QUINTEROS, María    MORALES, Diego. Multicriteria analysis for the location of large-scale photovoltaic plants. []. , 3, 2, pp.47-56.   01--2020. ISSN 2631-2654.  https://doi.org/10.37135/ns.01.06.04.

Ecuador's energy matrix exceeds 75% of renewable energy; however, hydroelectric energy is the primary source. As a first step towards obtaining a more environmentally friendly and diverse matrix, it is essential to identify areas with potential for installing non-conventional renewable energies. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are of great help to identify areas with this potential. In this study, the possible sites for implementing photovoltaic solar power plants (PSPP) in the Azuay Province are identified utilizing GIS and Multicriteria Evaluation (ME). The Hierarchical Analytical Method (HAM) was used to assess the criteria's importance. To obtain a host capacity model (HCM), the aptitude model (AM) was integrated. Economic and technical criteria were analyzed; an impact model (IM) allowed the analysis of environmental variables. By integrating the models, this methodology allowed identifying areas for the stations' location that allow the monitoring of resources and behavior analysis before implementing the PSPPs. Once the proposed methodology has been executed, two possible sites with average characteristics are obtained for the PSPP's location. In conclusion, based on the indicators analyzed, Azuay does not have a potentially suitable area for installing this technology.

: analytical method; geographical information systems; multicriteria analysis; photovoltaic solar farm; renewable energy.

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