GIS-Based Site Suitability Analysis for Solar Energy Installation in Kaduna State

Nigeria's electricity generation deficit has renewed interest in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power. This study conducts a GIS-based site suitability analysis for utility-scale solar energy installation in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. Key criteria including solar irradiation levels, slope gradient, proximity to transmission lines, land use classification, and distance from settlements are incorporated into a multi-criteria evaluation framework. Solar irradiation data are sourced from the Global Solar Atlas, while spatial layers are derived from Sentinel-2 imagery and national topographic datasets. The Analytical Hierarchy Process is used to assign weights to each criterion based on their relative importance to solar farm development. Weighted overlay analysis produces a suitability map classifying the state into five zones ranging from very unsuitable to highly suitable. Results identify extensive suitable areas across the Kachia, Kauru, and Sanga local government areas in the southern part of the state where solar irradiation exceeds 5.5 kWh per square metre per day. The study provides actionable spatial intelligence for the Rural Electrification Agency and private renewable energy investors seeking to expand off-grid solar capacity in underserved communities. Keywords: solar energy, GIS, site suitability, Kaduna, multi-criteria evaluation