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

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 con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renewable energy 2019-06, Vol.136, p.1130-1146
Main Authors: Firozjaei, Mohammad Karimi, Nematollahi, Omid, Mijani, Naeim, Shorabeh, Saman Nadizadeh, Firozjaei, Hamzeh Karimi, Toomanian, Ara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
GIS
Iran
Ordered weighted averaging
Solar energy
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Summary: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. •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/m2 solar radiation is achievable yearly.
ISSN:0960-1481
1879-0682
DOI:10.1016/j.renene.2018.09.090