In Press

Solar Energy Technical Potentials Analysis of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa based on GIS and Multi-Criteria Method

Vol. 8, Issue 01, PP. 47-53, January 2021

Published online Solar Energy Technical Potentials Analysis of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa based on GIS and Multi-Criteria Method

Abstract

Pakistan is located just above the tropic of Cancer; this offers most optimal locations on the globe for Photovoltaic power generation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has an average solar insolation value more than 5.0KWh/m²/day, which is very appropriate for Photovoltaic deployment. But Photovoltaic power generation trend shows considerably less progress in this region. The aim of this research is to assess the solar potential for photovoltaic power generation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by identifying feasible sites both technically and economically for a utility-scale solar power park installation. The feasible sites were identified using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. This process uses Multi-Criteria Analysis method to meet different criteria such as solar irradiation, slope and aspect combined with proximity to transmission lines and roads plus a number of limiting factors. The final results showed that 8% (8,000 km²) of the research area is highly suitable for installing utility-scale photovoltaic parks. A total of 18 sites with suitability value of 9 and area greater than 6 km² have been identified in South and South western part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, 70 areas of suitability value between 7 and 8 having areas 2-4 km² have been identified. Calculations were carried out to find the technical potential for power generation. The results showed that appropriate amount of feasible areas are available for large scale PV installations, with adequate power generation potential.

Author

Asif Zarin: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Pakistan

Cite

Asif Zarin “Solar Energy Technical Potentials Analysis of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa based on GIS and Mult, International Journal of Engineering Works, Vol. 8, Issue 01, PP. 47-53, January 2021, https://doi.org/10.34259/ijew.21.8014753., , , , , ,

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