Residential rooftop solar photovoltaic systems play an important role in urban energy transitions by enabling decentralized electricity generation and supporting climate mitigation objectives. However, their real contribution depends on spatial constraints and building characteristics, requiring realistic system-level assessments in dense metropolitan areas. This study evaluates the system-level potential of residential rooftop photovoltaic deployment in Baku, Azerbaijan, using an integrated framework combining technical, economic, and environmental analyses under urban constraints. High-resolution rooftop suitability assessment and PVsyst-based simulations are applied to estimate city-scale electricity generation potential. Results show that rooftop photovoltaic systems could generate approximately 111.35 GWh annually, covering about 3.57% of total residential electricity demand. Although insufficient for full sectoral decarbonisation, this contribution represents a viable pathway for distributed renewable electricity generation in urban settings. Environmentally, rooftop photovoltaic deployment could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 0.98 MtCO 2 over a 20-year lifetime, demonstrating a measurable long-term decarbonisation benefit. Economic analysis indicates that residential rooftop photovoltaic systems achieve competitive generation costs and operate close to grid parity under current tariffs. Overall, rooftop photovoltaic can serve as a complementary element of urban decarbonisation strategies when supported by appropriate policy measures and integrated energy planning.
Orkhan Jafarli (Fri,) studied this question.