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Influence of demographic variables on uptake of domestic solar photovoltaic technology

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  • Sommerfeld, Jeff
  • Buys, Laurie
  • Mengersen, Kerrie
  • Vine, Desley

Abstract

In Australia during the past decade there has been a significant transformation of the electricity demand and supply sector. In five years from 2008 to 2013 the number of Australians installing solar photovoltaic (PV) technology grew from 8000 to more than one million. Governments in Australia used a range of policy incentives such as feed-in tariffs (FiTs) to encourage the uptake of solar PV and this had a range of consequences. Solar PV technology has transformed the residential consumer electricity market providing some consumers with greater choice in demand and supply of their power. This study contributes to the growing understanding of the role that demographic factors play in household uptake of solar PV technology. Based on a review of relevant literature and a multi-phased statistical analysis of more than 2 million people in south-east Queensland over five years, the paper highlights the complex interplay between socio-economics and household uptake. The paper identifies key demographic variables and quantifies their relative influence, and provides new insights into the role of age in solar PV uptake. This more nuanced explanation of the socio-economic variables influencing solar PV uptake offers an opportunity to more effectively and efficiently shape future policies and incentives.

Suggested Citation

  • Sommerfeld, Jeff & Buys, Laurie & Mengersen, Kerrie & Vine, Desley, 2017. "Influence of demographic variables on uptake of domestic solar photovoltaic technology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 315-323.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:67:y:2017:i:c:p:315-323
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    9. Bashiri, Ali & Alizadeh, Sasan H., 2018. "The analysis of demographics, environmental and knowledge factors affecting prospective residential PV system adoption: A study in Tehran," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 3131-3139.
    10. Lan, Haifeng & Gou, Zhonghua & Lu, Yi, 2021. "Machine learning approach to understand regional disparity of residential solar adoption in Australia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    11. Fahim Huseien, Ghasan & Mirza, Jahangir & Ismail, Mohammad & Ghoshal, S.K. & Abdulameer Hussein, Ahmed, 2017. "Geopolymer mortars as sustainable repair material: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 54-74.
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    13. Zhang, Yanquan & Chang, Ruidong & Zuo, Jian & Shabunko, Veronika & Zheng, Xian, 2023. "Regional disparity of residential solar panel diffusion in Australia: The roles of socio-economic factors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 808-819.
    14. Zander, Kerstin K., 2020. "Unrealised opportunities for residential solar panels in Australia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    15. Best, Rohan & Chareunsy, Andrea & Li, Han, 2021. "Equity and effectiveness of Australian small-scale solar schemes," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
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