Dissemination of PV-Battery Systems in the German Residential Sector Up to 2050: Technological Diffusion from Multidisciplinary Perspectives

Abstract

A decarbonization of the European energy system implies great changes in the residential sector. Recently, the sector does not show the necessary dynamics. Apparently decarbonizing the sector requires a new momentum. Using PV-Battery systems as key technology for the residential sector for becoming more environmentally sustainable as an example, we take a closer look at the complexity of technology diffusions in the residential sector. By employing a socio-techno-economic (SoTeEc) framework approach we consider that diffusion processes are impacted by a broad range of measurable and non-measurable factors. Our framework combines a techno-economic with a socio-economic analysis. With the techno-economic analysis we assess the drivers of technology diffusion of PV-Battery systems in private households whereas the socio-economic analysis focuses on the role of a) the household sector in the overall social-economic system and b) actor specific factors like attitudes. The link of the two approaches enables us to identify which techno-economic scenarios are feasible from socio-economic point of view and vice versa. Hence, we can identify scenarios which fulfill simultaneously requirements from techno-economic and socio-economic point of views. Such scenarios can serve as a starting point for policy recommendations.

Keywords: residential sector, Decarbonization, socio-economic modelling, socio-techno-economic framework