GIS-based solar farms site selection using multi criteria decision analysis: The case of Antalya / Turkey

Global climate change, a rapid increase in environmental problems, limited resources of fossil origin and the acceleration of the rise in the world population increase the pressure on the existing resources and necessitates sustainable use of these resources. Particularly within the scope of energy, the orientation towards new and renewable resources is becoming the primary targets of countries. In this study, it is aimed to determine suitable places for solar energy fields to utilize solar energy, which is one of the the most important renewable sources, based on sustainability. In the selection of Antalya, which is the main material of the study, climatic data such as high sunshine duration, number of sunny days, amount of solar radiation, as well as the need for energy against the increasing population in the city, having the identity of the city living throughout the year, and the densely populated population and the socio-economic and socio-cultural structure was also influential. In this context, first of all, legal, administrative and administrative legislation related to the subject has been examined and a framework has been formed in line with the literature data and expert opinions. To determine the most suitable places, remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies were used, and multiple criteria decision making method and many criteria which were found to be effective in choosing the appropriate place were analysed together. Findings obtained at the end of the study showed that there is a very high potential for solar energy fields in Antalya province. Especially in Kaş, Elmalı, Korkuteli, İbradı, Akseki, Gündoğmuş and certain parts of Alanya, the density of the places suitable for the solar field have remarkable. In addition, suitable places were determined in certain regions in the coastal areas, controls were carried out for the identified sites with the field studies carried out in accordance with the conformity maps obtained as a result of the study and a significant accuracy assessment was made. It is emphasized that this study will help to reach the national targets in order to make the most efficient use of solar energy by using current technologies. The results of the study are expected to help central and local governments in regulating energy policies, preparing legal and managerial infrastructure, determining site choices at the regional scale, sensitive site selections at the local scale, arranging technical infrastructure and raising awareness on the subject. KEYWORDS: Geographical Information Systems, Multi Criteria Decision Analysis, Site selection, Solar farms, Sustainable energy