NRERC Research Spotlight: Advancing the Understanding of Residential Solar Energy Adoption
The NRERC is proud to highlight the research achievements of its Head, Prof. Ofira Ayalon, and research member, Prof. Ruslana Rachel Palatnik (with their joint student, Mr. David Boaz), whose insightful study, “Not All about the Money: The Role of Financial Information in Promoting Residential Rooftop Photovoltaics,” was published in the peer-reviewed journal Energies in 2024.
The study addresses a critical challenge in the transition toward renewable energy: Why does residential rooftop photovoltaic (RPV) adoption remain relatively low in Israel, despite its abundant solar resources and substantial government incentives?
By examining how financial information influences households’ intention to adopt rooftop solar systems, the research contributes valuable insights into the behavioral and economic dimensions of renewable energy adoption. Its findings offer important implications for designing more effective policies and communication strategies to accelerate the clean energy transition.
The study continues to attract academic and public interest, recording 2 citations, 2,860 views, and 778 downloads since publication.
In addition, this paper serves the Ministry of Energy offering practical policy implications, particularly in designing more effective incentive schemes, improving the accessibility and communication of financial information, and developing targeted outreach strategies to encourage household participation in the renewable energy transition. The research highlights that financial incentives alone may not be sufficient to accelerate adoption; understanding household perceptions, information needs, and decision-making processes is equally essential for translating national renewable energy targets into widespread residential investment.
At NRERC, we believe that impactful research goes beyond technological innovation, it also advances our understanding of the human decisions that shape a sustainable energy future.
