MW Scale Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System Design Using GIS for Pakistan

Pakistan has an abundant solar energy potential and presents an opportunity for electricity production, with many locations receiving abundant solar radiation annually. This study aims to build a solar power project in Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) in response to the growing demand for sustainable energy owing to environmental constraints and climate change. Considering advanced decision-making tools, including geographic information systems (GIS) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy processes (FAHP), and focusing on factors such as solar irradiance, land surface temperature, land aspect ratio, slope, and proximity to rivers, canals, highways, urban areas, power lines, and grid stations, the three most suitable locations close to grid stations in RYK District with the highest solar radiation were identified. Subsequently, the photovoltaic (PV) system is designed separately for each location, and the location with the highest average performance ratio (PR) is selected for installation. After identifying these locations, the MWQ location is chosen for solar power installations because it has the highest average PR of 85.8% annually, and the total energy injected into the grid is 16802 MWh/year. This study provides a framework for future solar projects and a plan for financially feasible and eco-friendly energy solutions.