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Disentangle the price dispersion of residential solar photovoltaic systems: Evidence from Germany

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  • Kraschewski, Tobias
  • Brauner, Tim
  • Heumann, Maximilian
  • Breitner, Michael H.

Abstract

Although Germany has the largest capacity of installed residential photovoltaic (PV) systems in Europe, comprehensive evidence on transparent pricing information remains missing. This study disentangles why PV quote prices are subject to significant dispersion and analyzes which factors influence particularly low- and high-priced systems in Germany. We create a comprehensive cross-sectional dataset of 19 561 PV system quotes from 2011 to 2022 and use regression analyses to investigate the effects of system characteristics, installation scope, and location-related parameters on quoted prices. Our results reveal highly volatile annual price dispersion consistent over 11 years and large price differences despite similar system characteristics. Applying hedonic regression techniques, we reveal spatially fine-resolved price heterogeneity with up to 20% difference in the German PV market. System characteristics such as battery usage, installation scope, and system capacity have the most significant effect sizes and are instead control variables. More insightful, the installer density shows price-lowering effects, whereas more PV installations per region, higher solar radiation, and higher labor wages cause price-increasing effects. Quantile regression results reveal that installer density promotes the price reduction of high-priced systems more. Scaffolding, AC installation, and elevation are significant price-increasing factors but with small effect sizes. Finally, DC optimizers affect the levels of high-priced systems more than low-priced ones.

Suggested Citation

  • Kraschewski, Tobias & Brauner, Tim & Heumann, Maximilian & Breitner, Michael H., 2023. "Disentangle the price dispersion of residential solar photovoltaic systems: Evidence from Germany," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:121:y:2023:i:c:s0140988323001470
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2023.106649
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Residential solar PV; Price dispersion; Hedonic model; Quantile regression; Quote data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • D40 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - General
    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • D52 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Incomplete Markets

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