Optimal location of solar collector installation using GIS-AHP method in Khorasan Razavi Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Imam Hussein (AS) University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Given the increasing population growth rate, declining precipitation levels, and the escalating demand for water resources especially in arid and semi arid regions such as those found in Iran the utilization of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, has become essential for water purification and supply, thereby contributing to the enhancement of freshwater production rates. The objective of this study is to assess the potential of Khorasan Razavi Province in terms of key environmental criteria for the deployment of solar collectors, using remote sensing data and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, applying the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. In this regard, the criteria of solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed are first analyzed using ArcGIS software 10.8.2. Subsequently, the criteria are weighted based on expert judgment using the AHP technique, followed by the integration and overlay of the relevant spatial layers. The results of the AHP analysis indicated that solar radiation had the highest weight with a score of 0.533. Moreover, the integrated spatial analysis revealed that over 40% of Khorasan Razavi Province possesses suitable potential for solar collector installation. These suitable areas correspond to the counties of Torbate Jam, southern Bakharz, Zaveh, Torbate Heydariyeh, southern Kuhsorkh, Sheshtamad, Sabzevar, Bardaskan, Khalilabad, western Mahvelat, and northern Bajestan. Overall, the use of GIS in combination with the AHP weighting method has proven to be effective in identifying optimal zones for the deployment of solar powered purification systems.

Keywords


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Volume 16, Issue 3 - Serial Number 63
Serial number 63. Autumn 2025
October 2025
Pages 111-128
  • Receive Date: 19 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 12 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 September 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 October 2025