Institutional analysis of solar heating and cooling of housing : summary report

Abstract

This paper is one of a series resulting from institutional analysis of photovoltaic (PV) acceptance. It is the summary report on a study of several residential projects which are part of the DOE-HUD Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Program. Other papers in this series look in detail at aspects of the residential institutional arena, and more fully present the cases. The study of solar thermal applications in housing provides useful guidance in structuring programs for PV acceptance in the residential sector. The five cases illustrate one or more institutional forces which influence the acceptance of solar energy in housing. The cases involve residential developments of various sorts, located in Massachusetts, Maryland, Indiana, New Mexico and California. It is determined that each actor in the residential sector has different, and complex motivations for considering, using and continuing to use an innovation such as solar energy. The choices of any given actor are a function of the type, source, density and continuity of information exchanges found within the institutional arena in which he/she operates. Finally, the probability of rate and extent of innovation acceptance will be increased to the degree that the innovation is made comprehensible.