Compatibility of Solar Home Heating Systems With Values, Felt Needs, and Past Experiences of Households

Abstract

A statewide survey was conducted to determine: 1. the perceived compatibility of solar systems to values, felt needs, and past experiences of households; 2. how perceptions of compatibility relate to the adoption of solar heating systems for the home; and 3. how various segments of the population differ in their evaluation of the compatibility of solar systems. Analysis of variance, with the Least Significant Difference Test, was used to analyze the responses from 912 households within the general population and 105 solar home owners. The findings show that people tend to find solar systems more compatible in meeting broad societal needs than their individual housing needs. A relationship between perceptions of compatibility of solar systems to the adoption of these systems was strongly indicated. Certain segments of the population (those who are younger, highly educated, work in managerial or professional positions, and live in a household of three or more memebers) find solar systems more compatible than others.

Differences Among Owners of Spec‐Built vs. Owner‐Built Passive Solar Homes

“…Widespread use of this design technique decreases our nation's dependence upon fossil fuels and case studies have shown that it can be economical (Taylor, 1979). As indicated by Combs and Madden (1983), homebuyers may find solar homes more compatible with society's values yet incompatible with their own individual needs and preferences. The central question for this research then became: With such a strong rationale for its use, why is passive solar design in such an early adoption stage?…”

“…Rogers and Shoemaker (1971) have found that adoption of any innovation is affected by how potential adopters perceive it as as being compatible with their own needs, values, and past experiences. As indicated by Combs and Madden (1983), homebuyers may find solar homes more compatible with society's values yet incompatible with their own individual needs and preferences. The implication is that solar designers have concentrated their r efforts in advancing the technology; yet, at the same time, they may not have adequately considered user preferences, thus impeding acceptance of the design.…”

The home energy audit program: its effect on conservation behavior

“…These studies include: the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in farming (Heffernan and Green, 1982;Lovejoy and Parent, 1982;Nowak, 1982;Taylor and Miller, 1978); the diffusion of earth-sheltered and/or solar energy systems (Combs and Madden, 1983;Combs et al, 1982;LaBay andKlnnear, 1981a, 1981b;Leonard-Barton, 1981a, 1981bLeonard-Barton, 1981b;McCray and Weber, 1981;Warkov, 1981); and the adoption of energy conservation practices in the home (Darley, 1978;Darley and Benlger, 1981).…”

The home energy audit program: its effect on conservation behavior

“…The classical diffusion model-along with various modifications-has been used as a theoretical framework for a number of recent studies related to energy and environmental issues. These studies include: the adoption of soil and water conservation practices in farming (Heffernan and Green, 1982;Lovejoy and Parent, 1982;Nowak, 1982;Taylor and Miller, 1978); the diffusion of earth-sheltered and/or solar energy systems (Combs and Madden, 1983;Combs et al, 1982;LaBay andKlnnear, 1981a, 1981b;Leonard-Barton, 1981a, 1981bLeonard-Barton, 1981b;McCray and Weber, 1981;Warkov, 1981); and the adoption of energy conservation practices in the home (Darley, 1978;Darley and Benlger, 1981).…”