Energy infrastructure transitions with PV and EV combined systems using techno-economic analyses for decarbonization in cities

Rooftop photovoltaics (PV) and electric vehicles (EVs), and their combinations are highly effective technologies to decarbonize urban energy systems in a cost-effective way. However, it is not yet clear how these technologies can contribute to decarbonizing urban energy systems that are different in forms, building types, climate, culture, technical, and regulatory conditions. Therefore, we investigated the decarbonization potential of rooftop PV combined with EVs as batteries ( PV + EV ) in five cases in Korea; four cities, and one province, from 2019 to 2030 using techno-economic analysis. We evaluated the energy, economic, and environmental performance of rooftop PV and EVs for the five built forms in Korea and different building types in Seoul. In addition, technical and regulatory variables (e.g., EV efficiency, feed-in-tariff, etc.) are optimized for multiple performances. The PV + EV system has been found to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 86% and energy costs by up to 51% within cities in Korea. In particular, residential buildings are found to have better performance in all aspects than those of other building types. This research provides governments and industries with urban decarbonization strategies and supports prioritization of the investment in suitable building types for the PV + EV system in a city.

Automated summary

Rooftop photovoltaics combined with electric vehicles are highly effective technologies for decarbonizing urban energy systems in a cost-effective way. Research in Korea shows that this combination can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs, with residential buildings performing better than other types.