Heterogeneity in the adoption of photovoltaic systems in Flanders

Abstract

We study the determinants of PV adoption in the region of Flanders (Belgium), where PV adoption reached high levels during 2006-2012, because of active government intervention. Based on a unique dataset at a very detailed spatial level, we estimate a Poisson model to explain the heterogeneity in adoption rates. We obtain the following findings. First, local policies have a robust and significant impact on PV adoption, providing indirect evidence that the larger regional incentives formed the basis for the strong development of PV adoption in the region. Second, there is a strong unconditional income effect, implying a Matthew effect in the subsidization of PVs. Our third finding is however that this income effect is largely driven by the fact that wealthier households are more likely to adopt because they tend to be larger (and hence higher users), are more frequent house owners (who capture more of the benefits), or own houses that are better suited for PV. We can thus identify the channels through which wealthier households are more likely to benefit from the PV support. Finally, we identify the importance of several housing characteristics: PV adoption tends to be more likely in larger and in more recently built houses. In several extensions, we consider the determinants of the average size of installed PVs, and the differential impact of certain variables over time.

Evaluating the effectiveness of Australia's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme for rooftop solar

“…There are many driving forces for solar technology uptake other than policy. Prior studies have found a positive impact of income on uptake of household solar PV (De Groote et al, 2016;Kwan, 2012) and solar water heaters (Aydin et al, 2018). Using a survey approach, Bondio et al (2018) concluded that solar PV uptake in Queensland is most popular among the middle class.…”

Factors Influencing Household Adoption of Solar Home System in Baso Liben District, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia

“…De Groote et al [41] investigated the heterogeneity in the adoption of the photovoltaic system in the region of Flanders (Belgium). The author explained that important housing characteristics such as house size, roof insulation, and quality of the roof are positively correlated with the solar photovoltaic installation.…”

“…Similarly, the type and size of the house are expected to positively affect SHS adoption. Some studies found that the number of rooms of houses has a positive correlation with solar home system adoption [41,6]. Prior information or knowledge that households have about the solar home system is considered as one driving factor of solar energy adoption [32].…”

Factors for Measuring Photovoltaic Adoption from the Perspective of Operators

“…[52] analyzed the effect of social influences concerning economic and ecological issues in the adoption of photovoltaic technology in Germany. Additionally, studies examined factors and their impact on the acquisition of solar renewable energy technologies for urban households in Mexico [53] and identified the determinants of photovoltaic energy acquisition in Belgium [54]. In the Flanders region, Germany, and Canada, the study by Ref.…”