It starts at home: consumer acceptance of battery storage and response to prosumer models

Abstract

Abstract The deployment of battery storage is crucial to decarbonizing the energy sector and mitigating climate change. The study examines the antecedents of battery storage acceptance and perceptions of prosumer and leasing models. An online survey was conducted with 609 homeowners in Australia, a mature renewable energy market. A two-step econometric model was used to analyze the data. The result shows that an environmental self-identity, subjective norms, the independence motive, technical interest, load-shifting interest, and education levels are positively related to acceptance of battery storage, while worries about battery technology, costs and age are negatively associated with acceptance of battery storage. The results show a general willingness to share and trade electricity. Over a quarter of respondents are interested in acting as prosumers and leasing batteries in return for a credit on the electricity bill. The main contribution to the literature is the insights generated into consumer acceptance of battery storage. Recommendations for practitioners and policymakers are made.