Evaluating the Emissions Reduction Potential of Solar PV in the Finnish Energy Systems

Abstract

This study evaluates the emission reduction potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Finland's low-carbon electricity grid, where solar production peaks during periods of low emissions. Hourly PV production simulations were conducted for various tilt angles and orientations using the PVGIS-SARAH3 dataset, and results were integrated with hourly emissions data from 2018 to 2023 for consumed energy in the Finnish energy system. The findings indicate that a 5° east orientation provided the highest emissions reduction, though differences from a strictly south-facing system were minimal. The most effective tilt angle among those studied was 45°, even though steeper angles produced more power during high-emission winter months. Over the studied years, the emission reduction potential has significantly declined due to recent changes in the energy system. As demand for electricity grows, future research should explore the most effective combination of renewable energy sources to efficiently meet increasing energy needs.