Optimal Site Selection for a Solar Power Plant in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey

Abstract

Primary energy sources are running out due to the increase in electrical energy consumption. Environmental problems caused by primary energy sources are also increasing. Using more renewable energy resources (RES) can be considered as one of the most powerful solutions to address these problems. Today, required photovoltaic power systems (PVPS) and wind energy systems (WES) are widely used as RES for addressing these problems. Because of their high costs, feasibility studies are required for locating large systems associated with these resources. In this study, various suggestions are determined about location selection, which is an important stage in the PVPS's establishment. Hence, the criteria for selecting the appropriate location are analyzed by the multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods and the results are evaluated for 5 cities in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. In conclusion, it is determined which city is the most suitable place for installation of solar power plants.