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Photovoltaics Energy Potential in the Largest Greek Cities: Atmospheric and Urban Fabric Effects, Climatic Trends Influences and Socio-Economic Benefits

Author

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  • Stavros Vigkos

    (Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens (IERSD/NOA), 15236 Athens, Greece)

  • Panagiotis G. Kosmopoulos

    (Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens (IERSD/NOA), 15236 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

This comprehensive study explores the influence of aerosols and clouds on solar radiation in the urban environments of nine of Greece’s largest cities over the decade from 2014 to 2023. Utilizing a combination of Earth Observation data, radiative transfer models, and geographic information systems, the research undertook digital surface modeling and photovoltaic simulations. The study meticulously calculated the optimal rooftop areas for photovoltaic installation in these cities, contributing significantly to their energy adequacy and achieving a balance between daily electricity production and demand. Moreover, the research provides an in-depth analysis of energy and economic losses, while also highlighting the environmental benefits. These include a reduction in pollutant emissions and a decrease in the carbon footprint, aligning with the global shift towards local energy security and the transformation of urban areas into green, smart cities. The innovative methodology of this study, which leverages open access data, sets a strong foundation for future research in this field. It opens up possibilities for similar studies and has the potential to contribute to the creation of an updated, comprehensive solar potential map for continental Greece. This could be instrumental in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, thereby promoting sustainable urban development and environmental preservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Stavros Vigkos & Panagiotis G. Kosmopoulos, 2024. "Photovoltaics Energy Potential in the Largest Greek Cities: Atmospheric and Urban Fabric Effects, Climatic Trends Influences and Socio-Economic Benefits," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-32, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3821-:d:1448896
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paulius Kozlovas & Saulius Gudzius & Jokubas Ciurlionis & Audrius Jonaitis & Inga Konstantinaviciute & Viktorija Bobinaite, 2023. "Assessment of Technical and Economic Potential of Urban Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Lithuania," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-29, July.
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    3. Kosmopoulos, Panagiotis & Dhake, Harshal & Kartoudi, Danai & Tsavalos, Anastasios & Koutsantoni, Pelagia & Katranitsas, Apostolos & Lavdakis, Nikolaos & Mengou, Eftihia & Kashyap, Yashwant, 2024. "Ray-Tracing modeling for urban photovoltaic energy planning and management," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 369(C).
    4. Maria Karagianni, 2023. "Making Thessaloniki Resilient? The Enclosing Process of the Urban Green Commons," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(1), pages 346-360.
    5. Hong, Taehoon & Lee, Minhyun & Koo, Choongwan & Jeong, Kwangbok & Kim, Jimin, 2017. "Development of a method for estimating the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) potential by analyzing the available rooftop area using Hillshade analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 320-332.
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