Optimal decision-making in photovoltaic system selection in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In this study, optimal decision-making process in photovoltaic (PV) system location selection in Saudi Arabia is described. First, to identify the criteria that influence the decision of selecting a suitable location for the PV system, the geographical information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach is used. Next, to assess the weights of the criteria that present different aspects of the investigated locations, four major criteria and 11 sub-criteria are proposed, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to develop comparison decision matrix. Finally, the order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique evaluates and classifies 17 cities (such as Riyadh, Jeddah) in Saudi Arabia. The result shows that Tabuk city in the northern of Saudi Arabia is the best location. Among the 17 cities, the performance score of seven cities is above or equal 80%, and Tabuk city has the highest score with 87%. This analytical approach could contribute as an early planning to locate suitable sites for the selection of PV system region in Saudi Arabia.