Identifying and assessing risks affecting the development of Iranian low- and medium-voltage solar photovoltaic power plants: using incentive schemes for risk mitigation

Developing low- and medium-voltage solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants can be a practical solution to deal with environmental pollution and climate change in various regions. However, there are numerous risk factors affecting the development and success of such power plants. This study explored the risks affecting the sustainable development of low- and medium-voltage solar PV power plants in Iran, and identified the support policies that could help overcome the barriers. This study was designed according to a four-phase model: first, the key risk factors were extracted from the literature and experts' opinions through the Delphi method and were then categorised into six groups. The mutual relationships and importance of the factors were determined as well. Next, the incentive schemes, as defined internationally and according to the legal and operational capacities of Iran, were identified and prioritised through multi-criteria decision-making techniques, based on their effectives on risk mitigation.