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Volume 6
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10.3390/geomatics6020036
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Article

Unlocking Solar Potential: Geospatial Mapping of Building-Level Photovoltaic Opportunities in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Districts, Pakistan

by
Abdul Sattar Sheikh
1,
Rizwan Shahid
2,*,
Abdullah Shah
1,
Aseer Ul Haq
1 and
Tayyab Shah
3
1
Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
2
Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
3
Canadian Hub of Applied Social Research, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Geomatics 2026, 6(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics6020036
Submission received: 12 January 2026 / Revised: 20 March 2026 / Accepted: 2 April 2026 / Published: 6 April 2026
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Abstract

This study evaluates the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) potential at the building level in the tourism-rich districts of Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, using advanced geospatial analysis to support renewable energy planning. By combining the Area Solar Radiation tool with detailed building footprint data, the study identified solar energy potential and prioritized areas for PV system installations. Results show that approximately 35% of the 1.29 million buildings analyzed are suitable for solar panels, with energy generation capacity varying by building size and district. Spatial analysis further highlighted Union Councils (UCs) where over 50% of buildings are solar-suitable, enabling precise targeting of renewable energy initiatives. The study underscores the importance of integrating local geographical and socio-economic data to enhance the feasibility and scalability of solar energy solutions in rural and urban settings and can be used to guide policy prioritization and funding decisions. This research demonstrates how geospatial analysis and open data can drive localized clean energy adoption, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 by advancing affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
Keywords: rooftop solar photovoltaic; geospatial analysis; renewable energy planning; area solar radiation tool; building footprint data; solar energy potential; spatial analysis; sustainable development goal 7 rooftop solar photovoltaic; geospatial analysis; renewable energy planning; area solar radiation tool; building footprint data; solar energy potential; spatial analysis; sustainable development goal 7

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MDPI and ACS Style

Sheikh, A.S.; Shahid, R.; Shah, A.; Haq, A.U.; Shah, T. Unlocking Solar Potential: Geospatial Mapping of Building-Level Photovoltaic Opportunities in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Districts, Pakistan. Geomatics 2026, 6, 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics6020036

AMA Style

Sheikh AS, Shahid R, Shah A, Haq AU, Shah T. Unlocking Solar Potential: Geospatial Mapping of Building-Level Photovoltaic Opportunities in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Districts, Pakistan. Geomatics. 2026; 6(2):36. https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics6020036

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sheikh, Abdul Sattar, Rizwan Shahid, Abdullah Shah, Aseer Ul Haq, and Tayyab Shah. 2026. "Unlocking Solar Potential: Geospatial Mapping of Building-Level Photovoltaic Opportunities in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Districts, Pakistan" Geomatics 6, no. 2: 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics6020036

APA Style

Sheikh, A. S., Shahid, R., Shah, A., Haq, A. U., & Shah, T. (2026). Unlocking Solar Potential: Geospatial Mapping of Building-Level Photovoltaic Opportunities in Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Districts, Pakistan. Geomatics, 6(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics6020036

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