ANALYSIS OF THE INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN DENSELY URBAN CENTERS FOR THE FORMATION OF ENERGY COMMUNITIES: A CASE STUDY IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Abstract

In response to climate concerns, promoting renewable sources such as photovoltaic systems (PV) in urban areas is crucial. However, the shortage of rooftop space in densely populated urban centers makes installations difficult. Consumers can form energy communities (ECs) to address this issue and obtain collective PV benefits. This paper presents a case study that uses a geographic information system (GIS) to identify the most suitable areas for PV installation within groups of consumers forming ECs in vertically growing urban areas. The methodology consists of two modules using GIS data and sustainable development agency databases. First, suitable installation areas within an Energy Community (EC) are identified. Secondly, the impact of each PV in each ECs on the electrical distribution network (EDN) is assessed. This approach is applied to the densely urbanized city of São Paulo. The results show that when establishing ECs, the technical losses (TLs) in the system decrease. This reduction could have a positive impact, reducing of costs and enabling tariff differentiation for each ECs and added value to the sustainable development of the city.