Motivational, Sociodemographic, and Housing-Related Determinants of Smart Technology Adoption in German Households

Alongside technological innovations, the energy transition requires notable behavioral changes in the residential sector. Smart technologies (STs) can support this shift by promoting transparency, energy-conscious behavior, and automated efficiency gains; their adoption depends on user acceptance. This study investigates the determinants shaping adoption patterns of different STs in German households. Based on a standardized online survey of 284 participants within the SmartQuart project (2022 and 2023), the analysis examined the motivational, sociodemographic, and housing-related factors influencing usage. The investigation was guided by a conceptual framework adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2. The results revealed that efficiency- and control-related motives mainly drive the adoption of energy-oriented technologies, such as energy monitoring and home energy management systems. In contrast, indoor air quality monitoring and smart home systems are primarily used to enhance residential comfort. Regression analyses demonstrated that education and building type have a significant impact on energy-oriented technologies, while income, age, and living space influence comfort-oriented applications. The findings highlight the importance of differentiated communication and user-centered technology design. Despite limited generalizability, this study offers relevant insights into the target group-specific adoption dynamics essential for promoting behavioral energy efficiency in the residential sector.