Equity and the Energy Transition: Barriers to the Access of Renewable Energy

Presenter: Abigail Marie Bennett

Faculty Sponsor: Christine Crago

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Environmental Science and Sustainability

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Auditorium, A81

ABSTRACT

The expansion of renewable energy sources presents a promising solution that may lessen the alarming impacts of climate change. Rooftop solar photovoltaic energy, in particular, serves as a viable option for individuals to reduce their impact on the environment, as homeowners can implement this technology on their property. Although, solar installation can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, Massachusetts, among several other states, has incentivized solar adoption by creating cost-reducing programs to reduce the financial burden associated with installation. Despite the countless incentives, the state’s solar adoption rate remains low. While there is an understanding of low adoption due to the substantial upfront costs, little is known about additional barriers. The aim of this research is to determine the factors that impede solar adoption among the state’s homeowners. In order to better understand these existing barriers, a feedback-based data collection and analysis approach was used. Homeowners were anonymously surveyed with respect to their individual opinions and circumstances concerning solar adoption. Questions were asked related to individual environmental motivations, awareness of available incentives, perceived costs and benefits, and understanding of obstacles to adoption. Additionally, local government officials provided insight into available solar incentives in their regions. This research demonstrates an understanding of the significant impacts of personal factors when determining whether homeowners will adopt solar energy. In order to promote an equitable renewable energy transition, future work must be done to find solutions to these obstacles and eliminate disparities in access.

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