Evaluation of on-grid and off-grid solar photovoltaic sites in Cameroon using geographic information systems, fuzzy logic, and multi-criteria analysis

In response to the growing global demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions, projects to develop renewable electricity generation systems, such as solar technologies, have gained significant momentum. This study aims to improve the understanding of land suitability for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Cameroon, considering the influence of technical, economic, and social criteria on solar energy potential. A multi-criteria decision analysis framework is realized, integrating Geographic Information Systems with the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy-Boolean Logic to assess and map the feasibility of both grid-connected and off-grid solar projects. The methodology combines both restrictive criteria (land use and environmental conservation) and weighted factors (solar resource availability, infrastructure proximity, and social needs) to identify suitable sites for PV installation. Four scenarios are evaluated: two focused on grid-connected systems (technical and economic), and two on off-grid systems (social and equal-weighted). Results show that 42 % of land is unsuitable for grid-connected PV, while 32 % is unsuitable for off-grid PV. In the grid-connected context, technical and economic scenarios classify 52 % and 43 % of land, respectively, as very suitable, with northern regions, particularly Adamawa and the Far North, showing the highest energy potentials due to optimal solar irradiance. For off-grid PV, scenarios prioritizing social factors or balancing all criteria identify 32 % and 42 % of the land as highly suitable, focusing on underserved rural areas. The findings underline the importance of a holistic approach integrating these criteria considered. This study offer insights for policymakers to optimize solar PV strategies, ensuring energy efficiency in Cameroon's energy transition.