en
Scientific article
Open access
English

Spatially-explicit models should consider real-world diffusion of renewable electricity: Solar PV example in Switzerland

Published inRenewable Energy, vol. 145, p. 363-374
Publication date2020
Abstract

Spatially-explicit bottom-up energy models with detailed renewable energy representation are increasingly developed. In order to inform such models, we investigate spatial diffusion patterns of solar PV projects in 2′222 Swiss municipalities. Using a dataset of feed-in tariff and one-time subsidy recipients in 2016, we show that PV diffusion was spatially uneven throughout Switzerland in terms of four indicators: the number of PV projects per municipality, per 1′000 inhabitants, per unit of municipal electricity demand, and per unit of municipal land area. Urban-rural divide and exploitable solar PV potential are the key, but not the only predictors of the spatial heterogeneity in PV diffusion. The structure of the municipal economy, socio-demographic characteristics, regional spillover effects, and additional differences in local contexts, such as local policies, matter as well. Spatial diffusion patterns to some extent structurally differ across sub-national regions too, indicating that such empirical investigations are valuable in order to understand what can be generalized. We conclude with recommendations for developing and validating spatially-resolved energy models so that they capture realistic patterns of solar PV diffusion: gather, maintain and analyze spatial data on PV projects and develop robust modelling functions that do not only rely on PV potential.

Keywords
  • Renewable energy diffusion
  • Spatial analysis
  • Solar PV
  • Spatially-explicit energy models
Funding
  • Swiss National Science Foundation - 160563
Citation (ISO format)
THORMEYER, Christoph, SASSE, Jan-Philipp, TRUTNEVYTE, Evelina. Spatially-explicit models should consider real-world diffusion of renewable electricity: Solar PV example in Switzerland. In: Renewable Energy, 2020, vol. 145, p. 363–374. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.06.017
Main files (1)
Article (Accepted version)
accessLevelPublic
Identifiers
ISSN of the journal0960-1481
859views
212downloads

Technical informations

Creation06/11/2019 3:01:00 PM
First validation06/11/2019 3:01:00 PM
Update time03/15/2023 5:24:17 PM
Status update03/15/2023 5:24:16 PM
Last indexation01/17/2024 5:41:37 AM
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack