Potential of grid-connected decentralized rooftop PV systems in Sweden

• Published in: Heliyon 2023-06, Vol.9 (6), p.e16871-e16871, Article e16871
• Main Authors: Ruan, Tianqi, Topel, Monika, Wang, Wujun, Laumert, Bjorn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Decentralized PV system; economic feasibility; Grid networks; latitude; markets; politics; power generation; profitability; solar collectors; solar energy; Sweden; Swedish contexts; Techno-economic analysis; Urban areas; weather
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16871

Solar power generation in Sweden is far from required capacity to help with transition towards 100% renewables in the power sector by 2040. Decentralized PV system attracts attentions given the conflicts of future increasing demands and land scarcity in the urban areas. However, it is not easy to implement it due to challenges on local conditions and lack of references. This paper aims to propose an overview of the potential of small-scale grid-connected PV systems in a Swedish context and offer an example for urban PV system planning in Sweden or high latitude areas. A model considering weather, space, infrastructures and economics is developed and implemented with a real case in the Swedish context. The findings verify the technical and economic feasibility of urban decentralized rooftop PV systems in the Swedish context. It is found that this kind of system does have considerable power potential in the Swedish context without land requirements. This kind of PV system could be a promising option for future power generation which satisfies part of demands and reduces pressure on external grids. The full potential could be only achieved with improved infrastructures, and the profitability of the system relies heavily on market and political conditions. This study can be a refence for other high latitude areas. •The study considers weather, space, infrastructure conditions and economics.•Distributed rooftop PV has big power potential but is limited by infrastructure.•The system is economically feasible in Sweden but sensitive to market and policies.•It provides a reference on urban PV integration for other high latitude areas.