People are more likely to invest in solar energy technology when they see it being used in their communities

University of Alberta environmental sociologist John

Parkins led a study to find out what motivates Canadians to use renewable energy, specifically solar panels, in their everyday lives.

After surveying 2,065 people across the country about their knowledge of energy issues and their beliefs,

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the researchers found that people are more likely to invest in costly technology like rooftop solar panels when they can see it being used in their own communities.

"If you are immersed in an environment where these technologies are all around you, they become more familiar and doable," said Parkins, who conducted the study with fellow researchers from the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences and the University of New Brunswick.

"Seeing the technologies in use creates this sensory environment that enhances the desire to do the right thing, to make a decision that would otherwise be difficult to make," he said. Public investment in solar panels on community and government buildings such as schools, hockey rinks and town halls can make a difference in people's adoption intention, he believes. "They can promote renewable energy by making it more visible to people."

Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2018-09-people-invest-solar-energy-technology.html#jCp