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Description

British Columbia is experiencing a rapid increase in electricity demand as a result of population growth, industrial expansion, and urbanization, with a projected increase up to 40% over the next two decades. A viable solution is the diversification of the energy grid to renewables beyond hydroelectric power, leveraging the abundant solar potential and expansive natural terrain found within the province. Thus, this study was performed to visualize the spatial distribution of suitable sites for utility-scale solar farms, providing a province wide screening tool of photovoltaic installation potential. Leveraging the Analytic Hierarchy Process, heterogeneous criteria covering environmental, economic, and climatic considerations were included in the assessment. Experts in renewable energy systems informed criteria weighing, permitting a weighted sum overlay analysis and generation of a classified site suitability map. Model outputs were validated against ten existing solar farm locations to assess classification performance. The study revealed that the majority of the province (76.4%) was found to be restricted from solar farm development due to unsuitable land covers, protected and conserved areas, and infrastructure buffers. Of the remaining 23.6%: 3.86% (36,630.50 km2) was categorized as least suitable, 16.21% (153,534.01 km2) as less suitable, 3.25% (30,819.88 km2) as moderately suitable, 0.21% (2026.91 km2) as suitable, and 0.005% (51.50 km2) as very suitable. A gross estimate of energy generation potential was calculated across suitable and very suitable areas that met the minimum development footprint required for 1 MW+ solar farms. The solar power suitability map and energy potential approximation provide visual and quantitative reference for local governments in establishing solar PV systems that maximize the full potential of their land.