TITLE:
Integration of Multi-Criteria Analysis (AHP) and Geographic Information Systems to Optimize the Selection of Photovoltaic Sites: Application to the Thies Region, Senegal
AUTHORS:
Cheikh Sadibou Faye, Essozolom Bassoum, Hyacinthe Sambou, Mbagnick Faye
KEYWORDS:
Photovoltaic Solar Energy, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Multi-Criteria Analysis, Senegal, Geographic Information Systems
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Faced with the energy transition challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, this study proposes a methodological framework combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to optimize photovoltaic site selection in the Thies region of Senegal. Seven decision criteria were considered: solar irradiation, mean annual temperature, slope, terrain aspect, and proximity to power lines, main roads, and urban areas, weighted using real data from atmospheric sensors and geospatial platforms. Restricted areas (protected zones, urban areas) were excluded via buffer constraints. Results show that 14.12% of the regional territory (672 km2) is suitable for large-scale PV installations, primarily concentrated in the central and northeastern parts of the region, around the city of Thies, and in the southwestern department of Mbour. A sensitivity analysis conducted under three weighting scenarios (AHP, equal weights, high economic weights) confirms the robustness of the results and highlights the critical role of economic factors in site selection. The findings are validated against existing solar plants at Malicounda and Touba Toul. This research provides a valuable decision-support tool for energy planners, aligned with Senegal’s sustainable development objectives for 2030.