@article{SchellerWieseWeinandetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Wiese, Frauke and Weinand, Jann Michael and Dominković, Dominik Franjo and McKenna, Russell}, title = {An expert survey to assess the current status and future challenges of energy system analysis}, series = {Smart Energy}, volume = {4}, journal = {Smart Energy}, issn = {26669552}, doi = {10.1016/j.segy.2021.100057}, pages = {100057 -- 100057}, abstract = {Decision support systems like computer-aided energy system analysis (ESA) are considered one of the main pillars for developing sustainable and reliable energy strategies. Although today's diverse tools can already support decision-makers in a variety of research questions, further developments are still necessary. Intending to identify opportunities and challenges in the field, we classify modelling topics into modelling capabilities (32), methodologies (15), implementation issues (15) and management issues (7) from an extensive literature review. Based on a quantitative expert survey of energy system modellers (N = 61) mainly working with simulation and optimisation models, the Status of Development and the Complexity of Realisation of those modelling topics are assessed. While the rated items are considered to be more complex than actually represented, no significant outliers are determinable, showing that there is no consensus about particular aspects of ESA that are lacking development. Nevertheless, a classification of the items in terms of a specially defined modelling strategy matrix identifies capabilities like land-use planning patterns, equity and distributional effects and endogenous technological learning as "low hanging fruits" for enhancement, as well as a large number of complex topics that are already well implemented. The remaining "tough nuts" regarding modelling capabilities include non-energy sector and social behaviour interaction effects. In general, the optimisation and simulation models differ in their respective strengths, justifying the existence of both. While methods were generally rated as quite well developed, combinatorial optimisation approaches, as well as machine learning, are identified as important research methods to be developed further for ESA.}, language = {en} } @incollection{SchulteScheller, author = {Schulte, Emily and Scheller, Fabian}, title = {Empirische Verankerung der Haushaltsagenten und ihres Photovoltaik-Investitionsverhaltens}, series = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse}, booktitle = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse}, editor = {Johanning, Simon and Scheller, Fabian and K{\"u}hne, Stefan and Bruckner, Thomas}, isbn = {9783832554132}, doi = {10.30819/5413.10}, pages = {129 -- 138}, language = {de} } @article{SchulteSchellerSlootetal., author = {Schulte, Emily and Scheller, Fabian and Sloot, Daniel and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {A meta-analysis of residential PV adoption: the important role of perceived benefits, intentions and antecedents in solar energy acceptance}, series = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, volume = {84}, journal = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, issn = {2214-6326}, doi = {10.1016/j.erss.2021.102339}, pages = {102339 -- 102339}, abstract = {The adoption of residential photovoltaic systems (PV) is seen as an important part of the sustainable energy transition. To facilitate this process, it is crucial to identify the determinants of solar adoption. This paper follows a meta-analytical structural equation modeling approach, presenting a meta-analysis of studies on residential PV adoption intention, and assessing four behavioral models based on the theory of planned behavior to advance theory development. Of 653 initially identified studies, 110 remained for full-text screening. Only eight studies were sufficiently homogeneous, provided bivariate correlations, and could thus be integrated into the meta-analysis. The pooled correlations across primary studies revealed medium to large correlations between environmental concern, novelty seeking, perceived benefits, subjective norm and intention to adopt a residential PV system, whereas socio-demographic variables were uncorrelated with intention. Meta-analytical structural equation modeling revealed a model (N = 1,714) in which adoption intention was predicted by benefits and perceived behavioral control (R2 = .280), and benefits in turn could be explained by environmental concern, novelty seeking, and subjective norm (R2 = .641). Our results imply that measures should primarily focus on enhancing the perception of benefits. Based on obstacles we encountered within the analysis, we suggest guidelines to facilitate the future aggregation of scientific evidence, such as the systematic inclusion of key variables and reporting of bivariate correlations.}, language = {en} } @incollection{SchulteSchellerJohanning, author = {Schulte, Emily and Scheller, Fabian and Johanning, Simon}, title = {Modellierung von haushaltsseitigen Entscheidungsprozessen zur Adoption von Aufdach-Photovoltaik: Theorie und Umsetzung}, series = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse}, booktitle = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse}, editor = {Johanning, Simon and Scheller, Fabian and K{\"u}hne, Stefan and Bruckner, Thomas}, isbn = {9783832554132}, doi = {10.30819/5413.03}, pages = {39 -- 50}, language = {de} } @article{SchulteSchellerBruckner, author = {Schulte, Emily and Scheller, Fabian and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Enhancing Understanding of Geographical Adoption Patterns of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic Using a Consumer Segmentation Model—A Case Study in Saxony, Germany}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Energiewirtschaft}, volume = {46}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Energiewirtschaft}, number = {3}, issn = {0343-5377}, doi = {10.1007/s12398-022-00329-0}, pages = {207 -- 222}, abstract = {This paper addresses two issues in spatial research on residential PV adoption: First, spatial analyses typically do not differentiate between households who have decision power over their rooftop, and households who do not, possibly causing indistinct results. Second, household characteristics like environmental attitudes and innovativeness are not accounted for sufficiently, despite their proven relevance for adoption decisions. We performed a statistical analysis with an innovative spatial data set of Saxony (Germany) in which households of (semi-) detached houses were analyzed separated from the remainder, and household characteristics were included through the Sinus-milieu model. PV saturation in subgroups of the sample was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results show that PV saturation is high in affluent zip-codes with high shares of (semi-) detached houses, and is higher in rural than in urban areas. The presence of environmentally concerned households (Post-Materialists) is positively, and the presence of innovative households (Leaders) is negatively associated with PV saturation. Our results show that household characteristics beyond socio-economic measures are relevant to understand differences in PV saturation in the Saxonian zip-codes. The merits of distinguishing between decisive households and the remainder are less clear.}, language = {en} } @article{SchulteSchellerPasutetal., author = {Schulte, Emily and Scheller, Fabian and Pasut, Wilmer and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Product traits, decision-makers, and household low-carbon technology adoptions: moving beyond single empirical studies}, series = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, volume = {83}, journal = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, issn = {2214-6326}, doi = {10.1016/j.erss.2021.102313}, pages = {102313 -- 102313}, abstract = {Although single empirical studies provide important insights into who adopts a specific LCT for what reason, fundamental questions concerning the relations between decision subject (= who decides), decision object (= what is decided upon) and context (= when and where it is decided) remain unanswered. In this paper, this research gap is addressed by deriving a decision framework for residential decision-making, suggesting that traits of decision subject and object are determinants of financial, environmental, symbolic, normative, effort and technical considerations preceding adoption. Thereafter, the decision framework is initially verified by employing literature on the adoption of photovoltaic systems, energy efficient appliances and green tariffs. Of the six proposed relations, two could be confirmed (financial and environmental), one could be rejected (effort), and three could neither be confirmed nor rejected due to lacking evidence. Future research on LCT adoption could use the decision framework as guidepost to establish a more coordinated and integrated approach, ultimately allowing to address fundamental questions.}, language = {en} } @article{SpringskleeScheller, author = {Springsklee, Maren and Scheller, Fabian}, title = {Exploring non-residential technology adoption: an empirical analysis of factors associated with the adoption of photovoltaic systems by municipal authorities in Germany}, doi = {10.48550/ARXIV.2212.05281}, abstract = {This research article explores potential influencing factors of solar photovoltaic (PV) system adoption by municipal authorities in Germany in the year 2019. We derive seven hypothesized relationships from the empirical literature on residential PV adoption, organizational technology adoption, and sustainability policy adoption by local governments, and apply a twofold empirical approach to examine them. First, we explore the associations of a set of explanatory variables on the installed capacity of adopter municipalities (N=223) in an OLS model. Second, we use a logit model to analyze whether the identified relationships are also apparent between adopter and non-adopter municipalities (N=423). Our findings suggest that fiscal capacity (measured by per capita debt and per capita tax revenue) and peer effects (measured by the pre-existing installed capacity) are positively associated with both the installed capacity and adoption. Furthermore, we find that institutional capacity (measured by the presence of a municipal utility) and environmental concern (measured by the share of green party votes) are positively associated with municipal PV adoption. Economic factors (measured by solar irradiation) show a significant positive but small effect in both regression models. No evidence was found to support the influence of political will. Results for the role of municipal characteristics are mixed, although the population size was consistently positively associated with municipal PV adoption and installed capacity. Our results support previous studies on PV system adoption determinants and offer a starting point for additional research on non-residential decision-making and PV adoption.}, language = {en} } @article{UrbanSchellerBruckner, author = {Urban, Kristof L. and Scheller, Fabian and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Suitability assessment of models in the industrial energy system design}, series = {Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews}, volume = {137}, journal = {Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews}, issn = {1364-0321}, doi = {10.1016/j.rser.2020.110400}, pages = {110400 -- 110400}, abstract = {This article reviews models in the scientific literature for industrial final-energy generation system design to evaluate their applicability in practice. Since energy efficiency has top priority worldwide and industry accounts for half of the world's energy consumption, it would be important to use state-of-the-art methodologies in real life applications. The contribution of the presented article to this matter is threefold. First, to facilitate the understanding of existing models', we developed a model evaluation method based on the attributes of industrial energy systems. We applied it to the reviewed scientific energy system models, providing the reader an overview of considered modelling approaches, design process steps, energy types, technological, economic and ecological aspects. Second, we conclude based on the results that current models for industrial cases are not completely suitable for wide practical implementation, among others because of the way they evaluate system operation and they do not incorporate every discussed requirement aspect. Third, this article draws up a potential modelling approach to fill these gaps, considering the missing points and omissions.}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerBurkhardtSchwarzeitetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Burkhardt, Robert and Schwarzeit, Robert and McKenna, Russell and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Competition between simultaneous demand-side flexibility options: the case of community electricity storage systems}, series = {Applied Energy}, volume = {269}, journal = {Applied Energy}, issn = {1872-9118}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114969}, pages = {114969 -- 114969}, abstract = {Community electricity storage systems for multiple applications promise benefits over household electricity storage systems. More economical flexibility options such as demand response and sector coupling might reduce the market size for storage facilities. This paper assesses the economic performance of community electricity storage systems by taking competitive flexibility options into account. For this purpose, an actor-related, scenario-based optimization framework is applied. The results are in line with the literature and show that community storage systems are economically more efficient than household storage systems. Relative storage capacity reductions of community storage systems over household storage systems are possible, as the demand and generation profiles are balanced out among end users. On average, storage capacity reductions of 9\% per household are possible in the base scenario, resulting in lower specific investments. The simultaneous application of demand-side flexibility options such as sector coupling and demand response enable a further capacity reduction of the community storage size by up to 23\%. At the same time, the competition between flexibility options leads to smaller benefits regarding the community storage flexibility potential, which reduces the market viability for these applications. In the worst case, the cannibalization effects reach up to 38\% between the flexibility measures. The losses of the flexibility benefits outweigh the savings of the capacity reduction whereby sector coupling constitutes a far greater influencing factor than demand response. Overall, in consideration of the stated cost trends, the economies of scale, and the reduction possibilities, a profitable community storage model might be reached between 2025 and 2035. Future work should focus on the analysis of policy frameworks.}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerGraupnerEdwardsetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Graupner, S{\"o}ren and Edwards, James and Weinand, Jann and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Competent, trustworthy, and likeable? Exploring which peers influence photovoltaic adoption in Germany}, series = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, volume = {91}, journal = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, issn = {2214-6326}, doi = {10.1016/j.erss.2022.102755}, pages = {102755 -- 102755}, abstract = {Little is known about the role of active peer effects (interpersonal contact) compared to passive peer effects (noticing or seeing) regarding residential photovoltaic (PV) diffusion. Recent literature suggests that peer effects are determined by the perceived credibility of one's active peer connections regarding PV and passive peer effects. Utilising data from a survey of German house owners who either own a PV or indicate purchase intention (N = 1,165), this paper explores the underlying mechanisms of active peer effects during different stages of PV adoption decision-making. Our findings suggest that the perceived credibility of peers on PV related issues is positively associated with the reported number of adopters in the decision-maker's peer group (passive peer effect) and also with the progress in the PV adoption decision process. Furthermore, we find a relationship between the perceived credibility of peers regarding PV and the reported influence strength of peer interactions throughout the decision-making processes of German householders, suggesting that subjective evaluations of peers play a role in active peer effects. Finally, we observe an association between the rate of self-initiated peer interactions about PV for respondents with a higher reported number of peers that have adopted PV, suggesting that passive effects (knowing peer PV adopters) play a role in initiating active peer interactions. These results are significant for all sub-groups, regardless of the decision progress. From a policy-making perspective, "bottom-up" efforts such as peer consultation and community-led outreach should be promoted in Germany to empower potential adopters.}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerGraupnerEdwardsetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Graupner, S{\"o}ren and Edwards, James and Johanning, Simon and Bergaentzl{\´e}, Claire and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Social Influence Throughout the Photovoltaic Adoption Process: Exploring the Impact of Stakeholder Perceptions}, series = {Energy RESEARCH LETTERS}, volume = {3}, journal = {Energy RESEARCH LETTERS}, number = {4}, issn = {2652-6514}, doi = {10.46557/001c.33903}, abstract = {This paper explores the role of social interactions in residential photovoltaic (PV) adoption. Our survey data from Germany indicate that residential PV decision makers are influenced primarily by stakeholders to whom they ascribe beneficial attributes. The data further show that key attributes vary along the decision making process: integrity and likeability demonstrate the strongest association with influence strength at the awareness stage, while availability and trustworthiness have the strongest association at the planning stage. The perception of the competence of the stakeholder is associated with greater influence across all stages.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchellerJohanningReichardtetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Johanning, Simon and Reichardt, Soren and Reichelt, David G. and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Competition Effects of Simultaneous Application of Flexibility Options Within an Energy Community}, series = {15th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM)}, booktitle = {15th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM)}, isbn = {978-1-5386-1488-4}, doi = {10.1109/eem.2018.8470007}, pages = {1 -- 5}, abstract = {As part of an increased diffusion of decentralized renewable energy technologies, an additional need for flexibility arises. Studies indicate that operating battery storage systems for multiple uses as community electricity storage system (CES) promises superior benefits. This seems decisive, since cheaper flexibility options such as demand response (DR) are more applicable and might further reduce the market size for storage facilities. This research paper aims to analyze the competition effects of CES with simultaneous application of DR. The optimization results of the synthetic case studies provide insights in the profitability level, the service provision and the flexibility potential. While even under requested legal circumstances a CES is only partially profitable, the economic situation improves in terms of an optimal storage utilization. This, however, is reduced through competition effects with DR.}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerJohanningSeimetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Johanning, Simon and Seim, Stephan and Schuchardt, Kerstin and Krone, Jonas and Haberland, Rosa and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Legal Framework of Decentralized Energy Business Models in Germany: Challenges and Opportunities for Municipal Utilities}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Energiewirtschaft}, volume = {42}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Energiewirtschaft}, number = {3}, issn = {0343-5377}, doi = {10.1007/s12398-018-0227-1}, pages = {207 -- 223}, abstract = {Feasible and profitable business models to better integrate and harness decentrally generated renewable energy are expected to constitute a key element for the energy transition in Germany. Until now, generated electricity of decentralized systems is to the largest extent only used by the property owner directly or fed into the public grid. To make better use of the generated electricity, it is necessary to find business models that provide an opportunity for different market actors, such as municipal utilities and residential prosumers. Due to the importance, yet low-anticipated monetary potential of such solutions, the legislator encourages their implementation by exemption of statutory fees, levies and taxes as well as by offering public remunerations, premiums and compensations in some cases. Capitalizing on these benefits, however, is only feasible under compliance with the legal requirements. In the light of the considerations above, this work states and analyzes the legal and regulatory framework of different business models within the German energy landscape. The major aim is to identify opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the business models self consumption, direct consumption, direct marketing, demand response, community electricity storage and net metering at the municipal level. The findings show that the profitability of various decentralized on-site business models depends primarily on the current statutory cost exemptions and compensations. At the same time, the regulation is characterized by unsystematic specific exemptions which leads to uncertainty regarding long-term planning. Additionally, although not directly privileged by the existing legal framework, municipal utilities are better suited to handle the legal burdens due to their experience and their administrative infrastructure.}, language = {en} } @incollection{SchellerJohanningBruckner, author = {Scheller, Fabian and Johanning, Simon and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Integrierte techno-sozio-{\"o}konomische Modellierung urbaner Systeme}, series = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse}, booktitle = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse}, editor = {Johanning, Simon and Scheller, Fabian and K{\"u}hne, Stefan and Bruckner, Thomas}, isbn = {9783832554132}, doi = {10.30819/5413.01}, pages = {7 -- 17}, language = {de} } @article{SchellerKeitschKondziellaetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Keitsch, K. and Kondziella, H. and Georg Reichelt, D. and Dienst, S. and K{\"u}hne, S. and Bruckner, T.}, title = {Evaluation von Gesch{\"a}ftsmodellen im liberalisierten Energiemarkt}, series = {BWK. Das Energie-Fachmagazin}, volume = {67}, journal = {BWK. Das Energie-Fachmagazin}, number = {11}, pages = {24 -- 25}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerKroneKuehneetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Krone, Jonas and K{\"u}hne, Stefan and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Provoking Residential Demand Response Through Variable Electricity Tariffs - A Model-Based Assessment for Municipal Energy Utilities}, series = {Technology and Economics of Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy}, volume = {3}, journal = {Technology and Economics of Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1007/s40866-018-0045-x}, abstract = {With the suitable infrastructure of information and communication technologies in place, customers are able to perform demand response (DR), meaning that they can decrease or increase their electricity consumption in response to changes in their electricity tariff. In this research, different variable electricity tariffs are designed taking both customer and utility preferences into account. Subsequently, a model-based analysis on the basis of optimization model IRPopt (Integrated Resource Planning and Optimization) is carried out. Electricity customers are exposed to the designed tariffs in order to find out whether variable electricity tariffs are a suitable instrument for municipal energy utilities to exploit the potential laying in residential DR. Loads considered for DR in this work are those of selected electric household appliances and the loads of electric heat pumps. One major contribution of this work is that the assessment differentiates between different types of energy utilities, whose specific generation profiles are taken into account in the design of the variable tariffs. The results show that variable electricity tariffs have a small economic potential. However, customers only benefit if the design of the business model includes a proper compensation mechanism. In this context, successful business models require the direct cooperation of different municipal energy market actors. Furthermore, taking the specific generation profiles of municipal energy utilities into account in the design of variable electricity tariffs helps to increase the energy autonomy of municipalities.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchellerReicheltDienstetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Reichelt, David G. and Dienst, Steffen and Johanning, Simon and Reichardt, Soren and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Effects of implementing decentralized business models at a neighborhood energy system level: A model based cross-sectoral analysis}, series = {14th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM)}, booktitle = {14th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM)}, isbn = {978-1-5090-5499-2}, doi = {10.1109/eem.2017.7981910}, pages = {1 -- 6}, abstract = {The reliable integration of decentralized energy technologies and the associated system transformations represent a challenging task. Taking into account existing cross-sectoral demand and supply structures, diverse communities require specific solutions. With an appropriate business model, municipal utilities might be capable to transform themselves in a successful way. For better decision-making, they need to investigate under what conditions certain business cases might represent a sustainable part of the future system and their future portfolio. On the basis of an innovative multi-model and cross-sector approach, this research paper aims to assess opportunities of such business models in terms of four strategic targets: affordability, profitability, autarky and ecology. The results of the combined evaluation of synthetic case studies provide insights under what conditions different business models show positive performance.}, language = {en} } @incollection{SchellerSchulteJohanningetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Schulte, Emily and Johanning, Simon and Geyler, Stefan and Moritz, Marie and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Beschreibung der realen Fallstudien als Forschungsobjekt f{\"u}r die modellbezogenen Analysen}, series = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse. Smart Utilities And Sustainable Infrastructure Change}, booktitle = {Agentenbasierte Modellierung urbaner Transformationsprozesse. Smart Utilities And Sustainable Infrastructure Change}, editor = {Johanning, Simon and Scheller, Fabian and K{\"u}hne, Stefan and Bruckner, Thomas}, isbn = {9783832554132}, doi = {10.30819/5413.02}, pages = {21 -- 38}, language = {de} } @article{SchellerDoserSlootetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Doser, Isabel and Sloot, Daniel and McKenna, Russell and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions: A Synthesis of the Literature}, series = {Energies}, volume = {13}, journal = {Energies}, number = {23}, doi = {10.3390/en13236283}, pages = {6283 -- 6283}, abstract = {Despite the intensive research on residential photovoltaic adoption, there is a lack of understanding regarding the social dynamics that drive adoption decisions. Innovation diffusion is a social process, whereby communication structures and the relations between sender and receiver influence what information is perceived and how it is interpreted. This paper addresses this research gap by investigating stakeholder influences in household decision-making from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. A literature review derives major influence dynamics which are then synthesized based on egocentric network maps for distinct process stages. The findings show a multitude of stakeholders that can be relevant in influencing photovoltaic adoption decisions of owner-occupied households. Household decision-makers are mainly influenced by stakeholders of their social network like family, neighbors, and friends as well as PV-related services like providers and civil society groups. The perceived closeness and likeability of a stakeholder indicate a higher level of influence because of greater trust involved. Furthermore, the findings indicate that social influence shifts gradually from many different stakeholders to a few core stakeholders later on in the decision-making process. These insights suggest that photovoltaic (PV) adoption may be more reliably predicted if a process perspective is taken into account that not only distinguishes between different stakeholders but considers their dynamic importance along the process stages. In addition, especially time- and location-bound factors affect the influence strength. This clearly shows the importance of local and targeted interventions to accelerate the uptake.}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerDoserSchulteetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Doser, Isabel and Schulte, Emily and Johanning, Simon and McKenna, Russell and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Stakeholder dynamics in residential solar energy adoption: findings from focus group discussions in Germany}, series = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, volume = {76}, journal = {Energy Research \& Social Science}, issn = {2214-6326}, doi = {10.1016/j.erss.2021.102065}, pages = {102065 -- 102065}, abstract = {Although there is a clear indication that stages of residential decision making are characterized by their own stakeholders, activities, and outcomes, many studies on residential low-carbon technology adoption only implicitly address stage-specific dynamics. This paper explores stakeholder influences on residential photovoltaic adoption from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. The major objective is the understanding of underlying mechanisms to better exploit the potential for residential photovoltaic uptake. Four focus groups have been conducted in close collaboration with the independent institute for social science research SINUS Markt- und Sozialforschung in East Germany. By applying a qualitative content analysis, major influence dynamics within three decision stages are synthesized with the help of egocentric network maps from the perspective of residential decision-makers. Results indicate that actors closest in terms of emotional and spatial proximity such as members of the social network represent the major influence on residential PV decision-making throughout the stages. Furthermore, decision-makers with a higher level of knowledge are more likely to move on to the subsequent stage. A shift from passive exposure to proactive search takes place through the process, but this shift is less pronounced among risk-averse decision-makers who continuously request proactive influences. The discussions revealed largely unexploited potential regarding the stakeholders local utilities and local governments who are perceived as independent, trustworthy and credible stakeholders. Public stakeholders must fulfill their responsibility in achieving climate goals by advising, assisting, and financing services for low-carbon technology adoption at the local level. Supporting community initiatives through political frameworks appears to be another promising step.}, language = {en} } @article{SchellerBurgenmeisterKondziellaetal., author = {Scheller, Fabian and Burgenmeister, Balthasar and Kondziella, Hendrik and K{\"u}hne, Stefan and Reichelt, David G. and Bruckner, Thomas}, title = {Towards integrated multi-modal municipal energy systems: An actor-oriented optimization approach}, series = {Applied Energy}, volume = {228}, journal = {Applied Energy}, issn = {1872-9118}, doi = {10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.07.027}, pages = {2009 -- 2023}, abstract = {Against the backdrop of a changing political, economic and ecological environment, energy utilities are facing several challenges in many countries. Due to an increasing decentralization of energy systems, the conventional business could be undermined. Yet the reliable integration of small-scale renewable technologies and associated system transformations could represent an opportunity as well. Municipal energy utilities might play a decisive role regarding successful transition. For better decision-making, they need to investigate under which conditions certain novel business cases can become a sustainable part of their future strategy. The development of the strategy is a challenging task which needs to consider different conditions as business portfolio, the customer base, the regulatory framework as well as the market environment. Integrated Multi-Modal Energy System (IMMES) models are able to capture necessary interactions. This research introduces a model-driven decision support system called Integrated Resource Planning and Optimization (IRPopt). Major aim is to provide managerial guidance by simulating the impact of business models considering various market actors. The mixed-integer linear programming approach exhibits a novel formal interface between supply and demand side which merges technical and commercial aspects. This is achieved by explicit modeling of municipal market actors on one layer and state-of-the-art technology components on another layer as well as resource flow relations and service agreements mechanism among and between the different layers. While this optimization framework provides a dynamic and flexible policy-oriented, technology-based and actor-related assessment of multi-sectoral business cases, the encapsulation in a generic software system supports the facilitation. Based on the actor-oriented dispatch strategy, flexibility potential of community energy storage systems is provided to demonstrate a real application.}, language = {en} }