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How to get photovoltaics on the roofs? Empirical evidence on homeowner support for a residential solar mandate in Germany

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  • Beate Fischer
  • Tom Schütte
  • Heike Wetzel

Abstract

This study evaluates whether a residential solar mandate in the case of roof renovation is a useful instrument for further photovoltaic (PV) adoption. Based on a survey of German utility customers (N = 1,334), the study discusses (a) how determinants that influence PV ownership and PV installation intentions of single-family homeowners might interact with a residential solar mandate, and (b) factors that influence homeowner support for a solar mandate and the perceived effectiveness of such a mandate in mitigating climate change. Our empirical results show that a residential solar mandate is a rather unpopular policy measure among homeowners. However, we identify two factors that increase the intention to install photovoltaics which can be strengthened by a residential solar mandate: the perceived social desirability of PV expansion in one’s own environment and a necessary roof renovation as a window of opportunity. We recommend that the introduction of a solar mandate should be accompanied by an active information policy on the environmental benefits and the cost implications of PV expansion.

Suggested Citation

  • Beate Fischer & Tom Schütte & Heike Wetzel, 2025. "How to get photovoltaics on the roofs? Empirical evidence on homeowner support for a residential solar mandate in Germany," Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(3), pages 283-312, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:teepxx:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:283-312
    DOI: 10.1080/21606544.2025.2497251
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