Abstract
Globally, deployment of grid-connected photovoltaics (PV) has increased dramatically in recent years. The UK has seen rapid uptake reaching over 500,000 installations totalling 2.8 GWp by 2013. PV can be installed in different market segments (domestic rooftop, non-domestic rooftop and ground-mounted “solar-farms”) covering a broad range of system sizes in a high number of locations. It is important to gain detailed understanding of what grid-connected PV deployment looks like (e.g., how it deployed across different geographic areas and market segments), and identify the major drivers behind it. This paper answers these questions by developing a novel geographical information systems (GIS)-framework—the United Kingdom Photovoltaics Database (UKPVD)—to analyze temporal and spatial PV deployment trends at high resolution across all market segments. Results show how PV deployment changed over time with the evolution of governmental PV policy support. Then spatial trends as function of local irradiation, rurality (as a proxy of building and population density) and building footprint (as a proxy for roof-area) are analyzed. We find in all market segments, PV deployment is strongly correlated with the level of policy support. Furthermore, all markets show a preference to deploy in rural areas and those with higher irradiation. Finally, local clustering of PV in all market segments was observed, revealing that PV is not spread evenly across areas. This work reveals the complex nature of PV deployment, both spatially and by market segment, reinforcing the need capture this through mapping.
Highlights
Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in the deployment of grid-connected photovoltaics (PV) in countries across the globe
We find in all market segments, PV deployment is strongly correlated with the level of policy support
This work reveals the complex nature of PV deployment, both spatially and by market segment, reinforcing the need capture this through mapping
Summary
Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in the deployment of grid-connected photovoltaics (PV) in countries across the globe. Unlike conventional “centralized” electricity generation, PV systems are typically characterized by: smaller installation size (with generator capacity ranging from a few kWp to tens of MWp); numerous installation locations and the ability to be installed in the different market segments of: domestic rooftop, non-domestic rooftop and ground-mounted systems. The former two typically being connected “behind the meter” on electricity consumer’s premises, whilst the latter are generally connected directly to the distribution network at higher voltage levels [4]. These features in conjunction with their variable electrical output can present new challenges
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