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Risk adjusted financial costs of photovoltaics

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  • Szabó, Sándor
  • Jäger-Waldau, Arnulf
  • Szabó, László

Abstract

Recent research shows significant differences in the levelised photovoltaics (PV) electricity cost calculations. The present paper points out that no unique or absolute cost figure can be justified, the correct solution is to use a range of cost figures that is determined in a dynamic power portfolio interaction within the financial scheme, support mechanism and industry cost reduction. The paper draws attention to the increasing role of financial investors in the PV segment of the renewable energy market and the importance they attribute to the risks of all options in the power generation portfolio. Based on these trends, a former version of a financing model is adapted to project the energy mix changes in the EU electricity market due to investors behaviour with different risk tolerance/aversion. The dynamic process of translating these risks into the return expectation in the financial appraisal and investment decision making is also introduced. By doing so, the paper sets up a potential electricity market trend with the associated risk perception and classification. The necessary risk mitigation tasks for all stakeholders in the PV market are summarised which aims to avoid the burden of excessive risk premiums in this market segment.

Suggested Citation

  • Szabó, Sándor & Jäger-Waldau, Arnulf & Szabó, László, 2010. "Risk adjusted financial costs of photovoltaics," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(7), pages 3807-3819, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:38:y:2010:i:7:p:3807-3819
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    Cited by:

    1. Mazzucato, Mariana & Semieniuk, Gregor, 2018. "Financing renewable energy: Who is financing what and why it matters," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 8-22.
    2. Corsatea, Teodora Diana & Giaccaria, Sergio & Arántegui, Roberto Lacal, 2014. "The role of sources of finance on the development of wind technology," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 140-149.
    3. Cucchiella, Federica & D’Adamo, Idiano, 2012. "Feasibility study of developing photovoltaic power projects in Italy: An integrated approach," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 1562-1576.

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