Bottom-up Initiatives for Photovoltaic: Incentives and Barriers

Kathrin Reinsberger,Alfred Posch

doi:10.13044/j.sdewes.2014.02.0010

Abstract

ABSTRACT When facing the challenge of restructuring the energy system, bottom-up initiatives can aid the diffusion of decentralized and clean energy technologies. We focused here on a bottom-up initiative of citizen-funded and citizen-operated photovoltaic power plants. The project follows a case study-based approach and examines two different community initiatives. The aim is to investigate the potential incentives and barriers relating to participation or non-participation in predefined community PV projects. Qualitative, as well as quantitative empirical research was used to examine the key factors in the further development of bottom-up initiatives as contributors to a general energy transition. KEYWORDS Photovoltaic adoption, PV diffusion, Community power plants, Community renewables, Renewable energy cooperatives, Citizen engagement INTRODUCTION Climate change and energy security are strong drivers in a transition to sustainable energy. Increasing energy prices and the high dependence on non-renewable resources may be attributed to the current strong focus on centralized energy systems which operate mostly on the basis of fossil fuels [1]. By producing electricity and heat closer to the point of use decentralized energy systems can help counter such adverse effects [2]. Decentralized energy is to be preferred over traditional centralized electricity generation in that it serves to reduce distribution inefficiencies and facilitates the development of an increased contribution from renewables [3]. Bottom-up initiatives can play a crucial role in achieving more decentralized structures. Community energy projects are attracting increasing attention as potential sources of innovation in the transition towards sustainable energy [4]. Recent research, for example, has examined the role of community-based initiatives in the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy in the UK [5], as well as the role of new technologies in the decentralized production of renewable electricity, heat, combined heat and power (CHP) and fuels [6]. One important technology for decentralized production is photovoltaic [7]. We thus focused our research on citizen-based solar power plants as bottom-up initiatives in photovoltaic (hereafter, PV) technology. Due to its high technological potential and the rapidly decreasing costs, PV is an increasingly promising element of renewable energy production, and is the fastest growing renewable energy source worldwide. The Austrian scale-up target for PV, as stated in the electricity law of 2012

Highlights

Climate change and energy security are strong drivers in a transition to sustainable energy
It was found that public meetings geared towards the provision of information on community power plants tend to have a high impact on people’s decision making, as does word of mouth, where people, who are already part of the initiative, inform others of their experience
The qualitative results from the interviews highlight the relevance of implementing energy projects at a local level

Summary

Introduction

Climate change and energy security are strong drivers in a transition to sustainable energy. Increasing energy prices and the high dependence on non-renewable resources may be attributed to the current strong focus on centralized energy systems which operate mostly on the basis of fossil fuels [1]. Decentralized energy is to be preferred over traditional centralized electricity generation in that it serves to reduce distribution inefficiencies and facilitates the development of an increased contribution from renewables [3]. Community energy projects are attracting increasing attention as potential sources of innovation in the transition towards sustainable energy [4]. For example, has examined the role of community-based initiatives in the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy in the UK [5], as well as the role of new technologies in the decentralized production of renewable electricity, heat, combined heat and power (CHP) and fuels [6]. One important technology for decentralized production is photovoltaic [7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion