Applying analytic network process to evaluate the optimal recycling strategy in upstream of solar energy industry

This research presents an evaluation model to evaluate the various recycling strategies to obtain the optimal recycling collection strategy in the upstream of the solar energy industry (SEI). The recycling process includes three major stages: (1) collection, (2) inspection, and (3) process. The proposed model combines the benefits, opportunities, costs and risks (BOCR) and balance scorecard (BSC) model. First, the evaluation model establishes a network with four perspectives, twenty indicators, and four strategies. Next, the analytic network process (ANP) is applied to the model to determine the relative weights of the evaluative criteria. Finally, the application of the multi-criteria decision making model will list the optimal strategies according to their rankings in the model. The results showed that the most important perspective is “Benefits;” the most crucial criterion of the 20 criteria is “economic and financial benefits;” and the best strategy is “In-house” (IH). Thus, when a business in the upstream of the SEI applies the model, the business will reveal that its optimal strategy for recycling and waste disposal shall be In-house treatment at the collection stage.These research results can provide both academic supports to the decision-makers in the upstream of the SEI and valuable guidance for evaluating their recycling programs to obtain optimal strategies in their actual administration of the recycling practices.

► We developed a novel model to evaluate the optimal recycling strategy.
► We find the optimal strategy is “In-House”.
► We identified the critical cluster and a criterion for the case is “Benefits” and “Economic/Financial Benefits”.
► We combined the BOCR and BSC model to establish the network model, and then determine the weight by using ANP method.
► We proposed a reality case study to test the ANP model, and then the results provide the administrators reference.