Analysing social acceptance of renewable energy policy in Australia: community, industry and government perceptions of residential solar energy

Governments provide financial incentives for the Installation of residential solar photovoltalc systems in Western Australia. A social acceptance of renewable energy framework was used to consider the market, community and socio-political acceptance of solar energy. Two mail-out surveys and 68 Interviews with community, industry and government stakeholders were undertaken between 2013 and 2015. Residential householders supported the availability of Incentives, with incentives effective in promoting adoption. However, stakeholders perceived government policies as unreliable, industry members as Inappropriately regulated and network operators as 'pushing back' on solar generation. Further policies will be required to Integrate solar with the incumbent electricity system.