GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis for Solar Energy Cells Site Selection Over Kirkuk City

Abstract

One of the crucial stages in the process of development of a solar energy system is its location, which guarantees maximum energy yield and minimum expenditures, and environmental sustainability. In this study, a GIS-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to evaluate land suitability for large-scale photovoltaic deployment in Kirkuk, Iraq. Nine spatial and environmental factors—including solar irradiance, wind speed, land use, elevation, slope, soil type, population density, and distance from roads and power lines—were integrated through a weighted overlay method informed by expert judgment. The results indicate substantial spatial variation in suitability. Approximately 40% of the study area was classified as moderately suitable, 20% as highly suitable, and 30% as unsuitable due to environmental or infrastructural constraints. The most promising zones were concentrated in the central and northern parts of Kirkuk, where irradiance and terrain conditions align favorably. This hybrid GIS–AHP approach highlights the importance of combining technical, environmental, and socio-economic considerations in energy planning. Compared with conventional GIS overlays, the inclusion of AHP weighting enhanced methodological rigor and produced more accurate and context-specific outcomes. The findings not only provide a clear framework for solar energy development in Kirkuk but also contribute to broader regional planning, offering an adaptable model for other Middle Eastern contexts where renewable energy infrastructure is a growing priority.