An integrated GIS-based Ordered Weighted Averaging analysis for solar energy evaluation in Iran: Current conditions and future planning. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Firozjaei, Mohammad Karimi; Nematollahi, Omid; Mijani, Naeim; Shorabeh, Saman Nadizadeh; Firozjaei, Hamzeh Karimi; Toomanian, Ara
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 136(2019)
• Page Start: 1130
• Page End: 1146
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Solar energy -- GIS -- Ordered weighted averaging -- Iran; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.09.090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Solar energy is one of the important energy sources and countries have realized the important role of renewable energies due to the depletion of conventional energy sources. In this study, a GIS-based analysis is utilized for investigating the feasibility of solar energy in Iran. To evaluate the concept of risk into the GIS-based analysis for determining optimal areas for installation of solar power plants an Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) approach is used for the first time. Integration of OWA-based approach and GIS analysis provide models that determine the priority of regions from risk-free decision to risky decision strategies. The results show that Kerman, Yazd, Fars, Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchistan, South Khorasan and Isfahan provinces have a good capacity to invest in solar energy projects. The GIS-based analysis indicates that the values of installed solar power plants percentages in high chosen areas for the most pessimistic and optimistic strategies are 7% and 64%, respectively. Highlights: A new model is used to evaluate the solar energy in Iran. To evaluate solar energy potential a risk analysis is added to GIS-based method. An Order Weight Averaging is utilized for first time in solar energy assessment. A location analysis is done for currently working solar plants. A maximum of 498 W/m 2 solar radiation is achievable yearly.