Spatial Suitability Analysis for Identification of Best Sites for Collecting Photovoltaic Energy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using Boolean Model

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources that can be tapped and is an inexhaustible source. The aim of study to identify suitable locations for collecting photovoltaic energy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia base on Boolean models. The study used several data sources from official authorities and open-source websites which divided to three criteria: topographic, climatic, and economic. The data are Photovoltaic energy, temperature, slope, sand dune locations, distance from major cities, road network, and power network. The results showed that the amount of Photovoltaic energy is suitable in Saudi Arabia, but the levels of the amount are difference from area to another. The topographical criteria had a negative impact, especially with sand dune areas and slope degree on the western and middle regions of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the economic factor had a negative impact on the northern and southern regions of Saudi Arabia, because the density of the road network and the power network. In addition, the result showed the total area suitable of Photovoltaic energy about (285,560 km²), and the best areas are: Hail, Makkah, Madinah, Al Jawf, Tabuk, Riyadh, Qassim and Asir regions, with a total area around (202,534 km²). Finally, the study found that the northern regions of Saudi Arabia are considered promising areas in generating solar energy, but needs to increase the road network and power lines network.