GIS Based Multicriterion Site Suitability Analysis for Solar Power Generation Plants in India

Abstract

Solar radiation is received as heat and light which can be converted into useful thermal energy or for the production of electricity either through solar photovoltaic route or through solar-thermal power production. Availability of purely reliable solar radiation data is vital for the success of solar energy installations in different sites of the country. For this purpose, the amount of solar radiation incident is measured using both remote sensing satellite and ground stations installation which is obtained over years in hourly manner. Using solar radiation data, A Multi-Criterion Site Suitability Analysis can be performed for finding out regions having greater capability of producing greater yield throughout the year by overlaying with other GIS Layers. This analysis will tend to produce sites suitable for energy production by integrating it with the existing natural and artificial system influencing and controlling the energy production and forecasts the future expansion with other renewable energy sources.