New Study Reveals Key Drivers for Low-Income Solar Adoption in U.S. Cities
A new study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is shedding light on the varying rates of solar energy adoption among low- and moderate-income (LMI) households in different U.S. cities. The research highlights key drivers and barriers to LMI solar adoption, with city context and trust building playing significant roles.
The study found that LMI households are more likely to adopt solar when they see installations on other LMI households or interact with LMI adopters. High-income examples have less influence. Key drivers for LMI solar adoption include incentives, city context, partnerships, and trust building.
State incentive programs are crucial for reducing adoption costs. For instance, cities like Düsseldorf offer up to 50% of the costs for balcony solar installations, capped at €600. Stuttgart provides a flat subsidy of €200-300. However, the specific cities with the highest LMI solar adoption rates remain unclear.
Cities with early investments in LMI solar initiatives tend to have higher LMI adoption rates today. Income equality and segregation also impact adoption. LMI adoption ratios decline by about 40% when moving from the most income-equal to the most income-unequal cities.
The study underscores the importance of tailored city policies and community engagement for increasing LMI solar adoption. Despite LMI households comprising 68% of U.S. households, only 49% of PV adopters are LMI. Traditional socioeconomic factors explain less than one-third of LMI solar adoption trends, indicating the need for more nuanced approaches.
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