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
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 03:15 authored by Benjamin SovacoolBenjamin Sovacool, Max Lacey-BarnacleMax Lacey-Barnacle, Adrian SmithAdrian Smith, Marie Claire BrisboisMarie Claire BrisboisSolar 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 PolicyISSN
0301-4215Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
164Page range
1-13Article number
a112868Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2022-04-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-04-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2022-04-27Usage metrics
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