A holistic assessment of the photovoltaic-energy storage-integrated charging station in residential areas: A case study in Wuhan

Abstract

The photovoltaic-energy storage-integrated charging station (PV-ES-I CS), as an emerging electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, plays a crucial role in carbon reduction and alleviating distribution grid pressure. To promote the widespread adoption of PV-ES-I CS in urban residential areas (mainly EV parking and charging locations), this study conducts a thorough assessment of its social acceptance and the economic and environmental benefits. Firstly, this study establishes a conceptual model based on the diffusion of innovations theory and conducted a statistical analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling on 347 useable questionnaires, aiming to comprehend the psychological determinants influencing the intention of non-users in Chinese households to adopt PV-ES-I CS. Secondly, the equipment configuration of the Wuhan community PV-ES-I CS demonstration project was optimally designed using PVsyst software, and its energy production, economic and environmental benefits were exhaustively analyzed. The research findings indicate that the conceptual model effectively elucidates the behavioral intentions of non-users in Chinese households towards adopting PV-ES-I CS. Furthermore, despite simulation results indicating that the annual electricity generation of the 21.78 kW PV-ES-I CS system is only 15.39 MWh, with an average performance ratio of only 57.1 %, this system still has great economic benefits (accumulated balance reaching up to 1,350,809.14 CNY over 20 years) and emission reduction potential (such as a total reduction of 183.9 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 20 years) in urban residential areas. These research outcomes provide vital insights for stakeholders involved in planning, evaluating, and implementing PV-ES-I CS within residential areas.