Multi-criteria decision-making framework for large-scale rooftop photovoltaic project site selection based on intuitionistic fuzzy sets

Abstract

Site selection plays a critical role in the success of large-scale rooftop photovoltaic (LSRPV) projects. The complexity associated with the site selection of LSRPV projects comes from the uncertain and heterogeneous decision information, subjective preferences of decision-makers, differences among experts’ opinions and interactions between criteria. However, previous research works failed to solve these issues thoroughly. To fill such a gap, a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework is established involving the intuitionistic fuzzy sets, score function, linear weighting method, prospect theory and analytical network process. Thereafter, to validate the rationality and effectiveness of this framework, a case study is conducted in some cities of China with comparative and sensitivity analysis; the ranking results demonstrate that the site located in the city Hefei is the best option, followed by Taizhou, Nanchang, Hangzhou, Dongguan, Ningbo, Jinan, Foshan, Guangzhou and Lishui. This study can effectively improve the site selection decision-making quality and efficiency, and provide a reference for investors to carry out reasonable managerial measures.