Public attitudes and solar policy

Conference · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:6124511

Weis, P. R.

Public attitude surveys are examined regarding support for government action on solar energy in general and for information dissemination and economic incentive programs in particular. Twenty-nine public attitude surveys with data relevant to solar energy policy were collected. Their findings were separated and recorded under major subject categories for analysis. There is significant support expressed in surveys for government action on solar energy, but nearly half of the respondents do not feel it should replace private effort. Over 70% of respondents say they like solar, but these positive attitudes do not translate directly into willingness to purchase. Information programs and economic incentives elicit approval from well over half of respondents. General knowledge of the existence of solar energy is high, yet about 40% of sampled respondents still have not seen a solar collector. Over 80% do not know details necessary to a purchase decision. Perception of cost seems to be related to purchase intent. Information programs and economic incentives can operate to affect that perception.

• Research Organization: Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EG-77-C-01-4042
• OSTI ID: 6124511
• Report Number(s): SERI/TP-51-188; CONF-790107-11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140400* -- Solar Energy-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
299001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Solar-- (1989-)
ENERGY
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
PUBLIC OPINION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLAR ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
USA