Abstract
Rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) are accelerating the transition towards low carbon electricity systems in many countries, particularly in Australia. This review paper provides an overview of the (1) technical, (2) economic, (3) socio-political, and (4) regulatory and institutional aspects that should be considered concurrently when navigating the transition towards a rooftop PV-dominated electricity system. We consider the suitability of two prominent long-range transitions theories for understanding the importance and interaction of elements within these four aspects during the transition. The multi-level perspective (MLP) of transitions theory is considered best suited for this task as it addresses fundamental shifts in the socio-technical systems, rather than being weighted towards technological and/or economic solutions. We find that relatively little research has been undertaken where the renewable energy transition is being driven by the uptake of rooftop PV within the distribution network of established islanded electricity systems. These islanded electricity systems will be the first to experience system impacts from high levels of rooftop PV. This review provides further analysis of important gaps in understanding the rooftop-PV-led energy transition and the implications for policy makers in maintaining stable electricity supplies during the transition.
Highlights
Australia’s transition towards an electricity system dominated by renewable energy sources is unfolding faster than many would have expected, given the deep political divide over the need to address climate change in the country
This compares with the meta-analysis undertaken within systematic literature review (SLR), which are best employed to quantitatively analyse comparisons of research paper findings that have each used similar methodologies [32,33]
Integrating the multi-level perspective (MLP) with the Four Aspects Uncovered in the SLR
Summary
Reported that Australia is installing wind and solar energy at a rate that is four to five times faster on a per capita basis than is occurring in China, the United States, Japan or the European Union. They further project that, at this rate, Australia would reach 50%. Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on over a third of homes in some Australian states [2,3]. Many of the effects of rooftop PV on centrally controlled electricity systems are similar to those from utility scale wind and solar variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, such as their limited dispatchability and inherent variability.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
