Mathematical modeling for the measurement of the competitiveness index of Brazil south urban sectors for installation of photovoltaic systems

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 136; p. 111048
• Main Authors: Rosa, Carmen B., Wendt, João Francisco M., Chaves, Daniel M.S., Thomasi, Virginia, Michels, Leandro, Siluk, Julio Cezar M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2020; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Analytic hierarchy process; Competition; Competitiveness; Distributed generation; Electricity generation; Energy policy; Hierarchies; Installation; Local government; Local market formation; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Measurement; Multiple criterion; Municipalities; Municipalities competitiveness; Participation; Penetration; Performance indicators; Performance measurement; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Ratings & rankings; Solar energy; Solar photovoltaics; Brazil; Local market formation; Performance measurement; Solar photovoltaics; Municipalities competitiveness
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111048

In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy has become the most growing form of renewable electricity generation in the world. Due to its vast tropical territorial area, Brazil is one of the countries with the most significant potential for PV implementation. However, by the end of 2018, the distributed generation of Brazil by PV source had only 2.4 W/inhabitant, while many countries have more than 100 W/inhabitant. In order to identify opportunities for advancing PV participation in the country, this paper proposes mathematical modeling based on 18 performance indicators capable of measuring the level of competitiveness of municipalities for the PV installation. The methodology proposes the use of the multicriteria Analytic Hierarchy Process technique. Through consultation in 100% of the 497 municipalities in the state of Brazil with higher penetration of PV per capita, it was possible to generate a ranking with the level of competitiveness for PV installations. With this, one can identify the 20 most competitive urban sectors for investment in photovoltaic installations connected to the grid. The results explain the unequal diffusion patterns in southern Brazil and propose actions to disseminate distributed generation. •Regions with high solar incidence shouldn't be the only ones with political incentive.•Government policies, energy tariffs and social aspects drive solar energy.•18 Performance Indicators for Solar Energy Investment.•Mathematical modeling indicates municipalities with competitive profile.•Public policy should take action to expand solar energy in underrated places.