Research Reveals the Hidden Methods to Democratize Solar
Abstract
Several US cities stand out as being relatively effective in broadening the access to and use of solar power. The locations where adoption of solar has been the most prolific are located across the nation, from California to New Jersey. They represent various geographies, climate zones, and population demographics. But they all have in common a noticeable increase in solar panel installations thanks to the same mainstream- solar-adoption formula. The conventional beliefs surrounding solar adoption focus on a few key factors: reducing the cost of solar panels, the importance of solar in combating climate change, and pro-solar policies or incentives. Yet an examination of the real reasons people adopt solar reveals factors and motivations that are very different than what is commonly believed. The formula for encouraging people to make a lasting transition to a clean energy future is based on reducing perceived risk. Strategic initiatives designed to reduce the perceived risk of adoption are required to achieve a sustainable transformation. These initiatives create permanent change so the market does not regress to lower levels of utilization at some later time. Drawing on the transformational success of specific locations across the US, the author guides stakeholders who are promoting the acceptance and adoption of solar power, how to increase adoption, boost policy effectiveness and reduce costs..
Keywords
Solar adoption, Market transformation, Grid-connected pv, Electric power, Distributed generation, Clean energy