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Sovacool et al 2022 solar_inequities.pdf (6.44 MB)

Towards improved solar energy justice: exploring the complex inequities of household adoption of photovoltaic panels

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Solar energy, including household and community based solar photovoltaic panels, is the fastest growing source of low-carbon electricity worldwide, and it could become the single largest source of renewable energy by mid-century. But what negative equity and justice issues may be associated with its adoption? What risks are being accelerated as solar energy grows exponentially in its deployment? In this study, we rely on a mixed methods research design involving household solar interviews (N = 24), site visits (N = 4 solar neighbourhoods), and a literature review to investigate four types of inequities associated with household solar adoption. We utilize a novel framework looking at demographic inequities (between groups), spatial inequities (across geographic scales), interspecies inequities (between humans and non-humans), and temporal inequities (across present and future generations). This framework enables not only the identification of multiple and often interlinked inequities; it also points the way towards how to make solar energy adoption more sustainable and just, with direct implications for solar business practices (and supply chains) as well as energy and climate policy.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Energy Policy

ISSN

0301-4215

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

164

Page range

1-13

Article number

a112868

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-04-27

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-04-27

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-04-27

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