The potential of rooftop PV for prosumer energy provision globally

Abstract Rooftop photovoltaics (PV) are widely promoted for urban decarbonization, yet their capacity to meet local electricity demand across diverse urban systems remains insufficiently quantified. Here we integrate high spatiotemporal resolution datasets of rooftop PV potential and electricity demand with a global city topology framework to assess urban solar self-sufficiency worldwide. Under the Net Zero 2050 scenario, rooftop PV could supply 45% of urban electricity demand. Although solar generation is inherently seasonal, a substantial share of demand remains aligned with supply. Across more than 8,000 urban centres analysed, 28% of total electricity consumption occurs in cities combining high annual self-sufficiency with low seasonal mismatch, around 70% of which is located in emerging or rapidly growing cities. These findings suggest that targeted energy planning could leverage local generation to enhance municipal energy resilience and reduce grid expansion needs, supporting broader assessments of sustainable urban energy transitions.