Research findings of REsCO

In the project, three surveys were conducted, which focused on 1) the predictors of willingness to participate in a local energy community, 2) the characteristics that are particularly important when choosing between different community solutions, and 3) whether and if so, why individual privately-owned solutions are preferred to community solutions by homeowners. Initial results show, among other things, that homeowners generally do not have a consistently higher preference for investing in individual systems over energy communities, and that the preference for combined electricity and heat supply is strongest. The relevance of non-financial factors in decision-making was confirmed. Previous experiences of good acquaintances (i.e. recommendations) also play a major role. Based on the results of the surveys, possible transformation paths for energy communities are currently being identified and analyzed with regard to macroeconomic effects.

Figure 1 shows first results of the study concerning potential predictors of an intention to participate in an energy community. Psychological factors illustrating the local, community dimension of energy communities, namely social identity (collective efficacy, group norm, group identification), functional and emotional place attachment as well as sense of community are taken into consideration. Results highlight connections of social identity and sense of community with intention to participate. No significant relationship was observed between place attachment and intention to participate in an energy community.

Further information: Publications