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Assessment of photovoltaic power potential on Taiwan school rooftops

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  • Wang, Chen-Han
  • Wang, Jen Chun
  • Tsai, Hsiang-Yuan
  • Chung, Sung-Chin

Abstract

Energy policies in Taiwan emphasize renewable energy, with one such policy promoting the construction of photovoltaic (PV) installations on school rooftops to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7. This study analyzed data collected in 2023 from PV systems installed on 71 school rooftops in Taiwan. The annual power generation per kilowatt peak (kWp) for these systems was 1013–1586 kWh, with regional variations of up to 36 % observed. The monthly power generation averaged 130 kWh during July and August but decreased to 79 kWh in December and January, which aligns with Taiwan's electricity demand pattern. The average power generation efficiency during June–September was 130.4 kWh/kWp, which was considerably higher than that during January–March and December (86.7 kWh/kWp). The results of this study suggest that well-designed PV systems can help schools achieve net-zero carbon emissions. This study analyzed the variations in annual electricity generation and power generation efficiency with factors such as solar irradiation, roof area, PV coverage, and installation date. Stepwise regression models were developed to predict annual electricity generation and power generation efficiency, and the predictors in these models explained 99 % of the variability in the outcome [coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.985] and 66 % (R2 = 0.655), respectively. The findings of this study offer practical guidance for optimizing solar energy use in regions with similar climatic and solar irradiation conditions to those in Taiwan, thus, contributing to sustainable energy development and the achievement of net-zero emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Chen-Han & Wang, Jen Chun & Tsai, Hsiang-Yuan & Chung, Sung-Chin, 2025. "Assessment of photovoltaic power potential on Taiwan school rooftops," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:211:y:2025:i:c:s1364032124010517
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115325
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