Make Every Kilowatt Count: Modelling Solar Power Integration With Thermal Storage and Heating Electrification

Schilt, Ueli, Vijayananda, Somesh, Schneeberger, Sarah, Iyyakkunnel, Santhosh, Vecsei, Pascal Marc, Schuetz, Philipp

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
DOI: 10.1016/j.seja.2026.100135

Abstract

Solar PV is set to play a key role in future renewable energy systems, but alone it cannot meet net-zero targets due to issues like variability and grid constraints. Complementary measures such as heating electrification, storage, and local energy management are essential. Using an hourly multi-energy system model, we simulate 2,131 Swiss municipalities to assess the impact of PV expansion with and without such measures. We also evaluate the effects of replacing 50% of fossil heating systems with heat pumps and adding thermal energy storage (TES) sized to 20% of annual heat demand. While all measures reduce emissions and boost renewables, the biggest gains come from replacing fossil heaters. TES further aids solar PV integration.

Keywords

solar PV expansion, multi-energy system model, heating sector electrification, thermal energy storage.

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