Integrating solar energy considerations into urban planning for low carbon cities: A systematic review of the state-of-the-art

• Published in: Urban Governance Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 157 - 172
• Main Authors: Akrofi, M.M., Okitasari, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: carbon; Cities; computer software; energy; Energy transition; governance; Solar energy; solar radiation; Sustainability; systematic review; Urban planning; Cities; Urban planning; Energy transition; Sustainability; Solar energy
• ISSN: 2664-3286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ugj.2022.04.002

Early integration of solar energy considerations into urban planning/design is necessary to ensure that future cities do not only consume but also produce energy locally through solar. Yet, strategies for this integration remain a key challenge for urban planners and city administrators. Using a scientometric and systematic literature review approach, the objective of this review is to examine the state-of-the-art and current research gaps that constrain such integration. We find that while interests in the interrelationships between solar energy and urban planning have spanned several decades, the two remain largely unintegrated. Though a socio-technical process, the socio-political and socio-demographic aspects of solar urban planning have not received much scholarly attention. Consequently, whereas many software tools for analyzing solar insolation on existing surfaces have been developed, there is a lack of methods and decision support systems to integrate the results into urban planning practice. There is limited research on the subject in the global South despite significant opportunities for solar urban planning in this region. Also, a limited application of theoretical frameworks was found in existing studies. Future research exploring solar urban planning from the socio-technical transition theoretical perspective will significantly enhance the realization of this concept.