Optimization solar site selection by fuzzy logic model and weighted linear combination method in arid and semi-arid region: A case study Isfahan-IRAN

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 68; pp. 986 - 996
• Main Authors: Zoghi, Mahmood, Houshang Ehsani, Amir, Sadat, Mahdis, javad Amiri, Mohammad, Karimi, Sepideh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2017
• Subjects: Analytical Hierarchy Process; Fuzzy method; Renewable energy; Solar power plant; Renewable energy; Solar power plant; Fuzzy method; Analytical Hierarchy Process
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.07.014

Renewable energy will play a crucial role in the future society of the 21st century. In this way, solar energy, which can be converted into usable energy by solar panels, is known as the most important, accessible and cleanest energy source which has little adverse effects on the environment. However, this kind of energy needs to be used carefully and planned in an optimum location to provide a great opportunity for economic growth and development. The objectives of this paper are optimization site selection based on the fuzzy logic, weighted linear combination (WLC) which has an average risk and able to involve priority layers through their weight, and Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Process. In this way after identification, valuation of criteria layers by using fuzzy method because of their uncertainty and determined their importance, the layers combined. Overall, the results showed that the combination of fuzzy logic, WLC and MCDM have a high accuracy and positioning in locating optimal solar sites and, in this way, climatic layers are the most important. But more specific results of this study indicate that some areas in Isfahan, Borkhar, Nain, Shahin Shahr and Meimeh have a higher potential in this regard.