From Sun to Roof to Grid, Report Series

Distributed photovoltaics (DPV), the world’s fastest growing local energy technology, offers distinct benefits and challenges especially when connected to grids in low- and middle-income countries. The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has produced ‘From Sun to Roof to Grid’, a series of three reports that provides a comprehensive, structured approach to develop DPV as a complement to other distributed energy resources and traditional utility-scale resources. The series is for the benefit of various stakeholders—policymakers, regulators, distribution utilities, project developers, and consumers—and offers a menu of ideas and examples. 

The series aims to show stakeholders how to leverage the benefits of this low-cost, easy-to-install modular technology, whether in a large, stable power systems or in small systems like those found on islands or in regions marked by fragility, conflict, and violence. The first report of the series, Distributed PV in Energy Sector Strategies (ESMAP 2021), introduces nine distinct use cases, or applications, of DPV to address challenges in different low- and middle-income country contexts; it is aimed at energy ministries and other decision-makers. Technical challenges and solutions for grid-friendly DPV from a power system perspective are covered in the second report of the series, Power Systems and Distributed PV (ESMAP 2023), which covers the technical regulations (grid codes, including connection standards). The third report,  The Economics and Policyof Distributed PV (ESMAP 2024), completes the series, guiding policy makers, regulators and utilities through a framework to design a program or policy package with DPV.  

Read this blog summarizing key messages from all three reports and the infographic that illustrates key challenges and opportunities.

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Explore the Series