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HK Solar Map as a Tool for Facilitating the

Adoption of PV Systems in Hong Kong

Kevin Lo, Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University

Photovoltaics (PV) is growing exponentially

worldwide

But HK is different…

Lamma Solar Power System, 1MW

EMSD Headquarters, 350 kW

Science Park Building-integrated PV Installations, 198 kW

HK PV Potential

Barriers to PV (residential) Category Barrier Category Barrier

Technical and environmental

• Limited space • Roof orientation • Building cannot support

PV • Immature technologies • Short product lifespan • Reliability • Safety issues • Low output

Market • Lack of information • Installation difficulties • Maintenance difficulties • Lack of technical support • Landlord can increase rents • Uncertainty over duration of

leases • Accessibility of products

Economic and financial

• Long payback period

• High upfront cost

• High maintenance cost

• Low cost-effectiveness

• Uncertainty over cost

Policy and regulatory

• Ambiguous regulations: is it legal?

• Insufficient policy support

HK Solar Map • An informational

tool for potential PV adopters.

• A marketing tool for the PV industry.

• An advocate tool for PV policy.

Policy scenarios show how supportive policies can significantly reduce payback period.

Future work: Connecting

solar installers and

customers

Future work: Education on

the forthcoming feed-in tariff

Thank you very much!