| Title |
A systematic review and multidimensional framework for solar farm site suitability |
| Authors |
Kasradze, Mariam ; Kamali Saraji, Mahyar ; Štreimikienė, Dalia ; Suresh, Vishnu |
| DOI |
10.1016/j.egyr.2026.109613 |
| Full Text |
|
| Is Part of |
Energy reports.. Amsterdam : Elsevier Ltd.. 2026, vol. 16, art. no. 109613, p. 1-14.. eISSN 2352-4847 |
| Keywords [eng] |
GIS-MCDM ; Solar PV ; MCDM ; site suitability ; sustainability ; systematic review ; renewable energy planning |
| Abstract [eng] |
The rapid expansion of solar photovoltaic energy requires efficient, multidimensional site-selection strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and investment efficiency. Selecting optimal locations for utility-scale solar PV farms is a critical part of energy system planning. However, existing reviews often focus on isolated dimensions, failing to provide a comprehensive synthesis of technical, economic, environmental, and social factors together. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic review integrating the SALSA framework with the PSALSAR methodology, screening 523 peer-reviewed publications, and synthesizing 103 high-impact studies from 2015 to 2025. The analysis identifies 11 key sub-factors across four pillars (technical, economic, environmental, and social) and introduces a three-phase decision logic (exclusionary screening, technical-economic optimization, and socio-climatic validation). Quantitative synthesis highlights a significant shift toward GIS-MCDM approaches and provides a frequency analysis of regional criteria. This integrated model provides a structured roadmap for developers and policymakers to align localized site selection with grid stability and national renewable energy targets. |
| Published |
Amsterdam : Elsevier Ltd |
| Type |
Journal article |
| Language |
English |
| Publication date |
2026 |
| CC license |
|
