Roxana-Mariana Nechita, Dana-Corina Deselnicu, Valentina-Daniela Băjenaru, Simona-Elena Istrițeanu, Cozmin Cristoiu, Marius-Valentin Drăgoi
The management of end-of-life photovoltaic panels has become a focal point for circular economy initiatives, given the significant waste volumes generated by the global energy transition. This study addressed the challenge of identifying optimal recycling solutions characterized by conflicting objectives, such as material recovery efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact. Given that photovoltaic waste contains valuable materials alongside elements requiring specialized handling, the selection of appropriate processing technologies has been prioritized by research and industrial sectors. To resolve these trade-offs, a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework was implemented, combining the Best–Worst Method (BWM) with the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE II). The BWM was employed to determine criteria weights based on expert evaluations, focusing on the relationships between the most and least significant factors to ensure mathematical consistency. Subsequently, the PROMETHEE II facilitated a complete ranking of technological alternatives by calculating net preference flows, allowing for a nuanced comparative analysis of diverse recovery processes. Through this approach, the research established a clear performance hierarchy among established and emerging recycling pathways. These findings provided a structured quantitative basis for decision-makers to identify balanced solutions for industrial implementation, supporting long-term sustainability goals and the preservation of secondary raw materials.