Enabling cleaner production in solar energy: Circular reverse supply chain design and recycling location optimisation for Malaysia. Enabling cleaner production in solar energy: Circular reverse supply chain design and recycling location optimisation for Malaysia, 13. pp. 1-20. ISSN 2772-7831 (2026)
Abstract
The rapid growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) in Malaysia will generate approximately 191,000 tonnes of end-oflife waste by 2051, yet lacks coordinated recycling infrastructure. This study develops an innovative extension of
the Sustainable Location Identification Decision Protocol (SuLIDeP) framework that integrates spatial gravity
modelling, supply chain complexity assessment, carbon footprint analysis, and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
expert elicitation to optimise reverse logistics and recycling facility locations for 454 Malaysian solar farms (3218
MW total capacity). Results reveal a critical trade-off with the three-cluster configuration (Peninsular Malaysia,
Sabah, Sarawak) minimises complexity (index=0.64) for operational feasibility, while six-clusters reduce
transport emissions by 18 %. AHP synthesis from 20 industry experts prioritises the three cluster solution
(priority score=0.42), balancing institutional capacity constraints with environmental goals. K-means analysis
further identifies 8 clusters for Large Scale Solar (LSS) farms and 20 for all installations. Unlike conventional
location models, this stakeholder-informed approach demonstrates that complexity management outweighs pure
emissions optimisation in developing economies. The framework offers policymakers a transferable decision tool
for circular PV waste systems, preventing landfill risks while maximising material recovery value exceeding USD
1.5 billion nationally.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Cleaner production, Circular economy, Reverse supply chain |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Solar > Solar Energy By Niche > Solar > Solar Energy > Environmental Aspects |
| Collections: | Niche > Solar |
| Depositing User: | Mohd Ismail Zanudin |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Aug 2026 04:14 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Aug 2026 04:14 |
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