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Spatio-temporal variation in peer effects - The case of rooftop photovoltaic systems in Germany

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  • Johannes Rode
  • Sven Müller

Abstract

We study spatio-temporal variation of peer effects in rooftop photovoltaics adoption of households. Our investigation employs locational data on potential adopters and a geocoded data set of all grid-connected photovoltaic systems set up in Germany through 2010. The detailed locational data allows us to construct an individual measure of peer effects for each potential adopter across Germany. Based on a discrete choice model with panel data, our analysis reveals that peer effects are mostly localized within a range of 0-0.2 km. Within this range they deflate slowly in a non-linear manner. We also find that the peer effect decreases over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Rode & Sven Müller, 2016. "Spatio-temporal variation in peer effects - The case of rooftop photovoltaic systems in Germany," ERSA conference papers ersa16p579, European Regional Science Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa16p579
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    Cited by:

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    3. Takanobu Kosugi & Yoshiyuki Shimoda & Takayuki Tashiro, 2019. "Neighborhood influences on the diffusion of residential photovoltaic systems in Kyoto City, Japan," Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, Springer;Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies - SEEPS, vol. 21(4), pages 477-505, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Peer effects; installed base; discrete choice models; technology adoption; imitation; photovoltaics; solar; Germany;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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