Determining typical buyer sensitivity for solar installation cost - Energy savings benefit

A survey was conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 in Washington, DC to determine why American consumers have not yet adopted solar electric technology in their homes. With over 700 respondents, the data showed the three most prevalent concerns include: cost of installation and maintenance, geography, and knowledge about the technology. The survey also sought to find what customers accepted as a payback period if a solar electric home would cost them 20 percent extra. Purdue University's entry in the 2011 competition, the INhome, promoted the practicality of solar living by presenting an efficient, affordable, and conventional home. With a second place finish in the decathlon, Team Purdue's design showed consumers the reality that solar living is achievable today. The following analysis of the survey data obtained at the decathlon compares American residential consumer concerns and desires regarding solar electric power with Team Purdue's INhome.