Investigating Solar Energy Technology Adoption and Diffusion in the U.S.
Eric Brinton
Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Business and Public Management
Major: Business Administration (MBA)
Faculty Research Mentor: Yonghee (Joseph) Cho
Abstract:
Current personal, technical, social, socio-demographic, political, economic, and environmental issues have made energy source selection a delicate decision. These pressures concurrent with the decrease in sustainable energy costs have increased the interest in cleaner alternative energies such as solar and wind to mitigate the environmental consequences. Among these energies, Solar Photovoltaic energy is one of the most promising sources of power providing 12.8% of the annual energy in 2022 in the US. The study attempts to investigate the interrelationships between income, education, and solar adoption using the US census data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tool with an agent-based model on the East Coast of the U.S. This research aims to identify adoption hotspots and recommend particular areas in New Jersey and other states that are ideal for energy-related organizations to promote, educate, and incentivize “go solar” programs to promote the adoption and diffusion of solar photovoltaics. This study introduces a combined methodology to help policymakers distribute financial incentives for residential solar electric systems in particular areas.