Multi-criteria solar power plant siting problem solution using a GIS-Taguchi loss function based interval type-2 fuzzy approach: The case of Kars Province/Turkey

Abstract

The determination of the areas where the solar power plant will be installed is of great importance for the performance of the solar power plant. Solar and hydroelectric energy are the most widely used renewable energy sources in Kars province. Site selection for these power plants is an important factor in terms of reducing the installation cost of the solar power plant and achieving maximum efficiency during operation. Determining the areas where the power plants will be installed is a very complex and difficult to analyse spatial decision making problem. In this study, firstly GIS is used as a mapping method to obtain the locations of both solar power plants in Susuz, Arpaçay, Akkaya, Kars city centre, Selim, Digor, Kağızman and Sarıkamıș districts of Kars province and then Taguchi loss function based interval type-2 fuzzy approach is applied to the problem. In order to obtain more accurate results, the results of the two methods (GIS and Taguchi loss function based interval type-2 fuzzy approach) were also compared. According to the solar power plant map obtained, it was determined that the total area of suitable areas is 78600 km2.