A Comparative Evaluation Model for Assessing Solar Energy Capacity Development of Multiple Geographical Alternatives

This study proposes a quantitative evaluation model for comparative analysis of installed solar energy (SE) capacity development in various geographical alternatives. Performance indicators (PIs) are defined to capture SE development status. Then a combination of modified CRITIC and VIKOR methods is used to get the rankings for the selected states based on data collected for the PIs. We divide the states into two clusters based on the improvement or deterioration in the relative ranks and then compare the input-oriented efficiency of the states belonging to the two clusters using data envelopment analysis. The model helps plan the expansion of SE projects by identifying the development trends in areas performing better than others and pinpoints concerns for the areas that are lagging on a relative scale.