Sowing the seeds of a thousand flowers

: The uptake of residential solar photovoltaics and their contribution to Bristol’s carbon neutrality

Abstract

This thesis investigates the uptake of residential solar photovoltaics (PV) and its relationship with the growth of local energy systems. Residential PV generation contributes to carbon emission reduction targets and could enhance engagement and participation in the energy sector. Yet, it is regularly overlooked in literature and policy documents on developing national and local energy systems. Key questions centre on the drivers of residential PV adoption, methods of encouraging local level uptake, and understanding its role in pursuing local and national climate targets.
In the UK, there are over 1.3 million small-scale domestic installations of PV, representing less than 5% of households, highlighting its growth potential. This research uses national data and local surveys to identify the drivers of residential PV adoption at the local level, using a fine-grained spatial analysis across the UK, then narrowing its focus to the influence of local energy in the city of Bristol. Spatial effects, social learning, housing characteristics, occupation, age, energy behaviours, observability, relative advantage, and perceived behavioural control are found to impact PV uptake. A survey of Bristol residents and semi-structured interviews with local industry and policy experts exposed the need for greater participation and new funding mechanisms to encourage new investors. Combining survey and interview results with an analysis of national and local strategy documents reveals that national policy failings, together with its misalignment with local policy, have stymied the growth of residential PV.
This study shows that residential PV could substantially contribute to Bristol’s 2030 net zero target, but local industry experts are pessimistic of its short-term effectiveness. While aligning ideologically with Bristol’s net zero vision – which emphasises maximising local renewable generation and fairness and equity – they believe rapid decarbonisation requires fundamental behavioural change which can only be delivered by national level action, including policies to enable decentralised, place-based action.

Date of Award	10 Dec 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Joanna House (Supervisor), Peter Connor (Supervisor) & Richard J Harris (Supervisor)