Micro-generation schemes: user behaviours and attitudes towards energy consumption

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Human Factors Engineering
• Sociology

Background:

• Developed nations face pressure to reduce carbon emissions.
• Micro-generation (MG) initiatives encourage small-scale renewable energy, particularly for homeowners.
• The impact of on-site renewable electricity generation on user attitudes and behaviors is under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of on-site renewable electricity generation on user attitudes and behaviors.
• To interpret existing knowledge from a human factors perspective, focusing on individual behavior and social learning.
• To identify user requirements and needs related to micro-generation schemes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and knowledge base investigation.
• Human factors analysis of individual behavior and social learning.
• Interpretation of user needs and requirements for micro-generation.

Main Results:

• Renewable energy initiatives show potential to shift public behavior, especially towards reduced energy consumption.
• Increased feedback mechanisms act as facilitators for learning and motivators for behavioral change.
• The role of human factors/ergonomics in supporting renewable energy initiatives is not fully exploited, with mixed evidence on reduced consumption.

Conclusions:

• Micro-generation schemes can influence public attitudes and behaviors regarding energy consumption.
• Increased feedback is crucial for facilitating learning and motivating behavioral change in renewable energy adoption.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and leverage human factors in renewable energy initiatives.