Smart energy for Robinson Crusoe: an empirical analysis of the adoption of IS-enhanced electricity storage systems

Abstract

A lack of social acceptance of large-scale infrastructure projects hampers the necessary transformation of the current energy system. However, besides such large projects, the decentralized generation of electricity is becoming increasingly important and may in the future be accompanied by green IS in the form of IS-enhanced distributed electricity storage systems (ESS). Thus, the aim of this study is to advance the understanding of factors that are necessary for the acceptance and adoption of ESS in private households. We propose a conceptual model and empirically test it with survey data gathered from 339 decision-makers for modifications of privately owned houses in Germany. The statistical analysis confirms that social norms, affinity toward autarky, and concerns about the security of supply influence ESS adoption. We recommend adopters of photovoltaics as first target customers. Moreover, our findings have important implications for utility companies, policy-makers, and for the design and marketing of IS-enhanced ESS.