April 21, 2014 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Products and services such as solar PV, utility-scale renewables and hybrid electric vehicles have all experienced double-digit compound annual growth rates over the past decade, accounting for significant adoption of clean energy technologies across broad demographic groups. New nationwide research commissioned by SolarCity and Clean Edge explains what is behind this expansion.

Performed by polling firm Zogby Analytics, the research focused on U.S. homeowners and their choices surrounding a range of clean energy topics -- including renewables, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and energy storage. In addition, the survey revealed some interesting things about what homeowners know and think about electric utilities, third-party energy service providers, and consumer choice.

The research revealed that a majority of homeowners -- 88 percent -- support renewable energy, and conclude that it is important to America's future, realizing the environmental impact of their energy purchases. In fact, 70 percent of all the homeowners surveyed evaluate the environmental impact/sustainability of big-ticket items when making purchasing decisions. More than half of homeowners said they were more likely to think about that today than just three years ago.

A majority of homeowners -- 69 percent -- have a favorable view of their utility but want more energy and electricity choices when it comes to supply. But 73 percent would like an inexpensive and reliable form of energy -- provided by someone other than their current utility. Three of four respondents say utilities should allow customers to install distributed generation systems, reflecting their desire for choice. Further, recent weather-related power outages are driving consumer sentiment toward backup power.

Even though homeowners say they care about the environment, money matters, and price barriers, real or imagined, have kept some homeowners from adopting clean energy products. Economics definitely drive most purchasing decisions, with respondents citing zero upfront costs and ongoing cost savings as the top two reasons for even considering backup energy storage systems and solar power installations.

When it comes to clean energy purchases, consumers are starting small, placing energy efficiency at the top of their priority list. In the next year, 31 percent of respondents said they would purchase light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs. The next clean energy purchases on their list are smart thermostats (11 percent), double- or triple-pane windows (10 percent), hybrid cars (9 percent), and Energy Star-rated hot water heaters (9 percent).

For more:
- see this report

 

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http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/consumer-support-renewable-energy-widespread/2014-04-21