GIS-based multi-influencing factor (MIF) application for optimal site selection of solar photovoltaic power plant in Nashik, India

• DOI: 10.1186/s12302-023-00832-2
• Publication Date: 2024-01-06T09:02:12Z
• Authors: Nitin Liladhar Rane; Mehmet Akif Günen; Suraj Kumar Mallick; Jayesh Rane; Chaitanya B. Pande; Monica Giduturi; Javed Khan Bhutto; Krishna Kumar Yadav; Abebe Debele Tolche; Maha Awjan Alreshidi
• Keywords: Site selection; Elevation (ballistics); Sunshine duration

Abstract The significant natural energy sources for reducing the global usage of fossil fuels are renewable (RE) sources. Solar is a crucial and reliable RE source. Site selection solar photovoltaic (PV) farms issue in terms spatial planning policies. This study adopts Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Influencing Factor (MIF) technique to enhance precision identifying delineating optimal locations PV farms. choice GIS MIF motivated by their ability integrate diverse influencing factors, facilitating holistic analysis data. selected factors include radiation, wind speed, Land Surface Temperature (LST), relative humidity, vegetation, elevation, land use, Euclidean distance from roads, aspect. sites power plant delineated revealed that ‘very low’ suitability site covering 4.866% area, ‘low’ 13.190%, ‘moderate’ 31.640%, ‘good’ 32.347%, good’ encompassing 17.957% area. sensitivity results show elevation most effective on accuracy prediction. validation shows prediction using area was 81.80%. integration not only enhances assessment but also provides practical implementation strategy. research offers valuable insights policymakers, urban planners, other stakeholders seeking identify develop respective regions.