RESEARCH MODEL FOR THE DIFFUSION OF PV: APPLICATION TO SOCIAL HOUSING

摘要

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed in Social Housing (SH) premises recently in the EU, but there is no mid and long term experience yet about their performance and their interaction with the SH environment. A research model has been developed to characterise the state of the art of PV in SH premises in Spain and to promote its further implementation. Based on the sociological diffusion of innovations in a social system, four main elements are analysed: the innovation itself (PV), the social system (SH environment) and the communication mechanisms, together in a specific time framework. Then, a practical survey has been carried out to assess the effectiveness of the model suggested. Four Target Groups ('Existing', 'Planned' and 'Potential' developments with PV and 'Existing' developments with Solar Water Heating), and six Key Players (Housing Providers, Tenants, Architects, external PV staff, Government bodies for SH and PV promotion bodies) have been identified. The model has provided a structured characterisation of the degree of implementation and suitability of PV for the actual Spanish SH market. In addition, the flexibility of the model allows its easy adaptation to assess the status and potential of PV in other environments or market sectors. Initiatives like this, linking technical expertise with sociological research methods, are expected to help tackling the high capital costs of PV by working on other secondary barriers. Hence, a decisive contribution can be made towards a wider spreading of PV, and Solar energy in general.