Suitability Analysis Using GIS-Based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for Solar Power Exploration

Sibuyan Island is experiencing a significant increase in electricity demand due to population growth, urbanization, and industrial development. The island plans to use solar energy, recognizing its abundance and renewable nature; thus, this study was conducted to visualize the spatial distribution o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEnergies (Basel) Vol. 16; no. 18; p. 6724
Main Authors Gacu, Jerome G., Garcia, Junrey D., Fetalvero, Eddie G., Catajay-Mani, Merian P., Monjardin, Cris Edward F.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2023
Subjects
AHP
Alternative energy sources
Analysis
Decision making
Geographic information systems
Geospatial data
GIS
Green technology
Local government
Manufacturing
Philippines
Photovoltaic cells
renewable energy
Solar energy
suitability assessment
topographical analysis
Philippines
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Summary:Sibuyan Island is experiencing a significant increase in electricity demand due to population growth, urbanization, and industrial development. The island plans to use solar energy, recognizing its abundance and renewable nature; thus, this study was conducted to visualize the spatial distribution of solar exploration suitability using a geographic information system (GIS). Various criteria, including climatology, location, geography, meteorology, and disaster susceptibility, were considered in the assessment. Parameters affected by government policies, such as protected areas, proximity to rivers, roads and faults, ancestral domains, and proclaimed watersheds, were also considered. Parameters were weighted, and suitability levels were highlighted using AHP. The study revealed that about 5.88% (2674.06 km2) of the island was categorized as highly suitable for a solar farm, 34.99% (15,908.21 km2) as suitable, 2.49% (1129.95 km2) as moderately suitable, and the majority, 56.64% (25,754.47 km2), was considered not suitable for solar projects. A solar power suitability map was developed as a reference for local governments and residents in establishing solar PV systems in their respective sites, thus maximizing the full potential of their land. The study also directs future solar power exploration studies in Sibuyan Island, supporting ongoing efforts to maximize solar energy utilization.
ISSN:1996-1073
1996-1073
DOI:10.3390/en16186724