PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS
PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS
From Kitakyushu to the world: AGI, a research institute that studies Asia's economy
and society
Reducing Health Risks from Extreme Temperatures in the Elderly: The Role of Solar Photovoltaics
| Author | KO Yi-Chun |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Asian Growth Research Institute |
| Date of Publication | 2025.3 |
| No. | 2024-03 |
| Download | 494KB |
Contents Introduction
Rising extreme temperatures and escalating energy costs threaten public health by limiting households’ ability to regulate indoor climates. This study investigates whether residential solar photovoltaics (PVs) can mitigate these risks by lowering energy expenses. Using Japan’s prefecture-month-level mortality data from 2009 to 2014, we exploit the electricity price surge following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Our findings show that solar PV installation significantly reduces temperature-related health risks, particularly among the elderly. These results underscore the importance of renewable energy in enhancing climate resilience and call for policies that promote solar PV adoption to protect vulnerable populations.