Exploring non-residential technology adoption: an empirical analysis of factors associated with the adoption of photovoltaic systems by municipal authorities in Germany

This research article explores potential influencing factors of solar photovoltaic (PV) system adoption by municipal authorities in Germany in the year 2019. We derive seven hypothesized relationships from the empirical literature on residential PV adoption, organizational technology adoption, and sustainability policy adoption by local governments, and apply a twofold empirical approach to examine them. First, we explore the associations of a set of explanatory variables on the installed capacity of adopter municipalities (N=223) in an OLS model. Second, we use a logit model to analyze whether the identified relationships are also apparent between adopter and non-adopter municipalities (N=423). Our findings suggest that fiscal capacity (measured by per capita debt and per capita tax revenue) and peer effects (measured by the pre-existing installed capacity) are positively associated with both the installed capacity and adoption. Furthermore, we find that institutional capacity (measured by the presence of a municipal utility) and environmental concern (measured by the share of green party votes) are positively associated with municipal PV adoption. Economic factors (measured by solar irradiation) show a significant positive but small effect in both regression models. No evidence was found to support the influence of political will. Results for the role of municipal characteristics are mixed, although the population size was consistently positively associated with municipal PV adoption and installed capacity. Our results support previous studies on PV system adoption determinants and offer a starting point for additional research on non-residential decision-making and PV adoption

Modeling and Optimizing of Integrated Multi-Modal Energy Systems for Municipal Energy Utilities

The development of sustainable business models is a challenging task since various factors might influence the results of an assessment. Given the complexity at the municipal level, system interdependencies between different alternatives need to be considered. One possibility to support decision makers is to apply energy system optimization models. Existing optimization models, however, ignore the roles different actors play and the resulting impact they have. To address this research issue, this thesis presents an integrated techno-economic optimization framework called IRPopt (Integrated Resource Planning and Optimization). A proven graph-based energy system approach allows the accurate modeling of deployment systems by considering different energy carriers and technical processes. In addition, a graph-based commercial association approach enables the integration of actor-oriented coordination. This is achieved by the explicit modeling of market actors on one layer and technology processes on another layer as well as resource flow interrelations and commercial agreements mechanism among and between the different layers. Using the optimization framework, various optimization problems are solvable on the basis of a generic objective function. For demonstration purposes, this thesis assesses the business models demand response and community storage. The applied examples demonstrate the modeling capabilities of the developed optimization framework. Further, the dispatch results show the usefulness of the described optimization approach

Potential of demand response for chlor-alkali electrolysis processes

Chlor-alkali electrolysis indicates significant demand response potential, accounting for over 2% of Germany’s total elec-tricity demand. To fully analyze this potential, digital models or digital twins are necessary. In this study, we use the IRPopt modeling framework to develop a digital model of an electrolysis process and examine the cost-optimal load shifting application in the day-ahead spot and balancing reserve market for various price scenarios (2019, 2030, 2040). We also investigate the associated CO2 emissions. Combined optimization at both markets results in greater and more robust cost savings of 16.1% but cannibalizes the savings that are possible through optimization separately at each market. In future scenarios, the shares of savings from spot and reserve market could potentially reverse. CO2 savings between 2.5% and 9.2% appear only through optimization at the spot market and could even turn negative if optimized solely at the reserve market

Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy

Research attention on decentralized autonomous energy systems has increased exponentially in the past three decades, as demonstrated by the absolute number of publications and the share of these studies in the corpus of energy system modelling literature. This paper shows the status quo and future modelling needs for research on local autonomous energy systems. A total of 359 studies are roughly investigated, of which a subset of 123 in detail. The studies are assessed with respect to the characteristics of their methodology and applications, in order to derive common trends and insights. Most case studies apply to middle-income countries and only focus on the supply of electricity in the residential sector. Furthermore, many of the studies are comparable regarding objectives and applied methods. Local energy autonomy is associated with high costs, leading to levelized costs of electricity of 0.41 $/kWh on average. By analysing the studies, many improvements for future studies could be identified: the studies lack an analysis of the impact of autonomous energy systems on surrounding energy systems. In addition, the robust design of autonomous energy systems requires higher time resolutions and extreme conditions. Future research should also develop methodologies to consider local stakeholders and their preferences for energy systems

Green or greedy: the relationship between perceived benefits and homeowners' intention to adopt residential low-carbon technologies

Transitioning to a net-zero economy requires a nuanced understanding of homeowners decision-making pathways when considering the adoption of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs). These LCTs present both personal and collective benefits, with positive perceptions critically influencing attitudes and intentions. Our study analyses the relationship between two primary benefits: the household-level financial gain and the broader environmental advantage. Focusing on the intention to adopt Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems, Energy Efficient Appliances, and Green Electricity Tariffs, we employ Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to demonstrate that the adoption intention of the LCTs is underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Attitudes toward the LCTs are more strongly related to product-specific benefits than affective constructs. In terms of evaluative benefits, environmental benefits exhibit a higher positive association with attitude formation compared to financial benefits. However, this relationship switches as homeowners move through the decision process with the financial benefits of selected LCTs having a consistently higher association with adoption intention. At the same time, financial benefits also positively affect attitudes. Observing this trend across both low- and high-cost LCTs, we recommend that policymakers amplify homeowners' recognition of the individual benefits intrinsic to LCTs and enact measures that ensure these financial benefits

Scenarios for the decarbonization of district heating: the case of Leipzig

This study derives the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) for exemplary post-fossil district heating (DH) scenarios. The DH system of Leipzig in 2040 under the assumption of a completely climate-neutral heat supply is considered. Accordingly, four generation scenarios (GS) are proposed based on different energy carriers that are characterized as follows: (1) natural gas with carbon capture and storage, (2) hydrogen, (3) diversified mix of biomass, waste heat and solar, and (4) electricity. In addition, the scenarios’ robustness toward commodity prices is investigated using a sensitivity analysis. A modeling environment was used to optimize the hourly economic dispatch. Based on this, levelized costs are determined. For the reference case, the LCOH of the GS 1 and 2 exceeds the LCOH of GS 3 and 4. Furthermore, the results indicate that relying on singular energy carriers as opposed to diversified generation portfolios leads to less robust LCOH regarding price sensitivities

The Influence of Financial Benefits and Peer Effects on the Adoption of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems

The uptake of residential photovoltaic systems is essential for energy system transformation towards carbon neutrality and decentralization. However, despite numerous campaigns to incentivize their uptake, adoption by residential homeowners is lacking behind. While countless drivers and barriers have been identified, the decision process is not fully understood. To address this gap, we developed an agent-based residential rooftop photovoltaic adoption model called PVact. Our model analyzes the interactions of potential household adopters based on their utility functions and social network, with a focus on the role of monetary evaluation and social pressure in adoption behavior. In this paper, we aim to assess the influence of monetary evaluation and social pressure in an abstract case study based on real-world data from the municipality of Leipzig, Germany. We consider stochastic dynamics through scenario analysis to investigate the influence of these factors on adoption behavior. Our results show that monetary evaluation and social pressure have a significant impact on adoption behavior. Specifically, we find shifting adoption patterns with an increased requirement for monetary returns and higher level of normative pressure required for households to act. Higher resistance against these pressure shows more stochastic variations

Reviewing local and integrated energy system models : insights into flexibility and robustness challenges

Funding Information: The contribution by Jann M. Weinand was supported by the Helmholtz Association under the program “Energy System Design”. Acknowledgements The contribution by Jann M. Weinand was supported by the Helmholtz Association under the program “Energy System Design”.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions : A Synthesis of the Literature

Funding: Fabian Scheller kindly acknowledges the financial support support of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 713683 (COFUNDfellowsDTU). Isabel Doser received funding from the project SUSIC (Smart Utilities and Sustainable Infrastructure Change) with the project number 1722 0710. This study is financed by the Saxon State government out of the State budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament Acknowledgments: For valuable feedback, the authors wish to thank the anonymous reviewer and the associate editor.Peer reviewedPublisher PD