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Simulating the Diffusion of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic, Battery Storage Systems and Electric Cars in Italy. An Exploratory Study Combining a Discrete Choice and Agent-Based Modelling Approach

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  • Romeo Danielis

    (Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
    Centro Interdipartimentale per l’Energia, l’Ambiente e i Trasporti “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy)

  • Mariangela Scorrano

    (Department of Economics, Business, Mathematics and Statistics, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
    Centro Interdipartimentale per l’Energia, l’Ambiente e i Trasporti “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy)

  • Alessandro Massi Pavan

    (Centro Interdipartimentale per l’Energia, l’Ambiente e i Trasporti “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
    Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy)

  • Nicola Blasuttigh

    (Centro Interdipartimentale per l’Energia, l’Ambiente e i Trasporti “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
    Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy)

Abstract

Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems could significantly contribute to renewable energy production and reduce domestic energy costs. In Italy, as in other countries, the current incentives generate a modest annual increase after the generous fiscal incentives that kick-started the PV market in the 2008–2013 period. Several factors are, however, at play that can speed up the installation process, such as the improvements in PV technology at declining prices, the increased availability of battery-storage (BS) systems, the growing use of electric appliances, the uptake of electric cars, and the increased environmental awareness. We integrate two research methodologies, discrete choice modeling and agent-based modeling, to understand how these factors will influence households’ decisions regarding PV and BS installations and how agents interact in their socioeconomic environment. We predict that in Italy, given the preference structure of homeowners, the continuing decline in costs, and the social interaction, 40–45% of homeowners will have PV or PV and BS installed by 2030, thanks to the existing investment tax credit policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Romeo Danielis & Mariangela Scorrano & Alessandro Massi Pavan & Nicola Blasuttigh, 2023. "Simulating the Diffusion of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic, Battery Storage Systems and Electric Cars in Italy. An Exploratory Study Combining a Discrete Choice and Agent-Based Modelling Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:557-:d:1024064
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    References listed on IDEAS

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