Chiung-Wen Hsu

The photovoltaic (PV) power system is currently the most commonly applied renewable energy technology. Some nations have enforced government policies supporting the use of these systems. Effective policies must reflect the knowledge of factors driving installation of PV power generating systems. This study analyzes factors involved in the adoption of these systems by businesses and families. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was used to analyze data obtained from questionnaires filled out by firm executives. The questionnaires were administered to 10 businesses and 10 families that had adopted a PV power generating system. The results indicate that key factors differ significantly between businesses and families. Business users prioritized reduction in carbon emissions and social responsibility; family users prioritized system cost and installation subsidies. Thus, customized programs promoting adoption may be necessary for these two sets of users.