Consumer survey of 10,000 US broadband households provides insights on interest in clean energy and smart energy management solutions

New research from Parks Associates reveals consumer interest in clean energy solutions has expanded, with 43% of US broadband households stating they would prefer to live in a community powered by solar energy, but low familiarity with energy devices is still a barrier for adoption for most households. The firm’s “Smart, Clean, Connected: The Future of Home Energy Management,” a survey of 10,000 US broadband households, notes that only 26% of respondents report they are “very familiar” with electric vehicles, despite the fact that a growing number of products are now on the market.

The research also notes lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 have renewed some interest in these solutions—20% of US broadband households report that COVID-19 has increased their interest in a smart energy solution that would help them manage their energy use, cost, and comfort. 

“Almost a third of US broadband households report they are ‘very concerned’ with their ability to pay the bills–a number which has increased as the pandemic continues on,” said Patrice Samuels, Sr. Analyst, Parks Associates. “Consumers are interested in solutions that help them save money on energy bills. This is still the leading driver for solar panel sales. For electric vehicles, cost and access to charging stations are the two key barriers to wider adoption, so tax breaks plus sharing information on availability of chargers and distance the car can travel on a charge can help reduce consumer reluctance.”

Parks Associates’ twelfth annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer features the session “MDUs: Leveraging Proptech for Smart Energy Management”on April 28, with executives speaking from ENTOUCH, Latch, PointCentral, SmartCon Solutions, and SmartRent. The conference is sponsored by Bidgely, Grid4C, Austin Energy, dcbel, Flo, American Water Homeowner Services, and Very. Smart Energy Summit’s interactive discussions address the evolution of the consumer utility market, the impact of COVID-19 on energy management programs, and new opportunities to drive engagement in utility-sponsored programs. 

“The industry still has to work hard to provide visibility to new clean energy products and emphasize the savings value and price breaks for consumers,” Samuels said. “Nearly one-third of those who do not own solar panels are likely to purchase them if they reduce their energy costs by 50%. Younger consumers are also far more likely to purchase solar panels at any given level of savings on a monthly bill.”

For more information on Smart Energy Summit, go to www.smartenergysmt.com.

To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, please contact Rosey Ulpino at rosey.ulpino@parksassociates.comor 972-490-1113.

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates, a woman-founded and certified business, is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates provides business intelligence and research services through its proprietary methodologies developed over decades, including quarterly surveys of 10,000 internet households.

The company's expertise crosses many industries: home security and smart home, streaming video, broadband and pay-TV services, digital media and platforms, gaming, Wi-Fi and home networks, connected health, support, consumer electronics, home control systems, energy management, and tech solutions for the multi-dwelling (MDU), small-to-medium business (SMB), and commercial building markets.

Each year, Parks Associates brings thousands of leaders together for its webinars and annual events. The firm hosts the annual executive research and strategy conferences CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video. https://www.parksassociates.com

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