Sind mehr Solarmodule immer besser?: Bewertung des kommunalen Kohlenstoffausstoßes

Abstract

Are more solar panels always better in terms of carbon influence of a local energy community, and what is the impact of energy sufficiency? The answer is simple when the national electrical grid is taken as an infinite source of storage. However, this answer becomes more uncertain if we consider that exporting power to a larger grid at the national scale is not a desired option. Although this is a conservative hypothesis, it is considered for technical and social reasons. In doing so, load profiles become a key to evaluating the carbon impact of hybrid systems with solar panels plus storage units. To summarize the impact of any load profiles on the optimal sizing of solar panels, we propose a novel index denoted ‘natural self-sufficiency’. Our results show that not only reducing energy demand but also being more flexible significantly affects the carbon emissions related to solar panels.

An Assessment of Energy Flexibility Solutions from the Perspective of Low-Tech

“…Bhattacharyya et al [42] address the former question in their works and conclude that, despite not being the ideal solution, grid extension is the more sustainable alternative compared to the alternatives, i.e., off-grid solar home systems and local mini-grids. This conclusion is further highlighted by Coignard et al [43], whose work shows that high-energy self-sufficiency (at the community scale and using energy from solar PV) has its limits. Thus, there needs to be a trade-off between the efficiency gains derived from a grid and the desire for energy self-sufficiency, especially at the lowest levels of the energy system.…”

“…This conclusion is further highlighted by Coign al. [43], whose work shows that high-energy self-sufficiency (at the community sca using energy from solar PV) has its limits. Thus, there needs to be a trade-off betwe efficiency gains derived from a grid and the desire for energy self-sufficiency, esp at the lowest levels of the energy system.…”