Floating Photovoltaics in Västra Götaland: A GIS-Based Assessment of Lake Suitability and Energy Potential. Oluwatobi

Abstract

This thesis examines the feasibility of floating photovoltaic (FPV) deployment across lakes in Västra Götaland, Sweden adopting a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework. The study combines criteria ranging from technical and environmental to infrastructural and land-use, to identify lakes with the highest relative suitability for FPV deployment. A comprehensive workflow which included lake filtering based on size, shape, proximity to roads and substations, and distance from protected areas was developed, reducing 1,770 lakes to 21 candidates. The SEBE model which computes shortwave radiation from global, diffuse, and direct components was used on QGIS 3.42.1 to model solar resource availability. Criteria were normalized to ensure uniformity and straightforward analysis. Weights were assigned using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and suitability scores were subsequently aggregated through Weighted Linear Combination. In parallel, a public perception study examined attitudes toward FPV feasibility and acceptability. Together, these insights provide a screening-level evaluation that can support future FPV planning and policy development.