Decision Model for Choosing Among Photovoltaic Technologies to Generate Electricity at Grid-Connected Air Force Facilities: A Value-Focused Approach

摘要

The United States is currently consuming fossil fuels faster than natural processes can replace them. Our nation's leaders recognize that a diverse energy portfolio including renewable energy is the key to maintaining our economy, security, and the environment. The federal government is by far the greatest energy consumer; thus, our nation's leaders have directed federal agencies to strive to increase the use of renewable energy at federal facilities. Solar electricity technologies, in the form of photovoltaics, have great potential in the renewable energy mix. Although a major strategy should be integrating photovoltaics into the design of new facilities, an important early consideration should be the installation of photovoltaic modules in open areas and/or module retrofits onto existing structures. This research developed a model based on decision makers' value systems to quantify and rank several photovoltaic technologies. The goal of the model was to determine what alternatives would most align with Air Force energy and environmental objectives. After working with subject matter experts at three bases, a comprehensive hierarchy was developed. This hierarchy was then used to find the best alternatives at one base. It was found that photovoltaic technologies may indeed successfully compete with grid-supplied electricity when utilizing a value-focused approach.