Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for identifying optimal solar farm locations: A multi-technique comparative analysis

This study explores the spatial suitability for solar farm placement using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques (ArcGIS Pro 3.0.2) coupled with Muti-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods. Nine evaluation criteria significantly impacting solar farm placement in Erbil, Iraq were selected, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to assign proper weights to these criteria. Suitability maps were derived and classified using three MCDM methods: Weighted Overlay (WO), TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), and SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) to establish comparisons. Discrepancies were noticeable between the outcomes of these methods, with distinctions observable across most categories. The validation process illustrated superior performance by SAW model, closely followed by TOPSIS model, while the weighted overlay model showed significant differences. The southeastern region of Erbil governorate was identified as the most suitable area for solar farm construction due to favorable criteria values and potential for future expansion. This approach massively facilitates locating and evaluating ideal areas for solar farm construction, thereby minimizing the time, financial resources, and efforts dedicated towards this endeavor.