Spatial dependence of solar photovoltaic systems: Data gathering process, related issues and preliminary results

In a previous study (Copiello and Grillenzoni, En. Proc., 2017), we have proven the solar photovoltaic capacity in Italy to be characterized by spatial dependence. In that research, the units of analysis were the Italian provinces, which correspond to level 3 of the European NUTS (Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics) classification. Here we focus on new data encoded according to the Italian townships, namely, the municipalities corresponding to level 2 of the European LAU (Local administrative units) classification. The change of scale is a huge challenge, due to both the difficulty to find reliable information and the time-consuming definition of the proximity structure of the units: while the provinces are about 100, the Italian municipalities are several thousands, and each one shares the borders with many others. In particular, three neighboring regions - Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in North-eastern Italy - and their 1,121 towns are considered in this study, which primarily aims to delve into the issues related to the data gathering process. As far as the preliminary findings are concerned, we find more clues about the role played by the so-called neighborhood and peer effects.