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Exploring the potential of non-residential solar to tackle energy injustice

Author

Listed:
  • Moritz Wussow

    (Stanford University
    Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg)

  • Chad Zanocco

    (Stanford University)

  • Zhecheng Wang

    (Stanford University)

  • Rajanie Prabha

    (Stanford University)

  • June Flora

    (Stanford University)

  • Dirk Neumann

    (Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg)

  • Arun Majumdar

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University)

  • Ram Rajagopal

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University)

Abstract

Despite the observed disparities in US residential solar deployment, there is limited insight into whether these disparities exist for the non-residential sector. Here we use DeepSolar, a comprehensive photovoltaic database constructed with satellite imagery, to assess solar deployment equity based on the US Justice40’s disadvantaged community measure. We find that disadvantaged communities have less non-residential solar (−38%), but this disparity is notably higher for residential solar (−67%). Across-state variations are consistent for residential solar (−81% to −49%) yet highly heterogeneous for non-residential solar (−66% to +34%). Using scenarios to explore the potential for microgrids powered by solar on building rooftops larger than 1,000 square metres, we estimate that 63% of disadvantaged communities could meet at least 20% of annual residential electricity demand. Our research argues for a new focus on non-residential solar as a way to strengthen resilience and accelerate local deployment of clean energy resources to promote energy justice.

Suggested Citation

  • Moritz Wussow & Chad Zanocco & Zhecheng Wang & Rajanie Prabha & June Flora & Dirk Neumann & Arun Majumdar & Ram Rajagopal, 2024. "Exploring the potential of non-residential solar to tackle energy injustice," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 9(6), pages 654-663, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:9:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1038_s41560-024-01485-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01485-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Melita Van Steenberghe & Aislinn D’hulster & Johannes Weytjens & Marten Ovaere & Koen Schoors, 2024. "Tracking Demographic and Financial Trends in Renewable Energy Cooperative Membership in Belgium using Survey and Bank Transaction Data," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 24/1093, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

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