Unveiling deployable rooftop solar potential across Chinese cities

Abstract

Rooftop solar photovoltaics (RPV) are vital for sustainably powering cities. However, most existing studies focus on RPV’s technical or economic potential often overlook real-world electricity consumption and regulatory constraints that shape actual deployment. Here we assess the deployable potential of RPV across 367 Chinese cities by incorporating variations in building types, regional characteristics and policy limitations. Our findings reveal that only 42% of the national technical potential is realistically deployable. In particular, accounting for regulatory factors shifts the focus of RPV deployment from rural areas to urban public and industrial buildings, and from western to northern and central regions. To maximize value, initial deployment should prioritize public and industrial buildings in central and southern cities. These insights provide actionable guidance for shaping effective RPV development pathways aligned with China’s ambitious deployment targets. This study moves beyond technical estimates to assess the deployable rooftop solar potential across 367 Chinese cities, factoring in real-world constraints. The findings offer actionable insights to guide strategic deployment and support China’s ambitious solar energy goals.