Application of Diffusion Research to Solar Energy Policy Issues
This paper examines two types of information requirements that appear to be basic to DOE solar-energy-policy decisions: (1) how can the future market success of solar energy technologies be estimated, and (2) what factors influence the adoption of solar energy technologies, and what specific programs could promote solar energy adoption most effectively. This paper assesses the ability of a body of research, referred to here as diffusion research, to supply information that could partially satisfy these requirements. This assessment proceeds, first, by defining in greater detail a series of policy issues that face DOE. These are divided into cost reduction and performance improvement issues which include issues confronting the technology development component of the solar energy program, and barriers and incentives issues which are most relevant to problems of solar energy application. Second, these issues are translated into a series of questions that the diffusion approach can help resolve. Third, various elements within diffusion research are assessed in terms of their abilities to answer policy questions. Finally, the strengths and limitations of current knowledge about the diffusion of innovations are summarized, the applicability of both existing knowledge and the diffusion approach to the identified solar-energy-policy issues are discussed, and ways are suggested in which diffusion approaches can be modified and existing knowledge employed to meet short- and long-term goals of DOE. The inquiry covers the field of classical diffusion research, market research and consumer behavior, communication research, and solar-energy market-penetration modeling.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 6011091
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TR-51-194
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Advancing Solar Innovation for Low and Moderate-Income Households (Final Technical Report)
WE-A-16A-01: International Medical Physics Symposium: Increasing Access to Medical Physics Education/Training and Research Excellence
Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
SOLAR ENERGY
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
BUDGETS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMPETITION
DECISION MAKING
ECONOMICS
ENERGY MODELS
ENERGY POLICY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
INFORMATION
INVESTMENT
MARKET
PUBLIC OPINION
SIMULATION
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
US DOE
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
US ORGANIZATIONS
cost reduction
diffusion research
299001* - Energy Planning & Policy- Solar- (1989-)
293000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
140400 - Solar Energy- Environmental Aspects