University of Northumbria: Solar Photovoltaic Panel Design Quantitative Survey
Background & Context
The University of Northumbria commissioned M·E·L Research to explore public attitudes towards climate change, renewable energy and emerging solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies.
While traditional solar panels are widely recognised, advances in photovoltaic technology are creating opportunities to integrate energy generation into buildings and public infrastructure in new and visually appealing ways. The University wanted to understand how these innovations would be perceived by the public and identify the factors most likely to influence future acceptance and adoption.
The research sought to provide evidence on public awareness of solar technologies, attitudes towards renewable energy and reactions to innovative photovoltaic designs, helping to inform future research, development and implementation strategies.
Approach
M·E·L Research designed and delivered a large-scale quantitative study with members of the UK public.
The research included:
An online survey with 1,107 UK adults.
A nationally representative sample covering all UK nations and regions.
Visual testing of innovative photovoltaic panel designs integrated into buildings and public spaces.
Exploration of attitudes towards climate change, renewable energy and solar technologies.
The survey was designed to capture both existing perceptions of solar energy and reactions to emerging photovoltaic innovations, providing a robust evidence base for understanding public acceptance.
Research Design
The study explored a range of topics relating to renewable energy and photovoltaic technology, including:
Public concern about climate change.
Attitudes towards renewable energy generation.
Awareness and understanding of solar photovoltaic technologies.
Current and future interest in solar panel adoption.
Perceived barriers to adoption.
Reactions to innovative photovoltaic panel designs.
Preferences relating to aesthetics, functionality and energy generation.
The inclusion of visual examples enabled participants to evaluate emerging photovoltaic concepts and compare them with more traditional solar installations.
Analysis
M·E·L Research undertook detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis of the survey findings.
Analysis explored:
Public attitudes towards renewable energy technologies.
Perceptions of traditional and emerging solar technologies.
Variations in opinion across demographic groups.
Key motivations and barriers influencing adoption.
Reactions to different photovoltaic design approaches.
Open-ended feedback provided additional insight into how members of the public viewed the appearance, practicality and potential applications of new photovoltaic technologies.
Outputs
The project delivered a comprehensive evidence base on public perceptions of solar energy and emerging photovoltaic innovations.
Key findings provided insight into:
Levels of public support for renewable energy technologies.
Awareness and understanding of solar photovoltaics.
Appetite for integrating photovoltaic technologies into homes, buildings and public infrastructure.
Factors influencing adoption decisions.
Public responses to innovative photovoltaic designs.
The balance between visual appeal and energy generation performance.
Findings were presented through a detailed reporting programme incorporating data visualisation, key insights and strategic conclusions.
The research provided the University of Northumbria with valuable evidence to support ongoing research and innovation in photovoltaic technologies, helping to inform future discussions around the design, development and implementation of renewable energy solutions within the built environment.
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