Determination of solar energy potential in Muş by analytical hierarchy process method (AHP)

Today, although the sensitivity to environmental problems caused by fossil fuels has increased, fossil fuels continue to be used due to the problem of not finding a reliable clean energy substitute source to replace these fuels. Although the share of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources in total energy production has increased, the desired levels have not been reached yet. The interest in local renewable energy sources is increasing due to the increase in the energy need of our rapidly developing country, the effort to reduce the current account deficit and the need to reduce foreign dependency in energy, due to the need to increase the diversity of energy sources. Solar energy, which is a low-cost and environmentally friendly energy, is one of the leading renewable energy sources. There are two important parameters that determine the solar energy potential. These parameters are the annual average global radiation value and the annual average sunshine duration. Turkey's solar energy potential is quite high and accordingly, the share of solar energy in total energy production has been increasing in recent years. However, the solar energy potential differs according to the regions. Southeastern Anatolia Region is the region with the highest solar energy potential. Southeastern Anatolia Region is followed by the Mediterranean Region. Eastern Anatolia Region comes in the 3rd place. Due to the harsh winters in the provinces in the Eastern Anatolia Region, the average annual sunshine duration is low. In this study, the theoretical potential of the solar energy potential of Muş province, located in the Upper Murat-Van section of Eastern Anatolia Region, will be tried to be determined. The city of Muş ranks 7th in the Eastern Anatolia Region in terms of solar radiation value and 9th in terms of sunshine duration. Increasing industrialization and urbanization efforts in the province further increase the province's need for energy. In this study, solar energy potential of Muş province was determined by using average temperature, sunshine duration, global radiation, slope, aspect and elevation parameters and a solar energy map was created with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In the study, it was seen that the slope and aspect factors were more decisive on the solar energy potential of Muş province. As a result, the areas in the south and southeast of the province are the places with the highest solar energy potential. In addition to these, the areas to the north of Korkut and Varto districts also constitute areas with high solar energy potential. It has been determined that the solar energy potential is lower in the areas between Bulanık and Malazgirt districts. It is thought that this study will serve as an important source for researches in the field of solar energy in Muş and also a good guide for solar energy investors.