Multi-criteria decision-making approach for optimizing solar pv farms locations in Saudi Arabia with techno- economic considerations

Site selection is essential for renewable energy projects due to climate effects such as soiling, average temperature, and average solar radiation. The proximity of the facilities, main roads, power line distributions, and the presence of the environment-protected areas are significant factors. This research has presented a novel integrated approach combining GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making (AHP) with techno-economic analysis to identify optimal locations for utility-scale solar PV farms in Saudi Arabia. This study focuses on prospective site selection prior to installation, providing a decision-support framework to identify the most suitable locations for future utility-scale PV farms rather than analyzing existing operational plants. First, the criteria for the study were identified, the model considered eight criteria, including solar irradiation, average temperature, slop, land aspect, dust plankton, proximity to cities, major highways, and power line distributions, to ensure optimal power output while minimizing project costs, GIS, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is used. The criteria were evaluated by giving each a weight out of 100 % using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The results showed that the northwest region and a few sites on the northern border are the most suitable locations for installing PV farms. Second, two cities were selected from the generated map for a 2 MW grid-connected PV farm techno-economic analysis (Dammam, Tabuk). It outlines the detailed analysis of the grid-connected solar PV system performance using PVsyst simulation software. Using different economic indicators, namely, payback period, return on investment (ROI), Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and internal rate of return (IRR), to determine the system feasibility. Detailed cost analysis was also carried out, including installing and maintaining solar PV system during its life span.