A MULTI-CRITERIA GIS BASED ANALYTICAL HIERARCHICAL APPROACH FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC FARM SITE SELECTION IN THE KOLKATA METROPOLITAN AREA, INDIA

Abstract. A smart solar city ensures smart energy resilient future, low emissions and sustainable development of cities through networked infrastructure. This study aims to determine suitable locations for solar farm development in Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), India, which may help the decision makers to plan resource allocation for smart renewable energy development efficiently. Numerous criteria were considered while simulating the model, including solar irradiation, distance from power substation, distance from major roads, land cover distribution, mainly canals, vacant land, urban green zones, and agricultural land. Built-up residential spaces and protected zones were however, no considered. The analysis suggests that wetlands, canals, and a major portion of open vacant land in the outskirts of the KMA are most suitable for investment in solar photovoltaics infrastructure. The present study covers different aspects of solar city planning to determine the suitable locations, which when accompanied by careful onsite investigation and meticulous planning will help decision makers and planners to design an efficient solar energy plan for the deployment of necessary infrastructure and technologies in cities.