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.
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak at Collections Inside & Out, a symposium hosted at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden, bringing together people working across gardens, horticulture, heritage, collections and interpretation.
I was, perhaps, a slight interloper among so many people with deep horticultural expertise but every presentation was incredibly interesting and I learned a lot – and broadly managed to follow the general flow of what was being said (still not 100% au fait with taxa…
We’re pleased to share that our Commercial Director, Elliot Simmonds, will be speaking at the Collections Inside & Out symposium at National Trust Chirk Castle & Garden on 24 September 2026. Bringing together professionals working across heritage collections, gardens and landscapes, the symposium will explore the relationship between indoor and outdoor heritage and the opportunities created by thinking about them as part of a connected visitor experience.
Elliot’s session, “Integrating Indoor…
M·E·L Research has been named the winner of the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Value & Ethical Research 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards.
The award recognises the values that shape both the work we choose to undertake and the way we deliver it. From building trauma-informed practices into our research to improving inclusion and reinvesting in the communities around us, social responsibility is part of how we operate every day.
M·E·L Research joined the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) at the House of Lords this week for the launch of a new report exploring the experiences of dyslexic young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Tamsin Maries, Senior Research Manager, and Elliot Simmonds, Commercial Manager, represented M·E·L Research at the event…
New UK-wide research from M·E·L Research’s SPARK report shows improving mental health indicators alongside continuing exposure to suicide, widespread lifetime suicidal thoughts and significant gaps in practical knowledge.
Suicide prevention depends on understanding not only how many people are affected, but also how confident the public feel about recognising risk, starting difficult conversations and finding appropriate support. The Spring 2026 SPARK report from M·E·L Research brings these issues together, providing a detailed picture of attitudes…
M·E·L Research is pleased to be supporting the Diocese of Manchester with an independent consultation to help inform its future leadership. The research will provide opportunities for people connected with diocesan life, as well as members of the wider community, to share their perspectives on the local context, priorities for the years ahead and the qualities that will be important in future leadership.
Across Europe, we have seen devastating wildfires destroy homes, habitats and communities. They offer us a powerful analogy for how we think about suicide prevention.
When a fire is raging, everything must be done to put it out. Firefighters, emergency services and communities mobilise to save lives. But even when the fire is eventually extinguished, enormous damage may already have been done, and recovery can take years. That is why fire services don’t only fight fires. They also invest in prevention: identifying risks, educating people, installing smoke alarms, creating fire breaks and trying to stop…
My son Jools was 14 years old when he died suddenly in April 2022. There was no note. There was no offline evidence that explained why he died. No one had seen or been aware of any adverse mental health issues, and at his original inquest the coroner could not be sure that Jools was in a suicidal mood. More than four years later, I am still trying to understand what happened to my son. Yet one enormous part of Jools’ life was not properly explored following his death: his digital world. Like almost every teenager, Jools had a life on his phone. Social…
