Consumer habits and preferences in the renewable energy market

Abstract

[EN] Renewable energy sources can have considerable potential for residential cost reduction, sustainable energy consumption and local income production. Our aim is to analyse the knowledge of Hungarian consumers about renewable energy sources, their willingness to apply them and the socio-demographic factors concerning these issues. To achieve the research objectives, a nationally representative survey with 1000 people was launched in April 2019 in Hungary. Based on the results of the questionnaire, it was concluded that the information people have is below the average in the case of every examined renewable energy source, which is especially true for biomass-based energy sources. Convenience is almost as important as environment friendliness. An excessively high rate of respondents (34 and 27%) is interested in solar panels and solar collectors, while 32% of them are unwilling to use these energy sources. It would be justified to extend this consumer research in the future for more countries. The authors wish to clarify how the differences in location, income status, residential segment and values influence the spread of these energy sources in the EU and what tools could promote their use in the future.