The Optimum Site Selection for Solar Energy Farms using AHP in GIS Environment, A Case Study of Iraq

Recently, renewable energy (RE), such as solar energy, sources have proven their importance as an alternative source of fuel. The utilizing of solar energy can contribute to move the world towards relying on clean energy to curb global warming. However, the placement of solar farms is a major priority for planners as it is a critical factor in the succession energy project. This study combines one of the multi-criteria decision-making techniques Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to assess the suitability of land for establishing solar farms in Iraq. Numerous climatic, geomorphological, economic, and environmental criteria and some exclusionary constraints have been adopted in modeling process. It is supported by expert knowledge and a comprehensive literature review. The results showed that approximately 19% of the study area are optimal areas for installing solar farms. The southern, southeastern, and a few western regions obtained the largest part of the suitable lands. Furthermore, this approach can be adapted easily to cover different criteria and different weights in order to assist planners in deciding solar farm locations.