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An economic model for residential energy consumption, generation, storage and reliance on cleaner energy

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  • Fikru, Mahelet G.
  • Gelles, Gregory
  • Ichim, Ana-Maria
  • Kimball, Jonathan W.
  • Smith, Joseph D.
  • Zawodniok, Maciej Jan

Abstract

Economic models that provide a framework for understanding determinants of household energy consumption and the rate of reliance on cleaner energy are not available, despite the growing number of residential solar houses. This study presents a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between energy consumption, generation, storage and the reliance on cleaner energy. Our findings suggest that, (i) households which generate energy could consume more energy than households which do not generate energy, (ii) the economically optimal reliance on solar energy depends on energy prices, income and the slope of the marginal energy storage cost, (iii) there is no relationship between reliance on cleaner energy (or energy demand) and the efficiency level of energy-conversion technologies, and (iv) when buy-back rates are equal to the retail rate of electricity, reliance on generated energy could be zero and energy demand of a generating household may be identical to its non-generating counterpart.

Suggested Citation

  • Fikru, Mahelet G. & Gelles, Gregory & Ichim, Ana-Maria & Kimball, Jonathan W. & Smith, Joseph D. & Zawodniok, Maciej Jan, 2018. "An economic model for residential energy consumption, generation, storage and reliance on cleaner energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 429-438.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:119:y:2018:i:c:p:429-438
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.11.083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Fikru, Mahelet G. & Gautier, Luis, 2023. "Consumption and production of cleaner energy by prosumers," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    5. Fikru, Mahelet G., 2019. "Estimated electricity bill savings for residential solar photovoltaic system owners: Are they accurate enough?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C), pages 1-1.
    6. Mahelet G. Fikru & Gregory Gelles & Ana-Maria Ichim & Joseph D. Smith, 2019. "Notes on the Economics of Residential Hybrid Energy System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-18, July.
    7. Kotarela, F. & Kyritsis, A. & Papanikolaou, N. & Kalogirou, S.A., 2021. "Enhanced nZEB concept incorporating a sustainable Grid Support Scheme," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 714-725.
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    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources

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