Optimal photovoltaic location selection systems through TOPSIS, AHP, and GIS techniques: a case study in Pakistan.

There are various methods for energy production, such as hydro power, nuclear plants, and coal plants, but some of these sources emit CO 2 , posing harm to the environment. Consequently, the global trend is shifting towards renewable energy sources that have minimal environmental impact. The photovoltaic (PV) system is a notable renewable energy source as it generates power without harmful emissions. However, the effectiveness of a PV system varies based on location. This study presents a decision-making procedure to identify an optimal location for a photovoltaic (PV) system in Pakistan. Initially, a geographic information system (GIS)-based multi-criteria decision-making technique is employed to identify factors influencing the selection of an optimal PV system location. An analytic hierarchy process is then utilized to create a comparison decision matrix, balancing four primary criteria and ten sub-criteria, providing a comprehensive evaluation of potential sites. Ten cities across Pakistan, each with a population exceeding 300,000, are selected for assessment. These cities are evaluated and categorized using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach. The results indicate that Karachi is the ideal site for a PV system. This analytical approach aids in early planning, facilitating the identification of optimal locations for PV systems in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]