A Study on Site Identification for Utility Scale Solar PV Energy Generation in Nepal

Abstract

Site selection for solar PV based energy generation is a complex decision making process as several parameters like Irradiance, slope, electrical grid, distance to road/river etc., need to be optimized. In this study, an assessment on site selection for utility scale solar PV energy generation in Nepal was conducted based upon set decision variables and constraints. GIS based MCDM methodology was employed in this study to determine the weightage of identified criteria through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The methodology was employed for the study as it may reduce the cost associated with extensive site survey and hence widely used for policy formulation and decision making. Spatial analysis was conducted to output site suitability map in a scale of 1 to 5, 1 indicating areas with “Least Suitable” while 5 indicating areas “Most Suitable” to PV plant construction. The study identified parcels of land coverage of about 22.46 percent which was “Most Suitable” for construction of Solar PV plant if restriction criteria is not considered and 10.80 percent of land as “Most Suitable” for construction of PV plant if restriction criteria is taken into consideration. Likewise, an optimum number of 1,376 identified sites with area coverage of 51.235 sq. km, with solar insolation potential of 251.11 GWhr/day have been identified as potential site for solar PV plant construction. Although the study is based on Nepalese data. it may be proved equally valuable for academia and industry working under similar context. Thus, a GIS based MCDM method can be beneficial tool for policy and decision makers, academics to focus with research at greater precision on those area having higher significance.