Feed-in Research Articles

Hierarchical optimization for the energy management of a greenhouse integrated with grid-tied photovoltaic–battery systems

This study addresses the challenges of high energy consumption and environmental concerns in traditional greenhouse operations by exploring an integrated greenhouse with grid-tied photovoltaic (PV)-battery systems. A two-layer hierarchical optimization framework is proposed for effective energy management. In the upper layer, greenhouse operations are optimized with the Energy Consumption Minimization (ECM) strategy and the Energy Cost Minimization (ECoM) strategy, ensuring suitable climate conditions while reducing energy use and costs. In the lower layer, the scheduling of the hybrid energy system is optimized with the Self-consumption Maximization (SCM) strategy and the Total Cost Minimization (TCM) strategy, aiming to maximize the self-consumption of PV power and minimize total costs, including energy costs, battery aging costs, and carbon emission costs, while meeting the greenhouse’s electricity demand. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the impact of electricity prices, feed-in tariffs, battery capacity, and PV array area on hybrid energy system scheduling. Results reveal that the ECoM strategy reduces costs by 6.98% compared to the ECM strategy, and the TCM strategy reduces total costs by 43.50% compared to the SCM strategy. Battery capacity and PV array area are found to have a more significant influence on total costs than electricity prices and feed-in tariffs. This study can offer crucial insights for realizing cost-effective and environmentally friendly greenhouse operations, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture.

Comparing feed-in tariff and renewable portfolio standard in South Korea: Cost reduction impact on non-photovoltaic renewable electricity

Renewable energy (RE) electricity plays a crucial role in addressing climate change but has limitations, such as intermittent production, high costs, and site constraints. South Korea transitioned its RE support system from a feed-in tariff (FIT) to a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in 2012. This study evaluates the impact of the FIT-to-RPS transition on cost reduction for non-photovoltaic RE technologies (RETs), i.e., onshore wind power, bioenergy power, small hydropower, and fuel cell power, using a learning curve model. The results indicate that the FIT-to-RPS transition did not have a significant positive impact on cost reduction for onshore wind power, bioenergy power, or small hydropower, as the results show negative learning rates (LRs) during both FIT and RPS periods. The analysis suggests that the positive learning effect was hindered by the gradual depletion of sites favourable to RE power plants as more RE power plants were installed. However, fuel cell power, which is not affected by land availability, increased the LR from 1.4 % to 3.5 %.This study has policy implications, such as improving excessive regulations and procedures that hinder the installation of RE power plants on sites with good condition.

How does the supply chain market respond to policy shocks? Evidence from solar photovoltaic sectors in China

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power policy implementation represents a pivotal strategy in addressing the challenges posed by global warming and climate change. This research endeavors to assess the effects of such policies on stock returns within the solar PV industry chain spanning the years 2013–2023. Employing contagion tests alongside the network analysis, our study delves into the intricate dynamics of policy impact. Our findings underscore the notably stronger influence exerted by opinion-based policies on policy contagion within industry chain sectors, eclipsing that of notification-based policies. Moreover, policies directed towards downstream sectors demonstrate a more pronounced effect on the mid- and downstream segments, relative to their impact on upstream components. Among the nine policies scrutinized, the 2017 notice pertaining to feed-in tariffs emerges as the most influential, driving and receiving policy shocks within the solar PV network system, while the 2022 notice aimed at coordinating the development of the PV industry supply chain exhibits comparatively weaker pervasive impact.

Socioeconomic challenges and opportunities in renewable energy transition

The global transition to renewable energy is a multifaceted endeavor that entails profound socioeconomic transformations. This study aimed to explore the socioeconomic challenges and opportunities inherent in this transition. By leveraging a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this research provides insights into the economic, social, technological, and policy dimensions of renewable energy adoption. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of policy frameworks with quantitative assessment of economic impacts. Key findings indicate that while renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind, are increasingly cost-competitive, high initial capital costs and long payback periods remain significant barriers. Social and cultural resistance also poses challenges, particularly in communities with strong ties to traditional energy sources. Policy inconsistencies and regulatory uncertainties further complicate the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Conversely, the study highlights numerous opportunities. Renewable energy deployment can drive substantial job creation, stimulate local economies, and enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources. Technological advancements in energy storage and smart grids are crucial for integrating renewable energy into existing systems, thereby ensuring reliability and stability. Effective policy frameworks, such as feed-in tariffs and carbon pricing, are essential for fostering investment and innovation in the renewable energy sector. The study concludes that a holistic approach, integrating economic incentives, social engagement, and robust policy frameworks, is vital for overcoming challenges and maximizing the benefits of renewable energy. Recommendations for future research include exploring innovative financial instruments, advancing energy storage technologies, and enhancing public engagement to increase social acceptance of renewable energy projects. Keywords: Renewable Energy, Socioeconomic Challenges, Energy Policy, Technological Innovation, Energy Transition, Sustainable Development.

Multifaceted impact of renewable energy on achieving global climate targets: Technological innovations, policy frameworks, and international collaborations

This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted impact of renewable energy on achieving global climate targets, focusing on technological innovations, policy frameworks, and international collaborations. The study aims to highlight the critical role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development. Methodologically, the paper synthesizes findings from the latest research and case studies to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. The main findings indicate significant advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as improvements in solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, which have enhanced efficiency and affordability. Energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies are crucial for integrating variable renewable energy sources into existing energy grids. Effective policy frameworks, including feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and renewable portfolio standards, have been instrumental in driving renewable energy adoption. The role of international collaborations, facilitated by organizations like IRENA and agreements such as the Paris Agreement, is vital in promoting global renewable energy deployment. Conclusions drawn from the study emphasize that achieving global climate targets requires a multifaceted approach encompassing technological innovation, supportive policy frameworks, and robust international collaboration. Future research should focus on advancing renewable energy technologies, optimizing policy frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. Recommendations include increased investment in renewable energy R&D, implementation of comprehensive policy measures that promote social equity, and strengthening international mechanisms for technology transfer and financial support. By addressing these areas, the global community can accelerate the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system, ensuring a prosperous and climate-resilient future for all. Keywords: Renewable Energy, Climate Targets, Technological Innovations, Policy Frameworks, International Collaborations, Sustainable Development.

A flexible policy instrument to encourage externality abatement technologies in salmon aquaculture

Aquaculture has been identified as a food sector with potential to provide protein and essential micronutrients to a growing global population, with salmon aquaculture often viewed as a leader in innovation and adoption of new technologies. Despite a broad range of negative externalities in salmon aquaculture, sea lice infestations remain the most harmful of environmental issues within the industry. In response to these challenges and driven by the need for a higher degree of control over the production conditions, salmon producers in Norway have been investing in new technologies that are often perceived as the last resort for sea lice abatement. The challenge is to design a regulatory regime that encourages innovation toward a sustainable mix of production technologies in the future. In this paper, we propose to use feed-in tariffs (FITs), a dynamic Pigouvian subsidy, as a regulatory instrument that can promote investments in abatement technologies by the salmon farming industry. We ground our discussion of FITs for aquaculture in experiences from the renewable energy sector in Spain and Germany.

Renewable compensation policies and conventional energy investment: A theoretical model

Many jurisdictions are simultaneously expanding natural gas and renewable capacities, largely supported by renewable compensation policies (RCPs). However, RCPs' impacts on firms' incentives for conventional capacity investment remain unclear. This paper develops a two-stage theoretical model to investigate this interaction within an imperfect competition and uncertain demand context. Firms initially invest in conventional energy capacity, followed by competing to supply electricity from conventional and previously owned renewables. Conventional output is compensated at market prices, but renewable output is subject to two common RCPs: feed-in tariffs (FiT) and feed-in premiums (FiP). The illustrative numerical example shows that increasing the proportion of renewable output compensated by a FiT from 20% to 80% increases the market-level conventional investment by 18%, leading to an increase in consumer surplus but decreasing firms' profits. These results exemplify the unintended effects of RCPs, encouraging the adoption of conventional generation capacity. The model presented in this paper provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the relationship between RCPs and conventional energy capacity investment—critical for carbon-intensive nations transitioning to renewables while maintaining reliable electricity supply through conventional generation.

Incorporating energy storage system into grid connected photovoltaic system with the application of wireless sensor network

The growing use of residential photovoltaics (PV) poses several challenges for distribution system operators. Technical challenges arise when excess PV energy is integrated into the low-voltage utility grid. This leads to current and voltage increase. On the other hand, economic challenges show up when the energy storage system (ESS) is fully charged without a mechanism in place to store excess energy. Residential ESS not only mitigates these challenges but also assists in mitigating irregular PV power issues. Different methodologies have been developed to construct models assessing the techno-economic benefits of integrating ESS with PV systems. Nevertheless, these approaches do not account for PV-ESS operation with feed-in-tariff (FiT) incentives, different electricity rate structures, and the lifetime model of ESS. This paper proposes an energy management strategy (EMS) suitable for rooftop PV installations. The EMS incorporates a temperature model and optimizes scheduling to regulate the power output of the PV/ESS in response to changes/needs in electricity demand. In addition, tactical information exchange between the ESS and the utility grid is facilitated by Link 16 wireless sensor networks. Furthermore, hybrid gated recurrent unit (GRU) and graph convolutional network (GCN) model is introduced for predicting PV power and electricity load. Consumer electricity data, PV data, and tariffs are utilized in the proposed study to examine the impact of MESS on electricity charges. The impact of multi-ESS (MESS) on the objective function is evaluated using the optimization model. Simulation results on a typical system show that the proposed approach significantly enhances battery performance. By the end of the year, the SOC reaches 84.78 % for the proposed MESS and 84.64 % for the DESS. The results reveal that the proposed approach yields 22 % cost savings compared to a dual ESS system and 24 % cost reduction compared to a single ESS. Moreover, the elevated packet delivery ratio values corresponding to higher signal-to-noise ratio levels signify enhanced reliability and superior communication performance. The impact of jamming attacks on battery consumption employing additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is compared with AWGN and single-tone, and AWGN and multi-tone. The results show that when dealing solely with AWGN, less power is needed to filter out noise.

Advancing Sustainable Energy Development: A Study of the Factors Influencing Distributed Photovoltaic Industry in Heilongjiang Province

In today’s energy industry, the development of clean energy has become a global concern. As an important clean energy technology, photovoltaic power generation (PV) is widely used in various countries and regions, helping to reduce the dependence on traditional fossil energy sources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Existing studies have some shortcomings in terms of factors affecting distributed PV grid-connected capacity. First, previous studies tend to focus on the influence of a single factor on the grid-connected capacity of distributed PV, ignoring the interaction effects among multiple factors. Second, the sample scope in existing studies is relatively narrow, often limited to specific regions or countries, and lacks comprehensive regional comparative analysis. In addition, previous studies often do not fully consider the moderating effect of carbon emission intensity on the influencing factors. Based on the above deficiencies, this study aims to build a regression model by analyzing panel data of central municipalities and provinces including Heilongjiang, Shandong and Beijing over the past three years, and construct an interaction model based on the interaction term. The empirical results show that effective sunshine hours, average feed-in tariff and annual electricity consumption are the main factors affecting the grid-connected capacity of distributed PV with a positive effect. The regional heterogeneity analysis also finds that carbon emission intensity enhances the impact of each factor on distributed PV grid-connected capacity. The regulation effect analysis confirms that the average feed-in tariff and annual electricity consumption have a regulation effect. With the results of this study, we fill the knowledge gaps left by previous studies and provide a new perspective to explore the influencing factors of distributed PV. A deeper understanding of the impact of these factors on distributed PV capacity helps us to better understand and optimize the potential of PV generation. In addition, our findings provide policy makers with recommendations and guidance on how to promote distributed PV generation, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the clean energy sector.

Enhancing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture: Optimization of greenhouse energy consumption through microgrid systems utilizing advanced meta-heuristic algorithms

Greenhouses offer controlled microclimates that enable year-round cultivation, improving food security and agricultural productivity. However, greenhouses are energy-intensive, with heating accounting for a significant portion of the associated costs. This study explores optimal microgrid configurations, economic viability, and policy recommendations for sustainable greenhouse agriculture in Nigeria. An in-depth energy assessment of a reference greenhouse in a South Korean facility is conducted. Distinct climatic differences between South Korea and Nigeria are highlighted, emphasizing the need for tailored greenhouse designs and energy solutions. Shifting focus to Nigeria, this study investigates the feasibility of hybrid renewable energy systems with a focus on wind and solar power across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The analysis encompasses technical, economic, and policy aspects, providing a holistic perspective on renewable energy adoption. Notably, the study uses an advanced optimization model, Teaching and Learning–Based Optimization algorithm, to assess the net present cost and baseload supply reliability, offering valuable insights for investors and policymakers. The result indicates diverse energy requirements across Nigeria, with total monthly peak energy demands ranging from 5374.80 kWh in the Southeast to 17,115.76 kWh in the Northwest, and a notable variation in the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), with the lowest at $0.07327 in Kano. Specifically, in Ogun, the net present cost for the WT-PV-ESS system stood at $520,935.45, while the PV-ESS system cost was substantially lower at $500,444.41. This confirms the effectiveness of location-specific analysis and shows the suitability of photovoltaic–battery energy storage systems for Nigeria's diverse regions, with unique considerations for specific areas. Policy recommendations, including feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, net metering, research support, and market development, provide a holistic framework for the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Improving infrastructure, market access, and financing for smallholder farmers is integral for improving food security and standards of living in rural Nigeria. In conclusion, Nigeria can leverage renewable resources to revolutionize its energy and agriculture sectors, setting an example for a sustainable and resilient future.

Satisfaction with Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems and Feed-in-Tariffs Effects on Energy and Environmental Goals in Jordan

Rooftop photovoltaic (RPV) systems are valuable clean-energy-efficient technology that facilitates the transition toward energy sustainability in residential buildings. Hence, the government in Jordan implemented the feed-in-tariffs (FiT) policy to motivate residents’ willingness to install RPV systems. However, the quality of RPV products and services is a key determinant of social acceptance to install RPV systems. Hence, manufacturers and suppliers are working closely with adopters to design and manufacture RPV systems that meet or exceed their expectations. Still, there is a need to develop a quantitative assessment to examine the effects of this FiT policy and the quality of RPV systems on energy security. This study, therefore, develops a system dynamics model to examine the effects of the FiT policy and the quality of RPV products and services on social acceptance to install RPV systems. To achieve this objective, several hypotheses were established related to the main model factors, including the quality of services, complaint reduction, performance ratio, payback period and warranty, and FiT price, with a willingness to install RPV systems. Then, a system dynamics model was constructed. The simulation results reveal the significant factor that impacts energy goals. Moreover, from the end of the year 2030 to the end of 2050, RPV installations, generated power, and CO2 emission reductions are expected to increase from 0.681 GW to 72.83 GW, from 1.07 to 125.74 TWh, and from 0.680 to 79.59 million tons of CO2, respectively. Optimization was performed to maximize the three objectives under the uncertainty of key model variables. The optimal factor values can significantly increase the current energy goals by about 20%. In conclusion, collecting, analyzing, and evaluating adopter input and feedback on RPV systems regarding their design and technology and manufacturing and the post-services of RPV systems significantly influence energy sustainability in residential buildings. In addition, government support through investing in the FiT policy can boost RPV installations in residential buildings.

Renewable Energy Analysis and Evaluation with Economic Utilization of Solar Powered Air Conditioning System in Nigeria

This article focuses on the analysis and integration of PV systems to load ratio correlation and the economic importance of the left over to grid supply and integration. The paper focusses on the different methods of PV generation to load utilization using the solar powered air conditioner as the load while minimizing the use of fossil fuel (petroleum, natural gas and coal) which have serious environmental implications. Air conditioners are becoming more commonly used load power consumption metrics and are a major strain on energy demands especially in tropical rainforest climate countries like Nigeria. The photovoltaic electricity is a clean and sustainable energy. In this paper, we present a techno-economic feasibility study for solar powered air conditioning system in Nigeria. The method used made a correlation of four alternatives of PV to load ratio factor being investigated. In the first instance, the PV system supplied 50% of the energy to the loads. In the second method, the PV system supplied 75% of the energy to the loads. Thirdly, the PV system supplied 100% of the energy to the loads. Fourthly, on a final design, the PV system supplied 125% of the energy to the loads. In the first two case the PV energy generated is used solely to power the air conditioner system. In the last two design, there is excess electrical energy which is proposed to be sold to the Nigeria grid system especially if the grid system optimized and broken down into smaller grid array within 0.3$ feed-in tariff. The best alternative method is the grid-connected PV system with 125% capacity factor which is chosen due to its short payback time period as well as high profit rate over the lifetime of the project.

Unravelling the role of financial development in shaping renewable energy consumption patterns: Insights from BRICS countries

In line with the pursuit of clean and affordable energy, our study contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs-7 and -13) and the global fight against climate change by offering evidence-based insights. We conducted a panel analysis of BRICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China, and South Africa) economies to investigate the relationship between financial development and renewable energy utilization. Our empirical findings highlight a positive statistical association between economic growth and renewable energy consumption, indicating that higher economic growth correlates with increased renewable energy adoption. Similarly, significant positive relationships are observed between the consumer price index and domestic credit with renewable energy consumption. Moreover, our study also uncovers a counterintuitive relationship between foreign direct investment and renewable energy consumption. These results provide valuable insights into the determinants of renewable energy consumption in BRICS countries. From a policy perspective, we advocate for robust strategies to promote the adoption and utilization of renewable energy sources alongside the implementation of policies encouraging the uptake of clean technologies. Such measures can spur economic growth and contribute to achieving low-carbon targets and sustainability goals within the BRICS economies. Practical steps, including incentives like feed-in tariffs and subsidies, can further enhance the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy adoption in the investigated bloc.

Biofuel supply chain planning and circular business model innovation at wastewater treatment plants: The case of biomethane production

Advanced biofuels, such as biomethane, could contribute to environmental sustainability in increasingly interrelated sectors, such as energy and waste management. Accordingly, innovative biomethane production technologies are argued to be the enablers of circular and waste-to-energy concepts, for example, at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Nevertheless, their integration into biofuel supply chain (BSC) research is overlooked from a circular business model innovation (BMI) perspective. This study aims to address this research gap by focusing on an innovative biomethane production approach (power-to-gas, P2G) and related circular business model innovation opportunities in the context of WWTPs. We carried out lab-scale research and a case study at a mid-sized European WWTP to establish an empirical basis for large-scale techno-economic calculations. Despite the explored technological opportunity to increase advanced biofuel supply and decrease carbon dioxide emissions at WWTPs, current market risk levels challenge the economic prospects of the system concept. These empirical results demonstrate the necessity of policy interventions in different combinations (e.g., investment support, favourable taxation, feed-in tariffs). This study is one of the first to combine technological and business modelling aspects to support BSC planning, and supplement optimization-focused BSC research with explorative techno-economic analyses based on empirical data.

Distributional justice, effectiveness, and costs of current and alternative solar PV incentive schemes in Switzerland

Like many other countries, Switzerland offers various incentives to promote residential solar PV, but not all households have equal access to them. Using a microsimulation approach based on merged data from the Swiss Household Budget Survey and Household Energy Demand Survey, we evaluate the current Swiss incentive scheme in terms of how equally the internal rates of return of PV installations, the amounts of obtainable incentives, and the saving months to accumulate the investment are distributed across households. The current, regionally heterogeneous scheme is then compared with alternative, nationally uniform designs based on the required public spending, effectiveness in promoting profitable and affordable PV, and distributional equality. The current scheme leads to a large disparity in the economic profitability of installations and incentive amounts obtainable across various socio-demographics. Larger, the highest-income, and rural households can obtain more incentives and install more profitable PV systems. Lower-income households must save the longest to install PV. Incentive schemes with a nationally uniform investment grant or a feed-in tariff threshold could offer a good alternative to the current scheme in terms of justice, public spending, and effectiveness. The insights on heterogeneous versus uniform PV incentives and the developed methodology could be transferred elsewhere.

Renewable energy expansion: Legal strategies for overcoming regulatory barriers and promoting innovation

The expansion of renewable energy sources is pivotal in mitigating climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable energy future. However, the realization of this transition faces numerous regulatory barriers that impede the deployment and integration of renewable energy technologies. This abstract explores the legal strategies essential for overcoming these barriers and promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion. Regulatory hurdles often stem from outdated policies, complex permitting processes, and conflicting regulations at various governmental levels. Moreover, legal uncertainties surrounding property rights, land use, and interconnection standards pose significant challenges to renewable energy developers and investors. To address these barriers, legal frameworks must evolve to accommodate the unique characteristics and requirements of renewable energy projects. Effective legal strategies encompass a range of interventions, including streamlining permitting procedures, harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions, and providing clarity on legal and contractual frameworks. Furthermore, innovative policy mechanisms such as feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and tax incentives can incentivize renewable energy deployment while ensuring regulatory compliance. Promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion requires a proactive approach to legal and regulatory reform. This involves fostering collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and legal experts to identify regulatory bottlenecks and develop tailored solutions. Additionally, flexible regulatory frameworks that allow for experimentation and adaptation to technological advancements are essential for driving innovation in the renewable energy sector. Case studies from various jurisdictions illustrate successful legal strategies employed to overcome regulatory barriers and promote innovation in renewable energy expansion. These examples highlight the importance of proactive policy interventions, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive governance structures in facilitating the transition to a renewable energy economy. In conclusion, overcoming regulatory barriers and promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal, policy, and technological solutions. By adopting proactive legal strategies, policymakers can create an enabling environment that fosters renewable energy deployment, accelerates innovation, and advances the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Single mixed refrigerant biomethane liquefaction plant integrated with solar energy: Dynamic simulation for the decarbonization of the heavy road transport sector

This works proposes a dynamic thermoeconomic analysis of a liquefied biomethane production plant to meet the fuel demand of a fleet of heavy duty trucks in the south of Italy. The biomethane is obtained from the upgrading of the biogas produced by means of anaerobic digestion through a plug flow reactor fed by organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The upgrading of the biogas is realized using a three-stage membrane compression process, producing a 96 % pure biomethane. The biomethane liquefaction is realized using a single-mixed refrigerant process and compared to a Linde cycle process. The whole system is assisted by solar energy to reduce the fossil energy consumption of the process and feed-in tariffs are considered as funding policy. The models for the anaerobic digestion, the biogas upgrading, and the biomethane liquefaction are in detail developed in MatLab. The anaerobic digestion model is based on the ADM1 biological model, integrated with a suitable heat transfer model. The biogas upgrading model is based on a simplified Fick model. The liquefaction model is based on an equivalent two heat-exchangers model, taking into account the transient heat transfer. All the components are then integrated in TRNSYS to perform the dynamic simulation for one operating year of the whole system. Results from the thermoeconomic analysis are outstanding in terms of profitability, showing a payback period of less than 2 years and a Net Present Value of the system of 402 M€. The great environmental impact is also confirmed by a Primary Energy Saving of 91 % and a dramatic reduction of 86 % of the CO2 equivalent emissions.

Self-consumption potential and surplus compensation policy impact on rooftop photovoltaic systems in Spain

This research examines the viability of rooftop photovoltaic systems for electricity self-consumption in Spain's residential sector, analyzing municipality-level data on electricity demand, rooftop availability, solar irradiance, and various electricity market and surplus policy scenarios. Differences are found between rural and urban contexts, with rural areas exhibiting greater potential for photovoltaic systems deployment due to more available rooftop space. The study highlights the crucial role of surplus electricity management, showing that an efficient use can significantly boost self-consumption potential, particularly in rural areas where surplus constitutes about two-thirds of the photovoltaic production. Economic analyses under different electricity market conditions and surplus compensation policies show that these factors critically affect the attractiveness and viability of these systems. Current high electricity prices in Spain have reduced their payback period, but the prevalent surplus compensation policy, a 1-month net billing feed-in tariff, reduces their cost-effectiveness by up to 60 % compared to a hypothetical 12-month net billing approach. The findings underscore the need for policy adjustments to maximize rooftop occupancy and ensure fair compensation of surpluses, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies for effective sustainable photovoltaic systems deployment in residential contexts.

Renewable energy expansion: Legal strategies for overcoming regulatory barriers and promoting innovation

The expansion of renewable energy sources is pivotal in mitigating climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable energy future. However, the realization of this transition faces numerous regulatory barriers that impede the deployment and integration of renewable energy technologies. This abstract explores the legal strategies essential for overcoming these barriers and promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion. Regulatory hurdles often stem from outdated policies, complex permitting processes, and conflicting regulations at various governmental levels. Moreover, legal uncertainties surrounding property rights, land use, and interconnection standards pose significant challenges to renewable energy developers and investors. To address these barriers, legal frameworks must evolve to accommodate the unique characteristics and requirements of renewable energy projects. Effective legal strategies encompass a range of interventions, including streamlining permitting procedures, harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions, and providing clarity on legal and contractual frameworks. Furthermore, innovative policy mechanisms such as feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, and tax incentives can incentivize renewable energy deployment while ensuring regulatory compliance. Promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion requires a proactive approach to legal and regulatory reform. This involves fostering collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and legal experts to identify regulatory bottlenecks and develop tailored solutions. Additionally, flexible regulatory frameworks that allow for experimentation and adaptation to technological advancements are essential for driving innovation in the renewable energy sector. Case studies from various jurisdictions illustrate successful legal strategies employed to overcome regulatory barriers and promote innovation in renewable energy expansion. These examples highlight the importance of proactive policy interventions, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive governance structures in facilitating the transition to a renewable energy economy. In conclusion, overcoming regulatory barriers and promoting innovation in renewable energy expansion requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal, policy, and technological solutions. By adopting proactive legal strategies, policymakers can create an enabling environment that fosters renewable energy deployment, accelerates innovation, and advances the transition towards a sustainable energy future. Keywords: Legal Strategies, Promoting Innovation, Regulatory Barriers, Renewable Energy, Overcoming.

Optimized energy management of a solar battery microgrid: An economic approach towards voltage stability

As the adoption of renewable energy sources (RESs) continues to surge, and the concept of microgrids (MGs) gains widespread recognition, the need for efficient battery energy storage system (BESS) management within MGs has become increasingly prominent. This paper introduces a novel Energy Management System (EMS) designed for grid-connected MGs, with the primary objectives of enhancing the energy economics of the MG, minimizing BESS degradation, and ensuring that the point of common coupling (PCC) voltage remains within prescribed limits. The proposed EMS utilizes a finite-horizon Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework to seamlessly coordinate BESS operations, encompassing charging, discharging, and reactive power provision. This coordination is done in conjunction with solar power generation, load demand, electricity pricing, and feed-in tariffs. Furthermore, the EMS accounts for uncertainties related to load and solar demand using a Monte Carlo simulation approach. The optimization goal of the proposed EMS is to minimize the expected total operational cost of the MG over a 24-hour prediction horizon. This cost encompasses both economic costs and battery degradation costs. The optimization process adheres to a set of constraints that consider BESS limitations, such as state of charge (SoC) constraints and charging/discharging limits, as well as inverter capacity limits and PCC voltage requirements. Conducting rigorous case studies on the MATLAB Simscape Electrical platform and validating them in real-time using the OPAL-RT simulator demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed EMS across diverse operational scenarios and pricing models. The findings of these case studies provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the EMS in real-world MG applications.