Communicating the Values and Benefits of Home Solar Prosumerism

Clearly and accurately communicating the economic, environmental, and social benefits of solar PV prosumerism poses significant challenges. Previous research shows that government policies and public engagement campaigns can positively impact solar prosumerism; however, little is known about the quality and accuracy of information exchanged between rooftop solar installers and potential prosumers. This study addresses part of this gap with a mixed methods approach. First, a multimodal discourse analysis of installation proposals from seven home solar installers in Madrid shows accurate and reasonable financial benefits alongside incongruent social and environmental benefits. Second, the calculated efficiency of the seven proposed solar installations is compared with the efficiency of four different PVSC solar arrays using actual load and generation profiles. The results show that (i) the high variability of actual household demand on the minute-by- minute level significantly decreases self-consumption rate and profitability in comparison with the rates estimated using hourly or monthly, and (ii) the grouping of households into solar communities should significantly increase self-consumption and profitability. Therefore, using minute by minute time series in home solar estimations would reveal an added value and social benefit that is commonly overlooked. We conclude with recommendations for future research and multimodal communication campaigns that balance benefits of individual prosumerism and community solar.

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The Wasta Model

International Journal of Applied Management Sciences and Engineering ◽

10.4018/ijamse.2020070102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 20-42

Author(s):

Elizabeth Kassab Sfeir

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Human Resources ◽

Employee Engagement ◽

Training And Development ◽

Third Party ◽

Added Value ◽

Future Research ◽

Mixed Methods Approach ◽

Hr Practices ◽

The Impact

This article explores the concept of Wasta, an interpersonal influence. It is defined by Mohamed and Mohamed as involvement of a third-party person to attain a favour. This research examines the impact that Wasta has on human resources practices in Lebanon. A mixed methods approach, being questionnaires and interviews, was used in order to obtain data. Implications of Wasta in a new model are illustrated showing the effect on employees when recruited through knowing someone. It subsequently shows the influences on other HR practices of training and development, compensation, and career development. This paper is the first of its kind illustrating the impact of Wasta on employee engagement. It is a pillar for future research, giving added value to the minimal studies available on HR practices in Lebanon and the Middle East.

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A Review of Monitoring Technologies for Solar PV Systems Using Data Processing Modules and Transmission Protocols: Progress, Challenges and Prospects

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13158120 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 8120

Author(s):

Shaheer Ansari ◽

Afida Ayob ◽

Molla S. Hossain Lipu ◽

Mohamad Hanif Md Saad ◽

Aini Hussain

Keyword(s):

Data Processing ◽

Data Transmission ◽

Performance Enhancement ◽

Critical Discussion ◽

Signal Interference ◽

Future Research ◽

Transmission Protocol ◽

Range Data ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Monitoring Technologies

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the prominent sustainable energy sources which shares a greater percentage of the energy generated from renewable resources. As the need for solar energy has risen tremendously in the last few decades, monitoring technologies have received considerable attention in relation to performance enhancement. Recently, the solar PV monitoring system has been integrated with a wireless platform that comprises data acquisition from various sensors and nodes through wireless data transmission. However, several issues could affect the performance of solar PV monitoring, such as large data management, signal interference, long-range data transmission, and security. Therefore, this paper comprehensively reviews the progress of several solar PV-based monitoring technologies focusing on various data processing modules and data transmission protocols. Each module and transmission protocol-based monitoring technology is investigated with regard to type, design, implementations, specifications, and limitations. The critical discussion and analysis are carried out with respect to configurations, parameters monitored, software, platform, achievements, and suggestions. Moreover, various key issues and challenges are explored to identify the existing research gaps. Finally, this review delivers selective proposals for future research works. All the highlighted insights of this review will hopefully lead to increased efforts toward the enhancement of the monitoring technologies in future sustainable solar PV applications.

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Translating a Global Emission-Reduction Framework for Subnational Climate Action: A Case Study from the State of Georgia

Environmental Management ◽

10.1007/s00267-020-01406-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 205-227

Author(s):

Marilyn A. Brown ◽

Blair Beasley ◽

Fikret Atalay ◽

Kim M. Cobb ◽

Puneet Dwiveldi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Footprint ◽

Global Solutions ◽

High Impact ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Future Research ◽

Carbon Footprints ◽

Carbon Reduction ◽

Global Emission ◽

Greenhouse Gas Reduction ◽

Climate Action

AbstractSubnational entities are recognizing the need to systematically examine options for reducing their carbon footprints. However, few robust and comprehensive analyses are available that lay out how US states and regions can most effectively contribute. This paper describes an approach developed for Georgia—a state in the southeastern United States called “Drawdown Georgia”, our research involves (1) understanding Georgia’s baseline carbon footprint and trends, (2) identifying the universe of Georgia-specific carbon-reduction solutions that could be impactful by 2030, (3) estimating the greenhouse gas reduction potential of these high-impact 2030 solutions for Georgia, and (4) estimating associated costs and benefits while also considering how the solutions might impact societal priorities, such as economic development opportunities, public health, environmental benefits, and equity. We began by examining the global solutions identified by Project Drawdown. The resulting 20 high-impact 2030 solutions provide a strategy for reducing Georgia’s carbon footprint in the next decade using market-ready technologies and practices and including negative emission solutions. This paper describes our systematic and replicable process and ends with a discussion of its strengths, weaknesses, and planned future research.

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The Bioactive Potential of Trawl Discard: Case Study from a Crinoid Bed Off Blanes (North-Western Mediterranean)

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19020083 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 83

Author(s):

Alfredo García-de-Vinuesa ◽

Montserrat Demestre ◽

Arnau Carreño ◽

Josep Lloret

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Fish Habitat ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Marine Species ◽

Western Mediterranean ◽

Bioactive Molecules ◽

Added Value ◽

Future Research ◽

Trawl Survey ◽

Bioactive Potential

Although knowledge of the bioactive compounds produced by species inhabiting coastal waters is increasing, little is known about the bioactive potential produced by marine species occupying deeper habitats with high biodiversity and productivity. Here, we investigate about the bioactive potential of molecules produced by species that inhabit the crinoid beds, a poorly known essential fish habitat affected by trawling, wherein large amounts of commercial and noncommercial species are discarded. Based on a trawl survey conducted in 2019, 14% of the 64 species discarded on crinoid beds produce molecules with some type of bioactive potential, including; soft corals (Alcyonium palmatum); tunicates (Ascidia mentula); bony fish, such as horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus); European hake (Merluccius merluccius); and chondrichthyans, such as small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). In addition, 16% of the discarded species had congeneric species that produce compounds with bioactive potential, indicating that such species might also possess similar types of bioactive molecules. Molecules with antioxidant, antitumour, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties were the most frequent, which could provide the basis for future research aiming to discover new marine-based drugs and compounds for other human uses. Among all species or genera that produce compounds with bioactive potential, 68% presented medium or high vulnerability to trawling. Results show that the discarded catch contains many species, which produce different bioactive compounds that represent an added-value resource. These results highlight the importance of manage properly crinoid beds, to ensure that species that produce molecules with bioactive potential inhabiting these habitats are protected.

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First encounter effects in testing of highly automated vehicles during two experimental occasions – The need for recurrent testing

it - Information Technology ◽

10.1515/itit-2020-0023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Jonas Andersson ◽

Azra Habibovic ◽

Daban Rizgary

Keyword(s):

Driver Behavior ◽

Added Value ◽

Future Research ◽

Gaze Behavior ◽

Repeated Testing ◽

Automated Vehicles ◽

Automated Driving ◽

Perceived Safety ◽

Repeated Interaction ◽

Over Time

Abstract To explore driver behavior in highly automated vehicles (HAVs), independent researchers are mainly conducting short experiments. This limits the ability to explore drivers’ behavioral changes over time, which is crucial when research has the intention to reveal human behavior beyond the first-time use. The current paper shows the methodological importance of repeated testing in experience and behavior related studies of HAVs. The study combined quantitative and qualitative data to capture effects of repeated interaction between drivers and HAVs. Each driver ( n = 8 n=8 ) participated in the experiment on two different occasions (∼90 minutes) with one-week interval. On both occasions, the drivers traveled approximately 40 km on a rural road at AstaZero proving grounds in Sweden and encountered various traffic situations. The participants could use automated driving (SAE level 4) or choose to drive manually. Examples of data collected include gaze behavior, perceived safety, as well as interviews and questionnaires capturing general impressions, trust and acceptance. The analysis shows that habituation effects were attenuated over time. The drivers went from being exhilarated on the first occasion, to a more neutral behavior on the second occasion. Furthermore, there were smaller variations in drivers’ self-assessed perceived safety on the second occasion, and drivers were faster to engage in non-driving related activities and become relaxed (e. g., they spent more time glancing off road and could focus more on non-driving related activities such as reading). These findings suggest that exposing drivers to HAVs on two (or more) successive occasions may provide more informative and realistic insights into driver behavior and experience as compared to only one occasion. Repeating an experiment on several occasions is of course a balance between the cost and added value, and future research should investigate in more detail which studies need to be repeated on several occasions and to what extent.

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Socio-Technical Viability Framework for Micro Hydropower in Group Water-Energy Schemes

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14144222 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (14) ◽

pp. 4222

Author(s):

Kemi Adeyeye ◽

John Gallagher ◽

Aonghus McNabola ◽

Helena M. Ramos ◽

Paul Coughlan

Keyword(s):

Cost Savings ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Technology Readiness ◽

Water Networks ◽

Policy Context ◽

Recovery Potential ◽

Sustainability Strategy ◽

Financial Benefits ◽

Group Water ◽

Political Dimensions

Most renewable energy (RE) studies focus on technology readiness, environmental benefits and/or cost savings. The market permeation, viability and adoption of RE technologies such as micro hydropower (MHP), however, require the alignment of other interrelated factors, such as the socio-technical, institutional and political dimensions. This is particularly the case where the energy recovery potential in decentralised water networks is being explored as part of a wholesome sustainability strategy by and for individual and communal prosumers. This study employs a socio-technical approach to understand factors that influence the perceived viability and adoption of MHP in group water-energy schemes. Methods included a progressive literature review to formulate a conceptual framework for the implementation of MHP systems. The framework was validated using survey data from representative stakeholders from groups schemes in Ireland and Spain. These stakeholders were sampled and surveyed at the stage of considering the adoption of MHP in their water networks. The findings highlight the push–pull factors and discusses the opportunities and barriers to the adoption of MHP systems. It confirms that the market, institutional and policy context, cost and financial benefits, social support and collaborative services combine to influence the adoption of MHP technology. Thus, a framework for evaluating the socio-technical viability of MHP systems based on these more realistic integrated, multi-dimensional criteria is proposed.

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The Sustainability of Decentralised Renewable Energy Projects in Developing Countries: Learning Lessons from Zambia

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14133757 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (13) ◽

pp. 3757

Author(s):

Susann Stritzke ◽

Prem Jain

Keyword(s):

Renewable Energy ◽

Energy Use ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Financial Data ◽

Added Value ◽

Local Context ◽

Energy Access ◽

Solar Pv ◽

Social Dimensions ◽

Sustainability Challenges

Decentralised renewable energy (RE) systems such as solar PV mini-grids (MG) are considered to be a cornerstone for the strategic achievement of the UN’s energy access goals in the developing world. Many of these systems implemented however face substantial technical, financial and social sustainability challenges which are also a recurring theme in the relevant literature. MG analyses however often lack detailed technical or financial data or apply ‘silo-approaches’ as a comprehensive review of MG case study literature presented in this article reveals. Consequently, this study aims to enhance the understanding of RE MG sustainability in the developing context based on the integrated evaluation of the technical, financial and social dimensions of MG operation through empirical data from community surveys on energy use from Uganda and Zambia and two in-depth MG case studies from Zambia. By presenting detailed technical and financial data in combination with energy consumer perception, the study aims to close existing data gaps on sustainable RE MG operation and offers an approach to evaluate and optimise the operational sustainability of an MG in its individual local context. The article finds that the complex rural community ecosystem is a central, but yet undervalued determinant of MG sustainability in rural developing contexts. The mismatch between energy affordability and MG tariffs threatens MG sustainability and the scaling of energy access projects if not addressed specifically during project development and implementation. Consequently, the article calls for a strategic inclusion of community-ecosystem parameters and MG planning based on realistic energy affordability levels and an added value approach that includes dynamic MG financing mechanisms and targeted measures to generate added value through energy consumption as integral parts of RE MG projects.

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A Comprehensive Survey on Cyber-Physical Smart Grid Testbed Architectures: Requirements and Challenges

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics10091043 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1043

Author(s):

Abdallah A. Smadi ◽

Babatunde Tobi Ajao ◽

Brian K. Johnson ◽

Hangtian Lei ◽

Yacine Chakhchoukh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smart Grid ◽

Real Time ◽

Smart Grids ◽

Data Exchange ◽

Information Technologies ◽

New Technologies ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Future Research ◽

Time Data

The integration of improved control techniques with advanced information technologies enables the rapid development of smart grids. The necessity of having an efficient, reliable, and flexible communication infrastructure is achieved by enabling real-time data exchange between numerous intelligent and traditional electrical grid elements. The performance and efficiency of the power grid are enhanced with the incorporation of communication networks, intelligent automation, advanced sensors, and information technologies. Although smart grid technologies bring about valuable economic, social, and environmental benefits, testing the combination of heterogeneous and co-existing Cyber-Physical-Smart Grids (CP-SGs) with conventional technologies presents many challenges. The examination for both hardware and software components of the Smart Grid (SG) system is essential prior to the deployment in real-time systems. This can take place by developing a prototype to mimic the real operational circumstances with adequate configurations and precision. Therefore, it is essential to summarize state-of-the-art technologies of industrial control system testbeds and evaluate new technologies and vulnerabilities with the motivation of stimulating discoveries and designs. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the advancement of CP-SGs with their corresponding testbeds including diverse testing paradigms has been performed. In particular, we broadly discuss CP-SG testbed architectures along with the associated functions and main vulnerabilities. The testbed requirements, constraints, and applications are also discussed. Finally, the trends and future research directions are highlighted and specified.

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A State of the Art of the Overall Energy Efficiency of Wood Buildings—An Overview and Future Possibilities

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14081848 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1848

Author(s):

Matheus Roberto Cabral ◽

Pierre Blanchet

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Embodied Energy ◽

Future Research ◽

Hybrid Buildings ◽

Wood Frame ◽

Mass Timber

The main goal of this study was to review current studies on the state of the art of wood constructions with a particular focus on energy efficiency, which could serve as a valuable source of information for both industry and scholars. This review begins with an overview of the role of materials in wood buildings to improve energy performance, covering structural and insulation materials that have already been successfully used in the market for general applications over the years. Subsequently, studies of different wood building systems (i.e., wood-frame, post-and-beam, mass timber and hybrid constructions) and energy efficiency are discussed. This is followed by a brief introduction to strategies to increase the energy efficiency of constructions. Finally, remarks and future research opportunities for wood buildings are highlighted. Some general recommendations for developing more energy-efficient wood buildings are identified in the literature and discussed. There is a lack of emerging construction concepts for wood-frame and post-and-beam buildings and a lack of design codes and specifications for mass timber and hybrid buildings. From the perspective of the potential environmental benefits of these systems as a whole, and their effects on energy efficiency and embodied energy in constructions, there are barriers that need to be considered in the future.

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Potentials for increasing resident wellbeing in energy renovation of multi-family social housing

Indoor and Built Environment ◽

10.1177/1420326x211039883 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1420326X2110398

Author(s):

S. R. Jensen ◽

C. Gabel ◽

S. Petersen ◽

P. H. Kirkegaard

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Built Environment ◽

Social Housing ◽

Global Climate ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Added Value ◽

Design Processes ◽

Mixed Methods Approach ◽

Social Wellbeing

The paper explores potentials for increasing residents' wellbeing in multi-family social housing (MSH) undergoing energy renovation. The renovation measures needed to reach national and global climate goals are often not financially feasible when viewed in isolation. Therefore, it is relevant to identify potentials for added value, which can justify more extensive measures. This paper is based on the hypothesis that every renovation project holds potentials for added value in terms of increased resident wellbeing. Further, that it is crucial to extend current understandings of wellbeing beyond single, quantitative wellbeing parameters in order to promote more holistic, long-term sustainable renovation solutions. The paper sheds light on potentials for increased resident wellbeing based on an analysis of residents’ experience and satisfaction with gestures in the existing built environment and comparing these findings to their perceived health. The analysis is based on data collected through a mixed-methods approach in three MSH areas facing extensive renovation. The findings demonstrate and exemplify that energy renovation measures may influence a number of interrelated physiological, mental and social wellbeing aspects across scales. As such, the paper contributes with new insights, which can help promote previously neglected aspects of resident wellbeing in future energy renovation design processes.

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