Suitability mapping of solar energy potential in the province of Camarines Sur : an analytic hierarchy process-based resource assessment / Jhon Carlo N. Remolacio, [and 4 others].

Undergraduate Theses (BSECE) - Electronics Engineering. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2025.

Includes bibliographic references.

Solar energy is considered as the most plentiful renewable energy source. This energy source is renewable, has stable and growing production efficiency compared to other energy sources, and is not exhaustible. Due to the increasing demand for energy and the environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel consumption necessitate the transition to renewable energy sources, therefore suitability mapping is necessary for the installation of solar PV farms. This study evaluates the solar energy potential in the province of Camarines Sur by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Solar energy suitability maps were generated by assessing various criteria such as solar irradiance, weather data and geographical conditions. Qualifications for the nine criteria were established for selecting suitable locations. Data were gathered from publicly available sources, processed using ArcGIS, and analyzed using AHP to prioritize factors influencing site selection. The study identified 209 viable locations suitable for solar energy development. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, energy companies, and researchers in promoting solar energy adoption and sustainable energy planning in the region.