Rooftop PV and the Renewable Energy Transition; a Review of Driving Forces and Analytical Frameworks

Sam Wilkinson, Michele John and Gregory M. Morrison
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Sam Wilkinson: Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Michele John: Sustainable Engineering Group, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Gregory M. Morrison: Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-25

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.

Keywords: rooftop PV; variable renewable energy (VER); energy transition; techno-economic paradigm (TEP); multi-level perspective (MLP) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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