Barrio-Level Assessment of Solar Rooftop Energy and Initial Insights into Energy Inequalities in Puerto Rico

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy is critical to enhance Puerto Rico’s energy resilience and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems provide a scalable opportunity to meet these objectives. This study evaluates the potential of rooftop PV systems across Puerto Rico using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) PV Rooftop Database, processing detailed roof surface data to estimate installed capacity, energy generation, Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), and solar resource potential at municipal and barrio levels. Findings reveal high solar rooftop capacity in urban neighborhoods, with areas like Sabana Abajo and Hato Tejas each exceeding 450 GWh/year in potential generation. Solar rooftop resource values peak at 3.67 kWh/kW in coastal areas, with LCOE values (0.071–0.215 USD/kWh) below current electricity rates. All municipalities demonstrate technical potential to meet their electricity demand with rooftop PV system alone. This research contributes through (1) developing Puerto Rico’s first comprehensive solar rooftop potential map; (2) providing unprecedented barrio-level analysis; (3) introducing a methodology for estimating missing post-disaster consumption data; and (4) integrating technical, economic, and equity indicators to inform energy policy. These findings demonstrate the importance of rooftop solar in achieving renewable energy goals and provide an understanding of spatial energy inequalities.