Installation of residential energy systems: Local conditions and residents' Willingness

Abstract

The feasibility of installing residential energy systems was investigated with respect to local conditions and residents' willingness toward installation. Visual surveys and questionnaires were conducted among 1,000 detached houses in Tokyo's Meguro Ward. The visual survey results showed that location had a greater impact on ground-level devices than on rooftop devices. The results of the questionnaire showed that more than 30% of people in all generational groups have considered photovoltaic installation, but less than 10% have considered solar water heater installation. The main reasons cited for not considering fuel cells and heat pump water heaters were the high initial cost and unfamiliarity with the product. When the questionnaire results were compared with those of the visual survey, it was found that more than 50% of suitable households were not interested in adding new systems to their homes. In particular, many respondents held a negative image of solar water heaters, which excluded them from consideration. Furthermore, elderly respondents cited their age as the main reason against installation.