What is the Profile of the Investor in Household Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems?

Abstract

The implementation of energy-efficient systems in homes is of interest to many people, especially regarding the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. Solar PV generation is essential worldwide because it is a significant source of renewable energy, wherein electricity can be stored for future use, and a cost-effective path for residential consumers. In contrast, considering the number of people who invest in PV systems versus those who do not, adherence is significantly unequal throughout society. Accordingly, predominant factors exist that increase the likelihood of residential PV solar power generation system adoption, which are seen as opportunities to increase energy efficiency. Furthermore, the literature is still insufficient regarding the exploration of variables that determine decisions around the purchase of green power generation systems. From this perspective, the current research aims to identify the socio-psychological profile of photovoltaic energy investors by applying four questionnaires, namely, psychological values, the human–nature relationship, motivation analyses, and household characteristics. The research results define the profile and motivations of green energy investors. The attitudes of potential investors are also predicted, and this research contributes to the development of the photovoltaic energy industry production chain by providing relevant information for better photovoltaic policy design and more targeted marketing strategies for companies.

Product traits, decision-makers, and household low-carbon technology adoptions: moving beyond single empirical studies

“…The included studies on PV adoption show that PV adopters can be characterized as high-income, highly educated, environmentally concerned people. Whereas Zander [79] do not find a relation between income and adoption, the samples in [37,63,78,81] and [80] have higher incomes than the general population. Additionally, the samples of [37,63,78,79,81] are highly educated, and show high environmental awareness [78,80,82].…”

“…Whereas Zander [79] do not find a relation between income and adoption, the samples in [37,63,78,81] and [80] have higher incomes than the general population. Additionally, the samples of [37,63,78,79,81] are highly educated, and show high environmental awareness [78,80,82]. The regression analysis of Jacksohn et al [29] reveals a significant positive effect of income, education and environmental concern on adoption.…”

“…For PV adopters, financial and environmental motives were important drivers of adoption, as shown by the consistently positive effects in the studies. A positive relation between normative considerations, including discussions with other owners [63], buying of PV by neighbors/acquaintances [37], descriptive and injunctive social norm [86], neighborhood effect [80] and friend influence [82] and PV adoption could be shown. Furthermore, effort-related considerations affect decision-making, as technical and administrative support [37], and perceived low effort [80] were motivations for adoption.…”

Solar Photovoltaic Investment Changes across China Regions Using a Spatial Shift-Share Analysis

“…For example, people managing power plants might be more concerned with commercial risk, while financial investors focus more on economic factors [17]. Gastaldo et al pay more attention to the psychological factors of household solar PV investors and find that benevolence and universalism tend to promote altruistic, cooperative and environmentally friendly behaviors [18].…”

International Trade Disputes over Renewable Energy—the Case of the Solar Photovoltaic Sector

“…We believe that in the solar energy sector, the global interest differences leading to trade conflicts have not been sufficiently investigated. The studies published so far focused primarily on issues of technology development [29][30][31][32][33], domestic policies in energy sector and their effects on the implementation of the sustainable development strategy [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]. Existing research on trade disputes in solar sector usually focus on a single case of conflict in bilateral relations only, for example between the EU and China [44,45] or the US and China [28,[46][47][48], while in this paper we attempt to analyze a broader range of trade disputes.…”