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Diversity in solar photovoltaic energy: Implications for innovation and policy

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  • Subtil Lacerda, Juliana
  • van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M.

Abstract

We undertake a qualitative empirical study of the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry in order to investigate the role of diversity in stimulating innovation and diffusion. Based on evolutionary-economic concepts, we identify the main dimensions and components of diversity in the solar PV industry. Using nine indicators and additional information about recent developments regarding technologies, markets and actors (countries and firms), the dynamic potential is assessed for the various solar PV technologies. It is concluded that the dominant trend is an increase or maintenance of diversity among solar PV technologies, which likely contributes positively to innovation and diffusion. We discuss the implications of taking into account the role of diversity of solar PV in the design of energy policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Subtil Lacerda, Juliana & van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M., 2016. "Diversity in solar photovoltaic energy: Implications for innovation and policy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 331-340.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:54:y:2016:i:c:p:331-340
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.032
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    2. Martin Kalthaus, 2017. "Identifying technological sub-trajectories in photovoltaic patents," Jena Economics Research Papers 2017-010, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
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    6. Subtil Lacerda, Juliana & van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M., 2020. "Effectiveness of an ‘open innovation’ approach in renewable energy: Empirical evidence from a survey on solar and wind power," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    7. Sampaio, Priscila Gonçalves Vasconcelos & González, Mario Orestes Aguirre, 2017. "Photovoltaic solar energy: Conceptual framework," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 590-601.
    8. Guan, JianCheng & Zhang, JingJing, 2018. "The dynamics of partner and knowledge portfolios in alternative energy field," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2869-2879.
    9. Morice R. O. Odhiambo & Adnan Abbas & Xiaochan Wang & Gladys Mutinda, 2020. "Solar Energy Potential in the Yangtze River Delta Region—A GIS-Based Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-22, December.
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