How is solar PV potential reassessed in China?

Solar radiation data from more than 2400 stations are used to reassess the solar PV potential in China. The annual technical potentials on both county and provincial scales are derived. Three scenarios of different mounting methods for solar PV panels are considered.

Does solar radiation affect China's solar power potential?

Long-term solar radiation datasets were reconstructed across China. Global solar radiation in summer decreased by up to 1.83 W·m −2 ·decade −1. China’s PV power potential decreased by 1.69 kWh·m −2 ·decade −1 from 1961 to 2016. 30 provinces saw a 0.25–10.27% reduction in PV potential in the 2010s versus the 1960s.

What is the solar PV installation density in China?

The installation density for solar PV is generally dependent on the technology, localized condition, and ground-mounting system. We assumed that the solar PV installation density in China is loosely 30 MW km −2, following the criteria of He and Kammen (2016).

Is solar PV generation possible in China?

In this study, we combined high-density and high-accuracy station-based solar radiation data from more than 2400 stations and a solar PV electricity generation model to map the technical potential for solar PV generation in China, while simultaneously considering land constraints through geographic information system technology.

Is there a high-density dataset of solar radiation over China?

Fortunately, Tang et al. (2013, 2018) have developed a long-term, high-density dataset of solar radiation over China based on routine meteorological observations from more than 2400 CMA meteorological stations.

What are the challenges of solar PV development in China?

The challenges of solar PV development in China include grid integration and transmission from resource centers to load centers. The establishment and planning of new power systems based mainly on clean energy should facilitate the integration of fluctuating solar resources in China.