DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2016.97
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1630
Date of Award
6-2016
Degree Name
Master of City and Regional Planning
Department/Program
City and Regional Planning
Advisor
Adrienne Greve
Abstract
This research investigates the demographic and local government permit characteristics of communities with high levels of solar adoption in the San Diego Region. Utilizing a statistical model, this research illustrates which communities have been able to benefit from the current solar incentive programs in a robust market with an abundant solar resource. In San Diego, zip codes with large proportions of people over 65 have the highest correlation with high levels of residential solar adoption. This potentially illustrates that the life changes associated with retiring, including accumulated wealth, stable homeownership, and a fixed income, make residential solar systems accessible and appealing. Moving forward solar policy should expand to better facilitate installations for renters, sharing between neighbors, and clear pathways to retrofit older homes.