Comprehensive Feasibility Study of Solar Power Plants

ABSTRACT The global transition to solar energy is frequently impeded by high project failure rates, largely due to feasibility assessments that emphasize geographic and economic aspects while overlooking critical technical, environmental, and socio‐administrative dimensions. This imbalance presents both scientific and industrial challenges, resulting in incomplete evaluations and increased investment risks. To address this gap, this study introduces a comprehensive framework for assessing the feasibility of solar power plants. For the first time, all relevant indicators were systematically identified through an extensive literature review and expert consultations, then organized into six categories: geographic, financial, economic, technical, environmental, and socio‐administrative. A hybrid Multi‐Attribute Decision‐Making (MADM) approach, combining expert surveys with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), was applied to prioritize these indicators. The results revealed that geographical, economic‐financial, technical, environmental, social, and administrative factors are the main influencing factors in this field, respectively. By aggregating weighted scores, a Composite Feasibility Index (CFI) was developed, serving as a clear go/no‐go benchmark. The practical application of this framework can effectively demonstrate the extent to which investing in the establishment of a solar power plant at a specific location is rational and justifiable. This study provides practitioners and investors with a standardized, quantifiable tool for preliminary project evaluation, substantially reducing risk. For policymakers, it offers a validated checklist to streamline regulatory approvals and foster sustainable solar energy development.