Identifying challenges and barriers for development of solar energy by using Fuzzy Best-Worst Method: A case study

Abstract Energy is a main factor for sustainable and economic development of many countries in the world. The objective of this paper is to investigate barriers facing solar energy development in Iran through a case study conducted on the Alborz Province. A questionnaire was designed and then submitted to the professionals in the field of solar energy. First, the identified barriers are classified into five categories of technical, legal, economic, sociocultural, and support by help of experts. Then, the fuzzy Best-Worst method is used to determine importance of the identified criteria and sub-criteria for development of the solar energy sector in the region. The findings indicate that the primary barriers to solar energy development are economic factors which are related to the adverse impact of the uncertain economic conditions including the sanctions against Iran. Because of the high risk of new business, domestic people do not have enough ambition and interest in starting new renewable energy projects. The low price of fossil fuels (in the economic category as sub-criteria), has the most significant impact on the stagnation of this sector, which is related to the ease of access to energy in Iran and its effect on the interest in renewable energy use. Supporting the private sectors by receiving financial incentives can help development of the renewable energy sector in the province. By using similar research for other regions, decision makers can accurately identify challenges for development of solar energy.