The effect of renewable energy application on Taiwan buildings: What are the challenges and strategies for solar energy exploitation?

Global warming or environmental issues in countries with effective energy applications and management of environmental resources have become key concerns. Energy is an important factor for countries to achieve sustainable development. Therefore, we need to actively seek renewable energy technology innovations, assess for optimization of resource inputs and strategize to proceed with effective energy strategic planning. Presently, international renewable energy technologies have been undergoing gradual and steady development. Taiwan is highly vulnerable in energy security, but geographic conditions for the development of solar energy applications have created a considerable advantage. However, the total installed solar energy capacity is far less than might be expected. Consequently, this study proceeds to explore the main resistance and key factors that affect renewable energy application concerning Taiwan buildings. Through the evaluation decision-making system model and expert decision-making groups giving evaluation values and feedback, the study found the main influences and key factors, and propose strategies for energy development in the future to improve the quality and quantity of renewable energy applications and competitiveness of national energy. This research, in addition to providing references to relevant environmental energy systems for deployment and technological research and development, also provides developing and underdeveloped countries access to applications of solar energy technology assessment and forecasts for the future. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.