Title: Enabling policy for solar PV: the gap in the urban global south

Authors: Michael Muller; Jelte Harnmeijer

Addresses: School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, ARUP, 8-13 Fitzroy St, Bloomsbury, London W1T 4BQ, UK ' Scene Connect, Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, High School Yard, Edinburgh, EH1 1LZ, Scotland; The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK; Carbon Management Programme, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1LZ, Scotland

Abstract: This paper critically reviews the state of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in the urban global south, and highlights the lack of both deployment and policy research in this important segment. The importance and complexity of solar PV uptake and suitable solar PV policy in the urban global south are discussed through the lens of the selected case study: Delhi. This case study includes an analysis of relevant solar PV policy and demonstrates barriers facing existing business models, and the problem of knowledge transfer. The study ends with a look at the prospects for novel business models. Results of the case study analysis highlight the need for an enabling policy environment and innovative business models to increase accessibility and facilitate deployment of solar PV to residential customers. This paper contributes to the under-researched field of urban solar policy in the global south and offers insights into the theory and practice of solar energy business models.

Keywords: solar photovoltaic; PV; solar policy; urban; global south; solar business models; Delhi; India; uneven development; urban-rural divide; north-south divide; barriers to solar PV; lack of urban solar research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2018.094410

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2018 Vol.12 No.1, pp.49 - 76

Received: 16 Nov 2017
Accepted: 28 Mar 2018
Published online: 31 Aug 2018 *