Tendo em vista a Economia do Hidrogênio e sua infinidade de possibilidades, este trabalho estuda a geração de hidrogênio utilizando a energia solar fotovoltaica. Tendo em vista o consumo mundial de energia crescente, novos métodos de produção energética tem que ser levados em consideração, como o fato do hidrogênio ser um vetor energético de baixo impacto ambiental. Por outro lado, as reservas de combustíveis fósseis não serão capazes de satisfazer essa demanda em longo prazo e seu uso contínuo produz efeitos colaterais, como a poluição que ameaça a saúde humana e os gases de efeito estufa associados à mudança climática. No contexto do Brasil, a eletrólise da água combinada com as energias renováveis e células a combustível seriam uma boa base para melhorar o fornecimento de energia distribuída. Propõe-se, no presente trabalho, produzir hidrogênio por energia renovável, especificamente pelo acoplamento direto de um gerador fotovoltaico a um eletrolisador alcalino de água experimental, concebido localmente. Busca-se entender as características inerentes da interação desses dispositivos, encontrar as eficiências de cada etapa do sistema montado, assim como a eficiência global, adquirindo uma noção mais precisa e prática do uso da energia solar fotovoltaica na alimentação de um eletrolisador. Os resultados experimentais evidenciaram que a transferência da energia do gerador fotovoltaico ao eletrolisador depende fortemente das condições instantâneas climáticas e do modo como estes estão conectados. A interdependência entre variáveis foi reproduzida pelas investigações com destaque para: densidade de corrente no eletrolisador, potencial elétrico, irradiância solar, concentração do eletrólito, área do eletrodo e dimensões da célula eletrolítica. A eficiência do eletrolisador alcançada foi de 21%. A eficiência global (irradiância solar - hidrogênio) foi de 2%. O presente estudo dá subsídios para que seja dimensionado o acoplamento do sistema eletrolisador - gerador FV a partir de uma célula eletrolítica buscando-se minimizar perdas. / In view of the Hydrogen Economy and its endless possibilities, this work studies the hydrogen production using solar photovoltaic energy. With increasing global energy consumption, new methods of energy production have got to be taken into consideration, as hydrogen that it is an energy carrier with low environmental impact. On the other hand, fossil fuel reserves will not be able to meet this demand in the long term and its continuous use produces side effects such as pollution that threatens human health and greenhouse gases which are associated with climate change. For Brazilian energy context, electrolysis combined with renewable power source and fuel cell power generation would be a good basis to improve the distributed energy supply. It is proposed in this paper, to produce hydrogen by a direct coupling of a PV array with an experimental alkaline electrolyzer designed locally. It seeks to understand the inherent characteristics of the interaction of these energy forms, find the efficiencies of each step of the assembled system, as well as the global efficiency, acquiring a more precise notion and practice of the use of solar photovoltaic coupled with an electrolyzer. The experimental results showed that the transfer of energy from the PV array to the electrolyzer depends heavily on instant climatic conditions and how they are connected. The interdependence between variables was reproduced by the investigations, considering especially: current density, electric potential, solar irradiance, concentration of electrolyte, the electrode area and size of the electrolytic cell. The electrolyzer achieved an efficiency of 21%, approximately one-third of a commercial electrolyser efficiency. The overall efficiency (sol-hydrogen) was 2%. The present study gives subsidies to design an electrolyser PV generator system based on a given electrolytic cell seeking low losses.

Tendo em vista a Economia do Hidrogênio e sua infinidade de possibilidades, este trabalho estuda a geração de hidrogênio utilizando a energia solar fotovoltaica. Tendo em vista o consumo mundial de energia crescente, novos métodos de produção energética tem que ser levados em consideração, como o fato do hidrogênio ser um vetor energético de baixo impacto ambiental. Por outro lado, as reservas de combustíveis fósseis não serão capazes de satisfazer essa demanda em longo prazo e seu uso contínuo produz efeitos colaterais, como a poluição que ameaça a saúde humana e os gases de efeito estufa associados à mudança climática. No contexto do Brasil, a eletrólise da água combinada com as energias renováveis e células a combustível seriam uma boa base para melhorar o fornecimento de energia distribuída. Propõe-se, no presente trabalho, produzir hidrogênio por energia renovável, especificamente pelo acoplamento direto de um gerador fotovoltaico a um eletrolisador alcalino de água experimental, concebido localmente. Busca-se entender as características inerentes da interação desses dispositivos, encontrar as eficiências de cada etapa do sistema montado, assim como a eficiência global, adquirindo uma noção mais precisa e prática do uso da energia solar fotovoltaica na alimentação de um eletrolisador. Os resultados experimentais evidenciaram que a transferência da energia do gerador fotovoltaico ao eletrolisador depende fortemente das condições instantâneas climáticas e do modo como estes estão conectados. A interdependência entre variáveis foi reproduzida pelas investigações com destaque para: densidade de corrente no eletrolisador, potencial elétrico, irradiância solar, concentração do eletrólito, área do eletrodo e dimensões da célula eletrolítica. A eficiência do eletrolisador alcançada foi de 21%. A eficiência global (irradiância solar - hidrogênio) foi de 2%. O presente estudo dá subsídios para que seja dimensionado o acoplamento do sistema eletrolisador - gerador FV a partir de uma célula eletrolítica buscando-se minimizar perdas. / In view of the Hydrogen Economy and its endless possibilities, this work studies the hydrogen production using solar photovoltaic energy. With increasing global energy consumption, new methods of energy production have got to be taken into consideration, as hydrogen that it is an energy carrier with low environmental impact. On the other hand, fossil fuel reserves will not be able to meet this demand in the long term and its continuous use produces side effects such as pollution that threatens human health and greenhouse gases which are associated with climate change. For Brazilian energy context, electrolysis combined with renewable power source and fuel cell power generation would be a good basis to improve the distributed energy supply. It is proposed in this paper, to produce hydrogen by a direct coupling of a PV array with an experimental alkaline electrolyzer designed locally. It seeks to understand the inherent characteristics of the interaction of these energy forms, find the efficiencies of each step of the assembled system, as well as the global efficiency, acquiring a more precise notion and practice of the use of solar photovoltaic coupled with an electrolyzer. The experimental results showed that the transfer of energy from the PV array to the electrolyzer depends heavily on instant climatic conditions and how they are connected. The interdependence between variables was reproduced by the investigations, considering especially: current density, electric potential, solar irradiance, concentration of electrolyte, the electrode area and size of the electrolytic cell. The electrolyzer achieved an efficiency of 21%, approximately one-third of a commercial electrolyser efficiency. The overall efficiency (sol-hydrogen) was 2%. The present study gives subsidies to design an electrolyser PV generator system based on a given electrolytic cell seeking low losses.

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Federico Bernardino Morante Trigoso / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Energia, 2014. / Neste trabalho se determinou a viabilidade do uso de sistemas de iluminação LED em sistemas fotovoltaicos domiciliários (SFD) instalados em áreas rurais, considerando parâmetros econômicos e luminotécnicos como iluminância, fluxo luminoso, consumo de energia e custos iniciais tanto dos SFD's como dos sistemas de iluminação LED. A análise da variação dos custos iniciais do sistema fotovoltaico foi realizada através de uma simulação realizada no programa Homer Energy. O uso deste programa permitiu determinar como se modificaria o dimensionamento dos SFD's e o consumo de energia com a inserção dos sistemas de iluminação LED. Deste trabalho se conclui que dependendo da perspectiva avaliada, custo inicial do sistema de iluminação LED ou custo e uso do excedente de energia gerado pela troca de tecnologia, seria viável ou não a inserção de sistemas de iluminação LED em SFD's. Já para a análise comparativo das características luminotécnicas entre os sistemas de iluminação LED e as lâmpadas CFL se utilizou o programa DIALux. Por outro lado, devido à falta de estudos que abordaram transversalmente os impactos ambientais e socioeconômicos gerados pelas lâmpadas CFL e LED se considerou importante identifica-los. Desta análise se conclui que estes impactos dependem de fatores como a localização geográfica, renda mensal e acesso à tecnologia, materiais de fabricação das lâmpadas entre outros. Além disso, deduz-se que os resultados apresentados nesta dissertação mudariam drasticamente se esta análise fosse realizada em áreas urbanas. / This work established the feasibility of using LED lighting systems for home-based photovoltaic systems (SFD) installed in rural areas, considering economic and lighting parameters as luminance, luminous flux, energy consumption and initial costs of both systems as SFD's LED lighting. The variation of the initial cost of the PV system was performed through a simulation in Homer Energy program. The use of this program has allowed to determine how to modify the design of SFD's power consumption with the inclusion of LED lighting systems. This work is concluded that depending on the perspective assessed, initial cost of LED lighting or cost and use of excess energy generated by the exchange of technology system would be viable or not the inclusion of LED lighting systems in SFD's. As for the comparative analysis of lighting characteristics of lighting systems LED and CFL lamps are used the DIALux program. Moreover, due to the lack of studies that have focused in the environmental and socioeconomic impacts generated by CFL and LED lamps was considered important to identify them. This analysis concludes that these impacts depend on factors such as geographic location, monthly income and access to technology, materials and other manufacturing lamps. Furthermore, it appears that the results presented in this thesis would change dramatically if this analysis were conducted in urban areas.

Este trabalho propõe caracterizar a complementaridade espacial-temporal entre energia eólica e solar fotovoltaica entre regiões do Brasil e estudar, no âmbito da comercialização de energia elétrica no Setor Elétrico Brasileiro - SEB, se um portfólio formado por estas fontes trazem vantagens econômicas relevantes para o investidor. Para atender a estes objetivos, foram estudados métodos para tratamento dos dados como a correção da irradiância solar, cálculo da energia gerada pelas fontes estudadas, o ambiente de contratação de energia elétrica no Brasil, métodos de otimização e modelos de análise de risco para contratação de energia no mercado livre de energia. A metodologia proposta para responder as questões colocadas foi aplicada em um estudo de caso envolvendo três regiões brasileiras em um horizonte de dez anos. Concluiu-se que existe a complementaridade energética entre as fontes nas diferentes regiões estudadas e em diferentes períodos de tempo. Confirmou-se que tecnicamente pode-se reduzir a oscilação na geração de energia analisando as fontes de forma complementar, porém, o custo de instalação da fonte fotovoltaica ainda é muito alto, inviabilizando até o momento investimentos em larga escala e de forma complementar a fonte eólica. Também verificou-se, dentro dos locais avaliados, que somente um dos três locais apresentou benefício econômico-financeiro com a formação de portfólio das fontes eólica e solar atuando no mercado de venda de energia e atendendo os critérios de risco limite estabelecidos quando avaliadas segundo a ótica da maximização da receita no mercado livre. / This thesis proposes to characterize the spatial-temporal complementarity between wind and solar photovoltaic energy between regions of Brazil and study, in the marketing of electricity in the Brazilian Electrical Sector - SEB, a portfolio formed by these sources bring significant economic benefits to the investor. To meet these goals, methods for data processing were studied as correction of solar irradiance calculation of the energy generated by the sources studied, the environment of contracting electricity in Brazil, optimization methods and models for risk analysis for contracting energy in the free energy market. The proposed methodology to answer the questions was applied in a case study involving three Brazilian regions with a horizon of ten years time series. It was concluded that there is complementarity between energy sources in the different regions studied and in different time periods. It was confirmed that technically can reduce the fluctuation in power generation by analyzing the complement of sources, however, the installation cost of photovoltaic power is still too high, preventing yet large-scale investments and complementary way the source wind. Also it was found within the sites evaluated, only one of the three sites presented economic and financial benefit by the portfolio of wind and solar sources acting in the sale of energy market and considering the risk criteria limit established when evaluated according to perspective of maximizing revenue in the free energy market.

O objetivo desse estudo é analisar e sistematizar os elementos necessários à modelagem da energia primária solar para geração fotovoltaica em escala. Metodologicamente, investigam-se os assuntos inerentes à solarimetria e a caracterização da radiação solar, desde a formação das equações que definem a incidência da radiação no topo da atmosfera, o desenvolvimento tecnológico de radiômetros, até as normas e critérios de classificação desses equipamentos. Também são elementos metodológicos a caracterização do irradiância solar, incluindo algoritmos de tratamento de dados de irradiância, os processos de estimativa de irradiação para a agricultura e análises probabilísticas de índices de transmitância atmosférica. Busca-se a aplicação das etapas de caracterização e a análise do recurso, definidas neste estudo, por meio da utilização dos dados fornecidos por duas estações solarimétricas: ESUPP e ESPEL. Como resultados são definidos a média diária parcial anual de disponibilidade do recurso para uma região no interior do estado de São Paulo (localização da ESUPP) em 5,29 kWh/m² e a média diária anual de disponibilidade do recurso para a região metropolitana da cidade de São Paulo (localização da ESPEL) em 4,41 kWh/m², além disso verifica-se que a relação entre as componentes global horizontal, difusa horizontal e direta vertical varia para os dados das duas estações solarimétricas, de modo que, parte significativa dos dados da ESPEL apresenta medições de irradiância global horizontal (IGH) entre 12% e 13% superiores à respectiva componente difusa horizontal (IDH) somada a parcela vertical da respectiva componente direta normal (IDNcos?z), enquanto que, essa mesma relação para os dados da ESUPP atendem à relação IGH=IDH+IDNcos?z dentro do intervalo aceitável de mais ou menos 10%. Verifica-se também caráter trimodal das curvas de densidade de probabilidade do índice de transmitância da irradiância global para os dados da ESPEL, enquanto os dados da ESUPP refletem em curva de caráter bimodal. Assim é possível constatar a necessidade de definição de um modelo universal de previsibilidade do recurso e verifica-se que os insumos mais relevantes para o modelo podem variar de região para região dada a caracterização geográfica e de microclima. Conclui-se, portanto, a indiscutível necessidade de dados radiométricos confiáveis medidos em solo para avanços científicos, tecnológicos e comerciais do aproveitamento do recurso solar como fonte energética diante do atual contexto da busca por fontes alternativas de energia limpa e evidencia-se o grande caminho a ser percorrido para a consolidação de uma rede confiável, monitorada e amplificada de medições solarimétricas no Brasil e no mundo. / The purpose of this study is to analyze and to systematize the elements required for modeling primary solar energy for photovoltaic generation in large scale. Solarimetric subjects and subjects related to solar irradiance flux characterization, from the formation of the equations that define the incidence of radiation at the top of the atmosphere, the technologic development of radiometers and the rules and criteria for the classification of these measurement instruments, are methodologically investigated. The characterization of the irradiance flux, including irradiance data treatment algorithms, the irradiance estimate processes for agriculture, and the probability analyses of atmosphere transmittance indexes are also methodological elements. The steps of characterization and resource analysis defined in this study are applied, using data provided for two solarimetric stations: ESUPP and ESPEL. Results showed that the partial annual daily average for resource availability in the countryside of São Paulo State (ESUPP location), is 5.9 kWh/m², and the annual daily average for resource availability in the metropolitan area of São Paulo City (ESPEL location) is 4.41 kWh/m². Moreover, it was observed that the relation between the global horizontal, diffuse horizontal and direct vertical components varies between both solarimetric stations, such that a significant part of the ESPEL data shows global horizontal irradiance (GHI) between 12% and 13% above the respective diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) plus the vertical portion of the respective direct normal component (DNIcos?z), while the same relation for the ESUPP data attend the GHI=DHI+DNIcos?z relation within the acceptable range of 10%, give or take. ESPEL data presented trimodal characteristics for the probability density curves of the transmittance index for global irradiation, while ESUPP data reflect on the same curve, with bimodal characteristics. Therefore, it is possible to verify the need of the determination of a universal predictability model of the resource and it is possible to affirm that the more relevant inputs to the model can vary from region to region, depending on the geographic character and microclimate. In conclusion, there is an unquestionable need for reliable radiometric data, measured in ground, for scientific, technologic and commercial advances to improve the use of solar resource as energy source, considering the current scenario, which demands alternative sources for clean energy. It is also evident that there is still a long path to be tracked in order to consolidate a reliable, monitored and amplified network for solarimetric measurements in Brazil and in the world.

The objective of this thesis is to provide a foundation for evaluating the water costs associated with electricity production to calculate the avoided water cost of energy for solar PV and wind technologies relative to coal, natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, concentrated solar thermal, and biomass. Water consumption is estimated for energy production (fuel extraction and preparation) and electricity generation (power plant operation) using the best available information from published articles. The quantity of water consumed for electricity production is monetized for a Southern California case study based on the water rates of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), which is the largest wholesale supplier of surface water in the United States. Water withdrawals are addressed but not included in the monetization of water consumption. Case studies of specific power plant’s water costs are used for comparison and demonstrate variation in water costs due to variations in water consumption. Water costs are estimated in terms of water cost ($) per unit energy generated (MWh). Since solar PV and wind energy are shown to have negligible water consumption relative to the other technologies, the water costs for each of the other electrical generation methods are equivalent to the water savings potential of solar PV and wind generated electricity. Compared to other evaluated electricity sources that could provide electricity to Southern California, solar PV and wind energy can save water worth $0.76/MWh for natural gas combined-cycle plants, $0.94/MWh for geothermal power plants, $1.01/MWh for biomass power plants, between $1.14 and $1.82 per MWh for concentrated solar thermal plants, $1.43/MWh for nuclear power plants, and $1.49/MWh for coal power plants. Results indicate that there are three processes that use substantial amounts of water: fuel extraction (for coal, natural gas, and nuclear), thermoelectric cooling of power plants and emissions controls such as carbon capture and sequestration. Carbon capture and sequestration are estimated to almost double the water consumption costs of coal and natural gas power plants. Of the evaluated technologies, only solar PV and wind do not require any of those three steps. Solar PV and wind energy can thus save the greatest value of water when displacing power plants that utilize (or may someday be required to utilize) all three of the major culprits of water consumption. Even the use of one of these processes (particularly thermoelectric cooling) results in substantial water consumption. Total water costs for each technology were normalized to the total expected electrical output of a typical capacity natural gas combined-cycle power plant to demonstrate the economies of scale of power production. Over a forty year lifespan of a typical natural gas power plant, total water consumption would result in $67 million worth of water (southern CA wholesale prices). To generate the same amount of electricity the total value of water consumption is estimated to be $83 million for geothermal plants, $89 million for biomass plants, $100 million to $160 million for concentrated solar thermal plants, $126 million for nuclear plants, and $131 million for coal power plants. The use of carbon capture and sequestration is expected to nearly double these total water costs. Compliance with environmental regulations can cause expenses much greater than water consumption. For example, mitigation costs for impingement and entrainment (a consequence of cooling water withdrawals) as well as the cost to convert to closed-loop cooling for environmental compliance can be considered costs associated with water usage. This is demonstrated by a case study about the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power regarding the elimination of once through cooling. The conversion to closed-loop cooling for the Haynes natural gas power plant is expected to cost $782 million, resulting in an estimated unit cost of $10.66/MWh. Finally, the economic benefits of the California Renewables Portfolio Standard are calculated with respect to water consumption. By holding hydroelectricity, geothermal, biomass and CST production constant and utilizing solar PV and wind to meet the 33% renewables target by 2020, a water value of $28.5 million/year can be conserved relative to meeting rising electricity demand with only natural gas combined-cycle generation. MET water rates increased 70% from 2008 to 2014. If water rates increase at the same rate over the next six years, the water savings of the Renewable Portfolio Standard would be 70% higher in 2020 dollars, equating to water savings of $48.4 million per year.

The installation of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) technology on elementary and secondary schools has been undertaken around the world in an attempt to tie together positive environmental action, innovative environmental education, and potential economic gains. In Ontario, the advent of the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program and the increased focus on environmental education by the Ontario Ministry of Education has resulted in preliminary interest from some Ontario school boards in installing solar PV technology on schools. However, simply installing the technology on school roof-tops does not guarantee that the potential benefits of a school-based solar PV project will be realized. Drawing from the literatures describing the social acceptance of innovation and technology, the social acceptance of renewable energy innovation and technology, and the social acceptance of educational innovation and technology in schools, this thesis attempts to identify non-technical factors that may impede school-based solar PV project development, and ultimately, attempts to identify factors that help maximize potential benefits. The research was conducted in two distinct phases, with the results from Phase 1 informing the focus and design of Phase 2. Phase 1 consisted of nine key-informant interviews with individuals directly involved in school-based solar PV projects in Canada and the United States, and Phase 2 consisted of a case study in the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) (Ontario, Canada). Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in Phase 2 through 30 stakeholder interviews and 50 stakeholder surveys. Respondents in the HDSB and HCDSB generally have a positive perception of solar PV technology, but are concerned to some extent about the cost and economic viability of implementing this kind of project. Five funding models for school-based solar PV projects were evaluated by respondents to determine the effect of project funding models on overall project social acceptance. The results show that the project funding model does affect social acceptance, with 78.1% of respondents reporting that at least one of the five models would cause their support for the project to either increase or decrease. Respondents indicated a strong preference for the government/utility model, while the corporate funding model was shown to be the most controversial. This thesis recommends that a broad-based, inclusive, stakeholder-oriented approach to project development could improve trust and communication between project stakeholders, and thus improve the social acceptance for any of the five funding models. Additionally, with any funding model, teacher and administrative support and social acceptance is particularly important to help maximize the educational component of the project.

The installation of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) technology on elementary and secondary schools has been undertaken around the world in an attempt to tie together positive environmental action, innovative environmental education, and potential economic gains. In Ontario, the advent of the Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program and the increased focus on environmental education by the Ontario Ministry of Education has resulted in preliminary interest from some Ontario school boards in installing solar PV technology on schools. However, simply installing the technology on school roof-tops does not guarantee that the potential benefits of a school-based solar PV project will be realized. Drawing from the literatures describing the social acceptance of innovation and technology, the social acceptance of renewable energy innovation and technology, and the social acceptance of educational innovation and technology in schools, this thesis attempts to identify non-technical factors that may impede school-based solar PV project development, and ultimately, attempts to identify factors that help maximize potential benefits. The research was conducted in two distinct phases, with the results from Phase 1 informing the focus and design of Phase 2. Phase 1 consisted of nine key-informant interviews with individuals directly involved in school-based solar PV projects in Canada and the United States, and Phase 2 consisted of a case study in the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) (Ontario, Canada). Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in Phase 2 through 30 stakeholder interviews and 50 stakeholder surveys. Respondents in the HDSB and HCDSB generally have a positive perception of solar PV technology, but are concerned to some extent about the cost and economic viability of implementing this kind of project. Five funding models for school-based solar PV projects were evaluated by respondents to determine the effect of project funding models on overall project social acceptance. The results show that the project funding model does affect social acceptance, with 78.1% of respondents reporting that at least one of the five models would cause their support for the project to either increase or decrease. Respondents indicated a strong preference for the government/utility model, while the corporate funding model was shown to be the most controversial. This thesis recommends that a broad-based, inclusive, stakeholder-oriented approach to project development could improve trust and communication between project stakeholders, and thus improve the social acceptance for any of the five funding models. Additionally, with any funding model, teacher and administrative support and social acceptance is particularly important to help maximize the educational component of the project.

In the pursuit of a cleaner and sustainable environment, solar photovoltaic (PV) power has been established as the fastest growing alternative energy source in the world. This extremely fast growth is brought about, mainly, by government policies and support mechanisms world-wide. Solar PV technology that was once limited to specialized applications and considered very expensive, with low efficiency, is becoming more efficient and affordable. Solar PV promises to be a major contributor of the future global energy mix due to its minimal running costs, zero emissions and steadily declining module and inverter costs. With the expanding practice of managing decentralized power systems around the world, the role of private investors is increasing. Thus, the perspective of all stakeholders in the power system, including private investors, has to be considered in the optimal planning of the grid. An abundance of literature is available to address the central planning authority’s perspective; however, optimal planning from an investor’s perspective is not widely available. Therefore, this thesis focuses on private investors’ perspective. An optimization model and techniques to facilitate a prospective investor to arrive at an optimal investment plan in large-scale solar PV generation projects are proposed and discussed in this thesis. The optimal set of decisions includes the location, sizing and time of investment that yields the highest profit. The mathematical model considers various relevant issues associated with PV projects such as location-specific solar radiation levels, detailed investment costs representation, and an approximate representation of the transmission system. A detailed case study considering the investment in large-scale solar PV projects in Ontario, Canada, is presented and discussed, demonstrating the practical application and usefulness of the proposed methodology and tools.

A survey of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) adopters in Texas was administered and the results are presented and discussed. A 40% response rate was achieved and 365 complete responses were received. In addition to demographics, the survey uncovered aspects related to the decision-making process, information search, financial attractiveness of PV, and post-installation experience. Peer-effects did not have a large influence on the adoption of residential PV in Texas, but the potential for increasing the number of communication/information channels to increase the adoption rate of PV exists. Adopters experienced little uncertainty at the time of PV installation because sufficient dependable information was available during the search process. Overall, they are satisfied with PV. Contextual factors, such as income and the ability to purchase a PV system rather than lease one, influence behavior. Those who decreased electricity consumption post-adoption were more motivated to adopt by environmental concern and a general interest in energy than those who increased electricity consumption post-adoption. Those who experienced behavior changes also experienced an increase in awareness of electricity use post-adoption, while those who did not experience a behavior change reported no change in awareness post-adoption. Change in awareness of electricity use is less dependent on the attitudinal and contextual factors, such as environmental concern, motivation for adoption, age, and income, that influence consumption change. The potential for further analysis of the survey results is great and will likely yield additional conclusions about the consequences of the adoption of PV. Coupling the survey results with historical electricity bill data will yield stronger conclusions about behavior change. Surveying geographical areas outside of Texas is recommended. / text