Exploring the potential of non-residential solar to tackle energy injustice

Wussow, Moritz; Zanocco, Chad; Wang, Zhecheng; Prabha, Rajanie; Flora, June; Neumann, Dirk; Majumdar, Arun; Rajagopal, Ram

doi:10.1038/s41560-024-01485-y

Title: Exploring the potential of non-residential solar to tackle energy injustice

Journal Article · 28 March 2024 · Nature Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-024-01485-y · OSTI ID:2426708

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Stanford University, CA (United States); Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Germany); Stanford University
Stanford University, CA (United States)
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (Germany)

Despite the observed disparities in US residential solar deployment, there is limited insight into whether these disparities exist for the non-residential sector. Here we use DeepSolar, a comprehensive photovoltaic database constructed with satellite imagery, to assess solar deployment equity based on the US Justice40’s disadvantaged community measure. We find that disadvantaged communities have less non-residential solar (–38%), but this disparity is notably higher for residential solar (–67%). Across-state variations are consistent for residential solar (–81% to –49%) yet highly heterogeneous for non-residential solar (–66% to +34%). Using scenarios to explore the potential for microgrids powered by solar on building rooftops larger than 1,000 square metres, we estimate that 63% of disadvantaged communities could meet at least 20% of annual residential electricity demand. Furthermore, our research argues for a new focus on non-residential solar as a way to strengthen resilience and accelerate local deployment of clean energy resources to promote energy justice.

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Research Organization:: Stanford University, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office; National Science Foundation (NSF)

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0009359

OSTI ID:: 2426708

Journal Information:: Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 9; ISSN 2058-7546

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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