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Breaking the cycle: Producer and consumer perspectives on the non-adoption of passive solar housing in the US

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  • Garrett, Vicki
  • Koontz, Tomas M.

Abstract

Creating the technologies to solve our energy and pollution problems is only one part of the solution. Getting the technologies adopted may be a larger hurdle. This study examines the adoption of a low- or no-cost technology, passive solar housing design, in the United States. Interviews with professionals involved in passive solar supply identified lack of demand as the most important factor, followed by availability, awareness, and economic incentives. Corresponding survey results from homebuyers in one region suggest that lack of demand represents not disinterest, but rather lack of availability when purchasing a home. Conventional homeowners are not familiar with passive solar design, but are predisposed to favor it, especially if it can be incorporated into traditional housing styles. In addition, to the extent that they can learn information to counter the perceptions that passive solar homes are too complicated or there is too little sun in their region, homebuyers would be more willing to purchase a passive solar home. Policy interventions to promote passive solar homes should focus on supply-side incentives as well as information for homebuyers.

Suggested Citation

  • Garrett, Vicki & Koontz, Tomas M., 2008. "Breaking the cycle: Producer and consumer perspectives on the non-adoption of passive solar housing in the US," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 1551-1566, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:36:y:2008:i:4:p:1551-1566
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    1. Rempel, A.R. & Rempel, A.W. & McComas, S.M. & Duffey, S. & Enright, C. & Mishra, S., 2021. "Magnitude and distribution of the untapped solar space-heating resource in U.S. climates," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    2. Hyysalo, Sampsa & Juntunen, Jouni K. & Freeman, Stephanie, 2013. "User innovation in sustainable home energy technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 490-500.
    3. Uniyal, Sachin & Lodhi, Mahendra Singh & Pawar, Yogita & Thakral, Shreyasee & Garg, Purushottam Kumar & Mukherjee, Sandipan & Nautiyal, Sunil, 2024. "Passive solar heated buildings for enhancing sustainability in the Indian Himalayas," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    4. Hawks, M.A. & Cho, S., 2024. "Review and analysis of current solutions and trends for zero energy building (ZEB) thermal systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PB).
    5. Rempel, Alexandra R. & Rempel, Alan W. & Gates, Kenneth R. & Shaw, Barbara, 2016. "Climate-responsive thermal mass design for Pacific Northwest sunspaces," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 981-993.
    6. Li, Xuesong & Li, Hao & Wang, Xingwu, 2013. "Farmers' willingness to convert traditional houses to solar houses in rural areas: A survey of 465 households in Chongqing, China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 882-886.

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