A CRITIC–TOPSIS Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Optimum Site Selection for Solar PV Farm

Abstract

This research work proposes a new hybrid framework to assess suitable sites and technical potentials for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by integrating two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The evaluation of sites for PV plants was performed using the MCDM method, taking into account a wide range of variables, including climate, technical, geographical, and economic variables, with factor weights determined using the CRITIC technique. Five Saudi Arabian cities with abundant solar radiation served as illustrations of this study’s framework. For classification, the TOPSIS method was employed to rank the five alternatives. The results show that Riyadh is ranked first with a performance score of 72%, followed by Jeddah with a performance score of 65%, and the remaining three cities, namely, Al Ahsa, Dammam, and Abha scored less than 50%. Lastly, the reliability and robustness of the results obtained were examined using sensitivity analysis. The findings of this study can be used to pinpoint possible places that could be used to build solar power plants and to promote the expansion of generating facilities and electrical grids.

Towards Efficient Energy Solutions: MCDA-Driven Selection of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

“…Wang et al [15] introduced a novel DANP-VIKOR approach to sustainable supplier selection (SSS) in Taiwan's electronic manufacturing industry, accommodating complex multidimensional criteria interrelationships addressing the escalating demand for sustainability in supply chains. Hassan et al [16] proposed a hybrid framework integrating MCDM techniques to assess suitable sites for large-scale solar PV systems in five Saudi Arabian cities, with Riyadh ranking highest, facilitating informed decisions for solar power plant placement and grid expansion.…”

Evaluating Sustainable Urban Development Strategies through Spherical CRITIC-WASPAS Analysis

“…In an e-commerce recommendation system, Bczkiewicz et al [46] investigate the methodical features of MCDM. Hassan et al [47] use CRITIC-TOPSIS MCDM to determine the best location for a solar PV farm. Kumar and Singh [48] provide an integrated MCDM method for multi-objective optimization of powder-mixed green EDM parameters.…”

Multi-Objective Short-Term Optimal Dispatching of Cascade Hydro–Wind–Solar–Thermal Hybrid Generation System with Pumped Storage Hydropower

“…Zeng et al [35] improves the TOPSIS by introducing the Mahalanobis distance and Pearson correlation coefficients. In contrast to subjective weighting methods, the CRITIC method comprehensively considers the difference in and correlation of each indicator without relying on subjective judgments [36]. Combining the TOPSIS method on the basis of the weights obtained by CRITIC can improve the objectivity and accuracy of the multi-objective solution.…”