A systematic analysis of stakeholder interaction and the barriers towards upscaling urban residential solar PV: The case of Shanghai, China

Abstract

Political, economic, and social factors that impede the diffusion of residential solar photovoltaics (RSPV) are at the frontline of academic research in renewable energy development because solar PV has rapidly become cost-benefit effective relative to traditional energy. Using Shanghai for our investigation, this study employed a systematic and stakeholder engagement framework to analyze the political, economic, and social actors and their relationships with the residents' acceptance of solar PV. Our results were based on 20 in-depth interviews and rich secondary qualitative research data. We found that several factors that jointly contributed to poor collaboration among actors for upscaling of RSPV development in Shanghai. These included the poor implementation of RSPV policies from political actors, residents’ distrust of the market players, uncertainties and risks faced by small and medium solar companies, and an individualism-collective dilemma and poor community engagement due to rapid social atomization. The development of RSPV is a systematic project that requires joint efforts and collaborative mechanisms among political, market, and community actors. Community engagement is an indispensable measure to promote collaboration among these key stakeholders for the success of RSPV development.