Evaluating underlying barriers and development pathways for photovoltaic solar energy in China using the grey analytic hierarchy process

Purpose China has made tremendous progress in its clean energy transition over the past 2 decades, with a focus on a diverse mix of renewable energy sources. However, despite this progress, the widespread deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) in China faces significant challenges that could hamper its future development. Addressing these challenges is essential for China to meet its ambitious clean energy targets. This research aims to prioritize country-specific barriers and strategies for solar PV development using the grey analytic hierarchy process (grey-AHP). Design/methodology/approach In the context of solar PV, this research identified 17 country-specific barriers through a systematic literature review. The identified barriers were validated by the experts and were further categorized into six groups: technological, financial, sociocultural, policy and regulatory, infrastructural and geographical. Six strategies were presented to overcome these barriers to solar PV. The grey-AHP model was then applied to assess and prioritize both the barriers and the proposed strategies. Findings The results show that financial challenges and grid integration issues are the most significant barriers to the development of solar PV in China. The findings suggest that research and development may play a fundamental role in addressing these barriers. Originality/value The grey-AHP model allows a more precise assessment of the relative importance of each barrier and the effectiveness of strategies.