European Energy Lands Finance for Solar Projects in Poland

A recent study led by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre has explored the potential impact of widespread deployment of vertical photovoltaic (PV) systems on Europe's energy markets. The research, which includes contributions from the Hungarian Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research, University of California – Berkeley, Elpedison SA, and European Dynamics Luxembourg SA, identifies several potential benefits, such as reduced electricity prices, lower system costs, and increased cross-border electricity exchanges.

The study, published in *Nature Communications*, analyzed the role of bifacial vertical PV systems oriented east-west in creating a more balanced and integrated continental electricity system by 2040. The findings suggest that these systems could significantly enhance the value and share of solar energy, decrease baseload electricity prices, and improve energy exchange among neighboring countries.

Vertical PV systems, especially those with east-west orientation, extend the generation period from dawn to dusk, unlike traditional south-facing panels that generate most of their output during midday. The researchers note that east-west vertical systems typically produce around 30% of their energy in the midday hours compared to nearly 70% for south-facing systems. This extended production period helps maintain a higher market value for solar energy by spreading generation more evenly throughout the day.

Using the European Power Market Model (EPMM), which simulates wholesale electricity markets and policy impacts across the 27 countries of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (Entso-E), the study examined various scenarios for PV capacity growth. The baseline scenario, which did not include vertical bifacial PV systems, projected an increase to around 649 gigawatts of PV capacity by 2040. In contrast, scenarios incorporating significant vertical PV deployment estimated a potential increase to between 1178 gigawatts, with vertical systems accounting for up to 50% of this capacity.

The model's results indicate a projected increase in solar power generation of 2 to 3.6% by 2030 and 2040, respectively, with the high PV scenario showing an increase of over 5.3%. The integration of vertical PV systems could notably replace gas and nuclear power generation, leading to lower electricity prices and reduced system costs.

Long-term projections suggest that a shift towards vertical PV systems will enhance the sustainability of the European electricity system both economically and environmentally. This shift will be marked by decreased CO2 emissions, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and lower overall system costs and wholesale electricity prices.

Overall, the study emphasizes the significant potential of vertical bifacial PV systems to transform Europe's energy landscape, supporting a more sustainable and economically efficient electricity system.