Solar power plants feasibility study and evaluating technical, environmental and economic issues in PVsyst software (case of Guilan province)
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Someh Sara, Guilan, Iran.
10.22059/jne.2025.386835.2736
Abstract
The limited resources of fossil fuels and their environmental impacts have increased solar energy's role in electricity generation. This study analyzes climatic data from the past twenty years to rank cities in Guilan province for solar power plant development. Using PVsyst software, technical, economic, and environmental assessments were conducted. The TOPSIS and SAW methodologies identified Jirandeh, Manjil, and Bandar Anzali as the top candidates, with estimated electricity production capacities of 1427, 1196, and 1156 Kwh/Kw, and efficiencies of 16%, 14%, and 13%, respectively. Each location requires a capital investment of approximately 2.34 million dollars, with projected CO2 emissions reductions of 65.5, 53.3, and 51.4 thousand tons over 20 years. Although solar power plant efficiency in Guilan is lower than in central regions of the country, the province's tourism potential and distance from oil and gas refineries highlight the need for solar energy development. This research offers valuable insights for authorities on capital investments and site selection in Guilan province.
Keywords
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