Fuzzy Einstein-based decision-making model for the evaluation of site selection criteria of floating photovoltaic system

The site selection step is one of the milestones required to ensure the success of a renewable energy project. The present study proposes a novel framework for the suitable site selection of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems by applying a robust Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify the exclusion and decision criteria. A questionnaire was prepared, and 30 experts from academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations answered it. The Fuzzy Einstein-based Logarithmic Additive Estimation of Weight Coefficients (LAAW) model was applied to assess the expert estimates and to determine the weights of 4 main and 41 sub-criteria. Based on the fuzzy model results, the main criteria were ranked in the following order of importance: economical, technical, environmental, and social and regulations. Although the number of decision criteria and the MCDM method significantly differ, the results of the present study are consistent with the findings of previous studies in the literature. •The exclusion and decision criteria that affect the site selection of FPVs are explained in detail.•A questionnaire was prepared to determine the importance of the criteria with a 7-step scale from very low to very high.•A fuzzy Einstein-based (LAAW) model is used to assess questionnaire results to identify the importance degree of 41 criteria.•The most important criteria are found as “Initial investment” and “Operation and maintenance cost”.