Optimization of photovoltaic solar power plant locations in northern Chile

Abstract

The optimization of photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants location in Atacama Desert, Chile, is presented in this study. The study considers three objectives: 1) Find sites with the highest solar energy potential, 2) determine sites with the least impact on the environment, and 3) locate the areas which produce small social impact. To solve this task, multi-criteria decision analyzes (MCDA) such as analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) were applied in a GIS environment. In addition, survey results of social impacts were analyzed and included into the decision-making process, including landscape values. The most suitable sites for solar energy projects were found near roads and power lines throughout the study area. Large suitable areas were found also from central valley from Arica and Parinacota to the north edge of Atacama region. In Atacama region, most suitable sites were found in the Andes. On the contrary, Andes were also found to have high environmental values and scenically valuable landscapes. Moderate and low suitability were found on the coast, especially in Atacama region. Factors such as slope and distance to power lines and roads influenced largely the sensitivity analysis. Area of high suitability increased by 15% when distance to roads was excluded and 18% when distance to power lines or slope was removed. MCDA-GIS method was found to be useful and applicable to the optimization of solar power plant locations in northern Chile.

Determinant factors in site selection for photovoltaic projects: A systematic review

“…On the basis of the assumption that solar energy is of an intermittent nature, studying the climate of the place is significant to know its characteristics along the year. Climatic factors are crucial to the decision since they define the capacity of electricity production of the enterprise . Therefore, the seven factors that make up this point of view are presented next.…”

“…At the moment of choosing the site for installation of large-scale solar power plants, areas with high vegetation indices should be avoided. 6 The presence of vegetation may cause partial shading in the power plant modules. This may cause undesirable effects, such as reduction in the power generated by the photovoltaic modules.…”

“…Such considerations should be analyzed simultaneously for the best decision to be taken . For example, the energy potential of some areas may be high, but the area can still have high biodiversity value, and therefore, it does not become appropriate for the execution of photovoltaic power plant projects …”

“…1,2 The concerns about climate change, the use of fossil fuels, and the need to provide a source of energy with resources that cause less impact to the environment are some of the reasons for this idealization. 3 Furthermore, the increased use of renewable resources contributes to the economic growth and the mitigation of countries, 4,5 maintaining economic development without neglecting environmental matters, 6 a strategy used by the countries in this quest to improve their social development and leverage its economic growth. 7 Solar energy is considered by many authors as the main energy source in the transition from electricity generation by nonrenewable resources to generation by renewable resources.…”

“…16 For example, the energy potential of some areas may be high, but the area can still have high biodiversity value, and therefore, it does not become appropriate for the execution of photovoltaic power plant projects. 6 With this increasing idealization of energy generation through renewable sources, there are several studies being conducted aiming to assist the agents who are interested to solve problems encountered in the use of such sources. The review study was conducted by Kaya et al 25 where they sought to analyze the different methods to aid the decision-making process in the energy area.…”