Method of Qualitative–Environmental Choice of Devices Converting Green Energy

Abstract

In the plan of the European Green Deal, the European Union assumed that by 2050 Europe will become the first climate-neutral continent in the world. This will be supported by alternative (renewable) energy sources (RESs), also termed green energy (GE). Their use should have long-term environmental benefits. To do this, it is necessary to skillfully select RES products. Therefore, the purpose is to develop a method for selecting devices that convert to GE, including not only qualitative criteria, but also environmental criteria and their price. The method is based on customer requirements and expert knowledge. The general concept of the method allows for the assessment of selected qualitative and environmental criteria of products and determining the price of purchase of these products. In a hybrid way, the following techniques were used: SMARTER method, brainstorming (BM), MAP method (alternative-punctual Czechowski’ method), ACJ method (price–qualitative analysis). Based on the results of qualitative criteria assessments or qualitative and environmental criteria assessments, the customer can select the best product. The customer can also select products, including the price of purchase, based on results from ACJ. A test of the method was carried out for solar collectors. The results testify to the possibility of controlling the selection control. The originality of this study is the creation of an uncomplicated sequence of techniques that provide the customer with the choice of RESs. The novelty of the method is the possibility of evaluating any products. In this study, the method is dedicated to devices converting GE, e.g., solar collectors.