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Business Models of Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Power of China: The Business Model Canvas Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Xiang Cai

    (Business School, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China)

  • Meiying Xie

    (Business School, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China)

  • Haijing Zhang

    (Business School, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Zhenli Xu

    (Business School, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China)

  • Faxin Cheng

    (School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

Abstract

China is a world leader in the global solar photovoltaic industry, and has rapidly expanded its distributed solar photovoltaic (DSPV) power in recent years. However, China’s DSPV power is still in its infancy. As such, its business model is still in the exploratory stage, and faces many developmental obstacles. This paper summarizes and analyzes the main obstacles that China’s DSPV power is facing in its development, using a literature analysis methodology. Then, previous business models, such as host-owned, energy management contract (EMC), and third-party-owned (TPO), were studied using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as an analytical tool. Moreover, the Lean Canvas (LC) method was used to further conduct a synthesis and comparative analysis with the three models, describing how and to what extent these models can overcome identified obstacles. Finally, the study highlighted the dominant position of EMC model.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiang Cai & Meiying Xie & Haijing Zhang & Zhenli Xu & Faxin Cheng, 2019. "Business Models of Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Power of China: The Business Model Canvas Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:16:p:4322-:d:256386
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ozoegwu, Chigbogu G. & Akpan, Patrick U., 2021. "A review and appraisal of Nigeria's solar energy policy objectives and strategies against the backdrop of the renewable energy policy of the Economic Community of West African States," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    3. Rami David Orejon-Sanchez & Jose Ramon Andres-Diaz & Alfonso Gago-Calderon, 2021. "Autonomous Photovoltaic LED Urban Street Lighting: Technical, Economic, and Social Viability Analysis Based on a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    4. Ai Ni Teoh & Yun Ii Go & Tze Chuen Yap, 2020. "Is Malaysia Ready for Sustainable Energy? Exploring the Attitudes toward Solar Energy and Energy Behaviors in Malaysia," World, MDPI, vol. 1(2), pages 1-14, August.
    5. Nicholas Mukisa & Ramon Zamora & Tek Tjing Lie, 2022. "Energy Business Initiatives for Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems: An Overview," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-26, November.
    6. F.G. Reis, Inês & Gonçalves, Ivo & A.R. Lopes, Marta & Henggeler Antunes, Carlos, 2021. "Business models for energy communities: A review of key issues and trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    7. Jiehui Yuan & Wenli Yuan & Juan Yuan & Zhihong Liu & Jia Liao & Xunmin Ou, 2023. "Policy Recommendations for Distributed Solar PV Aiming for a Carbon-Neutral Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, February.
    8. Li, Na & Okur, Özge, 2023. "Economic analysis of energy communities: Investment options and cost allocation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).

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