Analysis of numerous economic and financial barriers using the fuzzy DEMATEL method in the reverse supply chain to implement PV waste handling

In the future, the management and disposal of waste from solar panels will pose increasing challenges for the sustainable provision of renewable energy. The recovery and recycling of PV waste have the potential to stimulate a nation's economy. Numerous obstacles impede the implementation of reverse supply chain PV waste management in India. The primary challenge faced by RSC management in establishing a circular economy is the financial burden. This study primarily focuses on the application of the fuzzy DEMATEL approach to assess and investigate the impact of financial and economic barriers in the reverse supply chain utilized for PV waste management in India. A review of the literature identified five barriers: insufficient investment in research and development (R&D) due to financial and economic constraints, lack of recycling incentives, limited realized economic profits, inadequate investment in PV waste recycling, and high initial cost of adopting RSCM. The results indicated that compared to other barriers, the high initial cost of implementing RSCM exerts a greater influence.