Relational spatial database and multi-criteria decision methods for selecting optimum locations for photovoltaic power plants in the province of Seville (southern Spain)

Abstract

This work aims to develop a methodology for selecting optimum locations for the construction of photovoltaic power plants. In order to achieve this, a data model is defined and a multi-criteria decision methodology, based on an analytical hierarchy process, is applied. In contrast to the previous studies, in which the spatial analysis was undertaken by a GIS managing different layers of information (grids, shapefiles, etc.), in this work the spatial analysis is carried out by means of an open-code spatial database management system: PostgreSQL-PostGIS. This system uses Structure Query Language to manage different tables in the context of relational spatial databases. The case study is the province of Seville (southern Spain), where this sort of facility already exists. The empirical analysis concludes that a large percentage of the province of Seville has an excellent potential for the installation of photovoltaic plants. The methodology allows the dynamic updating of criteria and parameters, as well as the reproducibility, scalability and automating of analyses carried out in other fields.