Solar-PV and onshore wind are both important technologies in the energy transition and the cost price of both is projected to decrease in the years ahead as a result of innovation and learning effects. In 2016 the Dutch Lower Chamber adopted a motion requesting the Government to compare the social costs and benefits of the two technologies based on current and anticipated developments.
CE Delft and ECN were commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to perform a social cost-effectiveness analysis (SCEA), calculating the social effects of the two technologies and comparing these where they differ, thus to enable socially appropriate decisions to be made. To permit comparison, effects were expressed in monetary terms wherever feasible.