Overview of social attitudes and applications towards the use of crowdfunding in renewable energy

Abstract

Background: Crowdfunding has become a popular method for raising funds for various projects, including those related to renewable energy sources. Research objectives: This paper aims to present crowdfunding and the social attitudes of the Poles towards its use in renewable energy sources. Research design and methods: The first section discusses the theoretical assumptions of crowdfunding and presents the possibilities of using this form of financing in the renewable energy sector in Poland and worldwide. The second section of the paper is devoted to presenting the results of my research on the attitudes of Polish society towards renewable energy sources and the use of crowdfunding in the energy transition in Poland and worldwide. The paper uses literature analysis, criticism, comparative analysis, desk research, and a survey method. Results: Crowdfunding is used extensively in various projects in the area of renewable energy sources. There is social support for this type of activity (especially in the age groups 18–29 and 30–44 years) and a growing awareness and openness to support initiatives in the area of renewable energy sources. Conclusions: Based on the analysis, it was concluded that crowdfunding allows local actors to optimize their share of the economic benefits of solar energy projects, including solar energy, and to participate in the energy transition at the same time.