The effect of land costs on the economic and sustainability performance of solar photovoltaics in China.

ABSTRACT: Scaling up solar photovoltaics (PV) is essential for global decarbonization, particularly in China-the world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter. Despite leading in PV installations, China has yet to widely adopt the more efficient tracking technologies for capturing solar radiation (12% adoption rate), in stark contrast to the United States (90%). To examine the rationale behind this divergence and its consequences, we develop a spatially explicit, integrated model to evaluate and compare tracking and fixed-tilt systems in China-comparing power generation, land use, cost, sustainability, and policy resilience. We find that although single-axis tracking provides electricity gains and appears technically more cost-effective, rising land prices in China could offset its benefits. Land cos

SUBMITTER: Chen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12933101 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature