国际可再生资源机构-可再生能源的好处：利用当地的太阳能热水器容量（英）-2021_40页_3mb

Summary of "Renewable Energy Benefits: Leveraging Local Capacity for Solar Water Heaters"

Core Content

This report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) explores the socio-economic benefits of deploying solar water heaters (SWH) and emphasizes the potential for leveraging local capacity in their production, installation, and maintenance. It provides an overview of the current state of SWH technology, global deployment trends, and the policy instruments that support their adoption. The report also outlines the human resources and skills required across the value chain and discusses the importance of standards and training in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the SWH sector.

Main Technologies and Applications

Solar water heaters are a mature technology with various collector types and system configurations suitable for all climates. The two main types are:

• Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC)
• Flat Plate Collectors (FPC)

These systems can be used for direct water heating or for indirect heating and cooling of air. The applications vary depending on the size of the building and its hot water needs, ranging from residential to commercial and public sectors, as well as industrial and agricultural uses.

Global and Regional Deployment

As of 2018, the global installed solar thermal capacity was 483 GWth, corresponding to 690 million square metres of collector area. China had the largest installed capacity, with 25 GWth in 2018, followed by Turkey and India. However, when considering per capita deployment, small countries like Barbados, Cyprus, and Israel lead the way, with 80–90% of residential homes equipped with SWH systems.

The deployment of SWH is particularly important in countries reliant on fossil fuel imports or where electric heating is costly or impractical. For example, in South Africa, SWH can account for 30–40% of household energy bills, making their adoption economically and environmentally beneficial.

Policy Instruments

IRENA highlights the role of policy in driving the deployment of SWH, which is often cost-competitive but requires support to overcome market barriers. Key policy tools include:

• Targets: Governments set goals for SWH installation, such as China’s target of 400 million m² of solar water collector surface during its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011–2015).
• Obligations and Mandates: Some countries, like Israel and Brazil, require the installation of SWH in new or renovated buildings, often as part of building codes.
• Financial Incentives: These include subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax exemptions. For instance, South Africa offers subsidies for SWH installations, while Tunisia introduced a funding mechanism with a 20% subsidy and a temporary interest rate subsidy.
• Standards and Certifications: Technical standards such as ISO 9806-1-2 and Lebanese Norms (NL EN 12975–12977) ensure product quality and support local manufacturing.

Socio-Economic Value Creation

The deployment of SWH systems can lead to significant socio-economic benefits, including:

• Job Creation: SWH deployment generates employment in various sectors, such as manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
• Local Value Creation: By using local materials and labor, countries can stimulate economic growth and reduce dependency on foreign imports.
• Improved Livelihoods: SWH reduces energy costs for households, particularly in regions where fossil fuels are expensive.
• Gender Differentiation: The report notes that SWH can have gender-specific impacts, as women are often more involved in household energy management.

Value Chain Breakdown

IRENA breaks down the value chain of SWH deployment, focusing on the human resources and materials needed:

4.1 Overview of Labour Inputs

• The value chain includes procurement, manufacturing, sales, distribution, installation, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Each stage requires specific skills and labor inputs, with a focus on local workforce development.

4.2 Procurement and Manufacturing

• Materials: Include solar collectors, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and piping.
• Labour: Requires skilled workers in engineering, manufacturing, and logistics.

4.3 Sales and Distribution

• Sales involve marketing, sales support, and customer service.
• Distribution requires logistics, transportation, and inventory management.

4.4 Installation

• Installation involves skilled labor in plumbing, engineering, and construction.
• Training is essential to ensure proper and safe installation.

4.5 Operation and Maintenance

• Maintenance activities include system checks, repairs, and replacements.
• Requires technicians with knowledge of solar systems and plumbing.

4.6 Decommissioning

• Involves the safe removal and disposal of SWH components.
• Requires specialized labor for recycling and waste management.

Key Findings

• Solar water heaters are a key component of decarbonizing heating and cooling, especially in regions where fossil fuel use is dominant.
• Local manufacturing and capacity building are crucial for creating jobs and economic growth.
• Policy support is necessary to overcome market barriers and promote widespread adoption.
• Technical standards and training programs ensure quality and safety, which are essential for long-term sustainability.
• Financial incentives are still important in many countries to make SWH systems cost-competitive with traditional alternatives.

Conclusion

IRENA's report underscores the importance of leveraging local capacity in the solar water heater industry to drive socio-economic development and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It serves as a guide for policymakers and industry stakeholders to understand the requirements and opportunities associated with SWH deployment, from manufacturing to decommissioning, and highlights the need for coordinated efforts in policy, training, and local supply chain development.

References

• IRENA, IEA, REN21 (2020)
• NDRC (2016)
• South Africa DOE (n.d.)
• CPI (2012)
• Ministry of Energy and Water/LCEC (2019)
• US DOE (2015, n.d.)
• IRENA (2014, 2015, 2018, 2020a, 2021)
• UNDP (2019)
• UNDP/CEDRO (2015)
• BMUB (2015)
• ACEEE (2010)
• CPUC (n.d.)

Annexes

• Annex A: Overview of solar water heater technologies and their market share.
• Annex B: Details on solar water heater components and their configurations.

Additional Notes

• The report is part of IRENA’s broader research on renewable energy impacts during energy transitions.
• Future studies will cover more renewable energy technologies.