Regional parameters and solar energy enterprises: Purposive sampling and group AHP approach
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 4 April 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between regional factors and investment attractiveness of solar energy production. The aim is to create a rank order of the Greek regions based on their investment attractiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied in its group choice approach combined with a purposive sampling of experts from the business, governmental and research fields.
Findings
A rank order of the regions was developed related to their investment attractiveness based on the experts’ sampling and the specific criteria that were set. Analyzing the criteria, it was found that general macroeconomic performances of the regions are of low priority, while the ones related to the entrepreneurial development such as solar irradiation and land availability are of high priority.
Practical implications
This work is practically applicable, as it conduces to the management of companies operating in the solar energy sector. It is also useful for policy makers as the regions are prioritized, identifying, in this way, opportunities for investment.
Originality/value
The novel aspect of this research is regions’ ranking based on their dynamic in solar energy investments. The utilization of the AHP offers additional value to the research of energy planning and management, as it is applied for the first time in the solar energy sector, concerning regional factors, solar energy parameters, economic data and expert sampling to develop a rank order of the regions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Τhe authors would like to thank the anonymous referee for his useful comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this paper. All errors remain in our responsibility.
Citation
Apostolopoulos, N. and Liargovas, P. (2016), "Regional parameters and solar energy enterprises: Purposive sampling and group AHP approach", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 19-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-11-2014-0009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited