New Publication in the Journal "Nature Energy"

February 28, 2024

Our study "Exploring the potential of non-residential solar to tackle energy injustice" has been accepted for publication in the Journal "Nature Energy".

Authors: M. Wussow, C. Zanocco, Z. Wang, R. Prabha, J. Flora, D. Neumann, A. Majumdar, R. Rajagopal 

Abstract:

Despite the observed disparities in U.S. residential solar deployment, there is limited insight into whether these disparities exist for the non-residential sector. We use DeepSolar, a comprehensive photovoltaic database constructed with satellite imagery, to assess solar deployment equity based on the U.S. Justice40’s disadvantaged community measure. We find that disadvantaged communities have less non-residential solar (-38%), however, 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 meters, 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.