Citation: Gawlik, R.; Siwiec, D.; Pacana, A. Quality–Cost–Environment Assessment of Sustainable Manufacturing of Photovoltaic Panels. Energies 2024, 17, 1522. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071522 Academic Editor: Ignacio Mauleón Received: 16 February 2024 Revised: 12 March 2024 Accepted: 21 March 2024 Published: 22 March 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). energies Article Quality–Cost–Environment Assessment of Sustainable Manufacturing of Photovoltaic Panels Remigiusz Gawlik 1,2 , Dominika Siwiec 3, * and Andrzej Pacana 3 1 Department of Public Management, Institute of Public Policy and Administration, College of Public Economy and Administration, Krakow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland; remigiusz.gawlik@uek.krakow.pl 2 NWU Business School, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa 3 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Rzeszow University of Technology, Al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland; app@prz.edu.pl * Correspondence: d.siwiec@prz.edu.pl Abstract: This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development. Keywords: photovoltaic panel; quality; sustainable development; LCA; FAHP; production management; mechanical engineering; production engineering; public management 1. Introduction Climate change is drawing increasing attention to measures that mitigate negative environmental impacts [1]. One significant action to address climate issues is improving energy efficiency, as by 2030, it is necessary to increase its efficiency by at least 32.5% [2,3]. Excessive energy consumption, particularly noticeable in households, contributes to this challenge. In 2022, the global electricity sector recorded a consumption of over 13000 TWh in households, increasing by approximately 3000 TWh every five years [4,5]. Renewable energy sources (RESs), i.e., solar, wind, water, biomass, etc., are vital for addressing this issue [6,7]. However, variable weather conditions and high investment costs for RES installations hinder their widespread adoption, especially among customers (mainly house- holds) [8]. Additionally, storing excess energy during surplus hours, redistributing during shortage hours, and potentially minimizing differences in the annual cycle (due to seasons) pose challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to develop green energy production devices that meet customer expectations about price and quality while minimizing the environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Hence, the proper planning and implementation of actions are essential [9], including analyzing and developing energy consumption patterns in households, considering customer needs [10], cost analysis, and environmental protec- tion. These aspects play a key role in shaping demand-related policies and sustainable development initiatives [11]. Photovoltaic panels (PVps) are a popular source of renewable energy [12]. These panels do not produce greenhouse gases during operation and use, utilizing energy flow from the environment [13]. Recognized for their key role in improving electrical energy Energies 2024, 17, 1522. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071522 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies