Analysis of a Proper Strategy for Solar Energy Deployment in Iran using SWOT Matrix

In this work, we aim to analyze and identify the most appropriate strategies in order to deploy solar energy in Iran. For this purpose, in a comprehensive framework of strategy development, the internal and external factors of a general and specific environment are determined. Then four different strategies including the aggressive (strong expansion and development), conservative (maintaining, internal protection), competitive (maintaining, external protection), and defensive strategies (withdrawal, reduction of costs, ceasing on investment, joining another corporation) are considered using the internal-external and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) matrices. According to the numerical results of the internal and external factor evaluations, which are 2.74 and 3.06, respectively, the aggressive strategies would be acceptable for Iran. However, since the location of these values in the internal-external matrix is close to the conservative cell, the effective strategy for the present condition of this country is a combination of the aggressive and conservative strategies.