Modelling solar energy usage with fuzzy cognitive maps

Abstract

Solar energy is a reliable and sustainable energy resource but its usage is still limited. Modeling solar energy generation capacity can help increasing solar energy usage. In this chapter, the factors that affect solar energy usage and the relations among them are defined by a comprehensive literature review. These factors are complex and the relations between them are ambiguous. Fuzzy cognitive maps are used for modelling solar energy generation capacity. Fuzzy cognitive maps are excellent tools for modelling such complexity and ambiguity. The relations among the factors are defined based on the experts’ opinions. Different scenarios are developed and the changes in the solar energy generation capacity have been analyzed.