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Is the end of AI in photovoltaic power? Evidence from China

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  • Zhang, Haoran
  • Yu, Xiaohong
  • Gao, Zixuan

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the intersection of AI and PV in the energy sector, and to analyze in depth this profound change in the energy industry brought about by the combination of Photovoltaic and AI. This study employs a full-sample and sub-sample approach to determine the interrelationship between China's Artificial Intelligence Index (AI) and Photovoltaic Index (PI). The quantitative discussion shows that AI has both favorable and unfavorable impacts on PI, and the positive impacts suggest that AI plays a motivating role in PV and contributes to the operational efficiency and economic benefits of PV plants. However, if the impact of AI on PI is negative, this incentivizing role cannot always be determined, mainly due to existing bottlenecks in PV technology. At the same time, PI has both favorable and unfavorable impacts on AI, and the positive impacts of PI on AI highlight the enormous potential and opportunities offered by the convergence of PV + AI. In terms of AI power support, PV power generation does show unrivaled potential. However, the negative impacts of PI on AI also imply the risks and challenges that may be posed by data security and privacy protection issues, transparency and interpretability issues of AI algorithms, and so on. This study provides a fresh perspective on the future development of energy-technology convergence and will provide meaningful recommendations to promote AI technology and PV industry to enhance each other for win-win situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Haoran & Yu, Xiaohong & Gao, Zixuan, 2025. "Is the end of AI in photovoltaic power? Evidence from China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:145:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325002476
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108423
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