Renewable Energy Communities in Rural Areas: A Hybrid GIS-MCDM Approach for Agrivoltaic Systems Site Selection

Given the environmental challenges, developing efficient methodologies for renewable energy systems is essential. Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) promote collective participation in photovoltaic systems, optimising self-consumption and reducing grid dependence. Agrivoltaics combine solar energy production with agricultural activity on the same land, improving land use efficiency and supporting energy and food production. This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to create a strategic framework for selecting agrivoltaics sites. The methodology integrates data layers, including topography, infrastructure, and environmental factors. Criteria are weighted using subjective (Best-Worst Method) and objective (Entropy Method) approaches, and the TOPSIS method ranks sites by suitability. An ABC analysis categorises these sites into high, moderate, and low suitability based on TOPSIS scores. The case study demonstrates the approach's effectiveness, with significant land areas identified as highly suitable for agrivoltaic development due to factors like flat terrain, proximity to infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. This work contributes to the strategic sizing of agrivoltaics, facilitating novel REC initiatives that connect rural and urban areas.