System (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (GIS-AHP). The results show that the most suitable sites are in the north and northwest of the Riyadh region, with an area that represents 16,748 Km2 with an 80% suitability degree. In addition, it was proven that Afif is the largest suitable city. It has high solar radiation, at an average of 2.631687 MWh/m2/year, and low temperatures, at an average of 26.3 °C, as well as having flat areas with a slope under 5°. The results were validated using a sensitivity analysis model and also compared with those for ground-based stations.

Highlights

Various multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods have been applied in the field of solar energy—including weighted linear combination (WLC), TOPSIS, analytical hierarchical process (AHP), and FAHP. Other methods such as CRITIC, EDAS, PROMETHEE and WASPAS are used to support decision making in many aspects of a site suitability analysis, including for wind, water, and telecom towers; this study focuses on methods that are suitable for solar energy analysis [22]
The results show that the Riyadh region has an area of around 16,738 km2 that is suitable, with a suitability degree above 80%
A spatial Geographical Information System (GIS)-MCDA framework was proposed to perform a geospatial analysis of solar energy in the Riyadh region depending on seven criteria, namely solar radiation, temperature, slope, aspects, distance to power lines, distance to main roads, and distance to urban areas

Summary

Introduction

Sustainable environment and safety are the main characteristics of renewable energy. In this regard, solar energy is one such safe, clean, and substantial renewable energy source. Saudi Arabia is aiming to include around 40 GW of renewable energy generation from solar PV technologies by 2030 [3]. There is a need to conduct research that analyzes the amount of solar energy obtainable in different places before the installation of a solar energy project. This can contribute to reducing the cost of the operation stage

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