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Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions: A Synthesis of the Literature

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  • Fabian Scheller

    (Energy Systems Analysis, Division of Sustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Isabel Doser

    (Institute for Infrastructure and Resources Management, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Daniel Sloot

    (Energy Economics, Institute for Industrial Production, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Russell McKenna

    (School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK)

  • Thomas Bruckner

    (Institute for Infrastructure and Resources Management, Leipzig University, 04109 Leipzig, Germany)

Abstract

Despite the intensive research on residential photovoltaic adoption, there is a lack of understanding regarding the social dynamics that drive adoption decisions. Innovation diffusion is a social process, whereby communication structures and the relations between sender and receiver influence what information is perceived and how it is interpreted. This paper addresses this research gap by investigating stakeholder influences in household decision-making from a procedural perspective, so-called stakeholder dynamics. A literature review derives major influence dynamics which are then synthesized based on egocentric network maps for distinct process stages. The findings show a multitude of stakeholders that can be relevant in influencing photovoltaic adoption decisions of owner-occupied households. Household decision-makers are mainly influenced by stakeholders of their social network like family, neighbors, and friends as well as PV-related services like providers and civil society groups. The perceived closeness and likeability of a stakeholder indicate a higher level of influence because of greater trust involved. Furthermore, the findings indicate that social influence shifts gradually from many different stakeholders to a few core stakeholders later on in the decision-making process. These insights suggest that photovoltaic (PV) adoption may be more reliably predicted if a process perspective is taken into account that not only distinguishes between different stakeholders but considers their dynamic importance along the process stages. In addition, especially time- and location-bound factors affect the influence strength. This clearly shows the importance of local and targeted interventions to accelerate the uptake.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabian Scheller & Isabel Doser & Daniel Sloot & Russell McKenna & Thomas Bruckner, 2020. "Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions: A Synthesis of the Literature," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-31, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:23:p:6283-:d:452976
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    Cited by:

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    2. Shuo Shi & Lu Zhang & Guohua Wang, 2023. "Bridging the Digital Divide: Internet Use of Older People from the Perspective of Peer Effects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Ding, Liping & Zhu, Yuxuan & Zheng, Longwei & Dai, Qiyao & Zhang, Zumeng, 2023. "What is the path of photovoltaic building (BIPV or BAPV) promotion? --The perspective of evolutionary games," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    4. Emily Schulte & Fabian Scheller & Daniel Sloot & Thomas Bruckner, 2021. "A meta-analysis of residential PV adoption: the important role of perceived benefits, intentions and antecedents in solar energy acceptance," Papers 2112.12464, arXiv.org.
    5. Sommerfeldt, Nelson & Lemoine, Ida & Madani, Hatef, 2022. "Hide and seek: The supply and demand of information for household solar photovoltaic investment," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    6. Fabian Scheller & Soren Graupner & James Edwards & Jann Weinand & Thomas Bruckner, 2021. "Active peer effects in residential photovoltaic adoption: evidence on impact drivers among potential and current adopters in Germany," Papers 2105.00796, arXiv.org.
    7. Fabian Scheller & Sören Graupner & ames Edwards & Simon Johanning & Claire Bergaentzlé & Thomas Bruckner, 2023. "Social Influence Throughout the Photovoltaic Adoption Process - Exploring the Impact of Stakeholder Perceptions," Energy RESEARCH LETTERS, Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association, vol. 3(4), pages 1-8.
    8. Maren Springsklee & Fabian Scheller, 2022. "Exploring non-residential technology adoption: an empirical analysis of factors associated with the adoption of photovoltaic systems by municipal authorities in Germany," Papers 2212.05281, arXiv.org.
    9. Emily Schulte & Fabian Scheller & Wilmer Pasut & Thomas Bruckner, 2021. "Product traits, decision-makers, and household low-carbon technology adoptions: moving beyond single empirical studies," Papers 2112.11867, arXiv.org.
    10. Brown, Marilyn A. & Kale, Snehal & Cha, Min-Kyeong & Chapman, Oliver, 2023. "Exploring the willingness of consumers to electrify their homes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    11. David Huckebrink & Valentin Bertsch, 2021. "Integrating Behavioural Aspects in Energy System Modelling—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-26, July.

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