*5.2. Executing AHP Weights*

In almost all studies, the most crucial criterion for solving wind farms' site selection problems is always the region's wind potential [76–80], which also can be seen in calculating the weights of the criteria in the current work. Higher wind speeds in the area mean that it is possible to use larger turbines.

Data from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) were used to prepare the wind map of the province. For this purpose, the wind data of 13 stations in and around the province were employed. Appendix A (Table A2) shows the entire data of SATBA for the 13 stations. Moreover, Table 11 reveals the speed data for the 13 stations. A wind map of the whole province was prepared through interpolation techniques, portrayed in Figure 12. The wind map was reclassified into nine classes. The areas with the highest wind speed were given the highest score, and those with the lowest wind speed were given the lowest score. The minimum and maximum wind speeds were between 3.6 and 5.3 m/s. Moreover, the central areas of the province, which are generally uninhabited and include desert and flat lands, have the best wind speeds.



**Figure 12.** Wind map of Semnan province (m/s).

The rest of the criteria were classified according to the pairwise comparison, and the weights were specified with the AHP method. The classified maps are represented in Figure 13. Each map is categorized into nine classes.

(**b**)

**Figure 13.** *Cont*.

**Figure 13.** Classified map of the province based on different criteria (**a**) Slope map. (**b**) Distance from powerlines. Distance from (**c**) highways and (**d**) roads. (**e**) Distance from the residential area. (**f**) Distance from power stations).

A slope map was prepared via a digital elevation model (DEM). It was then reclassified, and each class was rated. On account of the importance of the low slope area, these areas were given a higher score.

The distance from other features, such as residential areas, power lines, power stations, and highways and roads, was also classified into nine categories. The areas closer to communication roads and stations and power lines are more important. Therefore, the shortest distance was given the highest score and the farthest distance the lowest score.
