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Rooftop PV and the Renewable Energy Transition; a Review of Driving Forces and Analytical Frameworks

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  • Sam Wilkinson

    (Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia)

  • Michele John

    (Sustainable Engineering Group, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia)

  • Gregory M. Morrison

    (Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia)

Abstract

Rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) are accelerating the transition towards low carbon electricity systems in many countries, particularly in Australia. This review paper provides an overview of the (1) technical, (2) economic, (3) socio-political, and (4) regulatory and institutional aspects that should be considered concurrently when navigating the transition towards a rooftop PV-dominated electricity system. We consider the suitability of two prominent long-range transitions theories for understanding the importance and interaction of elements within these four aspects during the transition. The multi-level perspective (MLP) of transitions theory is considered best suited for this task as it addresses fundamental shifts in the socio-technical systems, rather than being weighted towards technological and/or economic solutions. We find that relatively little research has been undertaken where the renewable energy transition is being driven by the uptake of rooftop PV within the distribution network of established islanded electricity systems. These islanded electricity systems will be the first to experience system impacts from high levels of rooftop PV. This review provides further analysis of important gaps in understanding the rooftop-PV-led energy transition and the implications for policy makers in maintaining stable electricity supplies during the transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Sam Wilkinson & Michele John & Gregory M. Morrison, 2021. "Rooftop PV and the Renewable Energy Transition; a Review of Driving Forces and Analytical Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-25, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5613-:d:556633
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    Cited by:

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    3. Younghun Choi & Takuro Kobashi & Yoshiki Yamagata & Akito Murayama, 2021. "Assessment of waterfront office redevelopment plan on optimal building energy demand and rooftop photovoltaics for urban decarbonization," Papers 2108.09029, arXiv.org.
    4. Tung Nguyen Thanh & Phap Vu Minh & Kien Duong Trung & Tuan Do Anh, 2021. "Study on Performance of Rooftop Solar Power Generation Combined with Battery Storage at Office Building in Northeast Region, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-15, October.
    5. Jake Anderson & Ashish P. Agalgaonkar, 2023. "Low-Voltage Network Modeling and Analysis with Rooftop PV Forecasts: A Realistic Perspective from Queensland, Australia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-23, August.
    6. Jiehui Yuan & Wenli Yuan & Juan Yuan & Zhihong Liu & Jia Liao & Xunmin Ou, 2023. "Policy Recommendations for Distributed Solar PV Aiming for a Carbon-Neutral Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, February.
    7. Nima Narjabadifam & Javanshir Fouladvand & Mustafa Gül, 2023. "Critical Review on Community-Shared Solar—Advantages, Challenges, and Future Directions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-25, April.

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