PV potential and potential PV rent in European regions

Abstract

The paper provides a GIS based model for assessing the potentials of photovoltaic electricity in Europe by NUTS 2 regions. The location specific energy potential per PV-panel area is estimated based on observations of solar irradiation, conversion efficiency, levelised costs and the social value of PV-electricity. Combined with the potential density of PV-panel area based on land cover and environental restrictions, the PV energy potential and the potential PV resource rent is calculated. These calculations enbable the model to estimate the regional patterns at NUTS 2 level of the potential economic importance of PV electricity.