Solar City Indicator: A methodology and ranking of the potential for PV in UK cities

摘要

Existing studies to determine the maximum potential use of PV in cities are usually based on local insolation and roof geometry or econometric choice models. This research presents a more holistic methodology, taking into account both physical capability and socio-economic factors, which together determine the realistic levels of uptake of PV. An overall ranking of cities is enabled by calculating a Solar City Indicator on a per capita basis and relative to electricity demand. Seven major UK cities were chosen for comparison based upon data availability; Dundee, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield. A number of scenarios are also tested in order to take into account changes such as panel costs, FiT rates, electricity prices and payback periods.