As a concept, transitioning towards the use of renewable energy sources was popular, and in principle at least, participants were not averse to adopting these new household technologies in the future. In relation to both new and existing homes, photovoltaic solar panels were by far the most well-known and least controversial renewable energy source. Considered the only viable micro-scale electricity generation systems, many participants demonstrated extensive knowledge of both photovoltaic and solar hot water panels, and in some cases had direct experience of installing them in their homes. Others had tried (and failed) to adopt solar panels, or been offered them through Government or energy company schemes. In addition, many had a more indirect knowledge through the experiences of friends and family. However, despite this support in principle, a number of issues and concerns were also raised. Whilst the relatively high upfront costs were seen as prohibitive to many (as discussed below), concern about the unstable nature
of national energy policy led to a reluctance to consider investing in new technologies, with trust in the Feed in Tariff scheme, and the Government more widely, partially responsible for this, due to the complex and shifting price tariffs:
Deborah: But they keep changing the goal posts, because the feed in tariff has just gone down and down and down.
Gareth: Yeah, as more people go in and they think ‘oh we can’t afford this anymore’ so they drop it down.
Focus Group 2: Farming community, Newcastle Emlyn
Looking to the future, harnessing solar energy was however generally seen as a key com- ponent of the national energy mix, with knowledge of current technological innovations, such as inbuilt solar roof tiles, used to moderate objections to this technology on the basis that there would soon be no need to make trade-offs between reducing emissions and visual appearance.
While renewable electricity sources were generally well received, transitioning towards new low carbon/low energy heating systems within the home was a topic of extensive discussion, with the personal biomass boiler (presented in video No.1) proving the most controversial, leading to its dismissal due to both practical and safety concerns (dis- cussed below). With several participants already aware of the concept, the Passivhaus (such as those seen within video No.3 and No.5) was popular. Whilst low energy bills were clearly a factor, the simple design, focus on energy efficiency, and comfortable nature meant these houses were appealing on a number of levels. Possibly due to the connection with this popular concept, MVHR ventilation systems (seen in video No.1 and No.3) were also reasonably well received. However, a number of concerns were raised over the implications this system would have on the comfort and atmosphere of the homes, due to the ‘noise pollution’ from the system’s ‘constant whir’ (Gemma Focus Group 1: Postgraduate students, Cardiff), which despite the noise of existing technologies, such as boilers and radiators, was seen as intrusive. Some participants
CHAPTER 8
also demonstrated a high level of knowledge about air source heat pumps, explaining the mechanism to other members of the group as ‘like a fridge working backwards’ (Daniel, Focus Group 3: Church group, King’s Lynn). Questions were raised however surrounding the effectiveness of their use, as well as the possibility of further noise. Despite prior research to the contrary, few participants saw an issue with the associated changes in the configuration of the home, such as the removal of radiators, with many in favour of removing them to give more space and flexibility within the home:
Glen: Yeah, as long as the house is warm.
Russell: Yeah if you don’t need radiators. You’ve only got radiators because you need them to heat your house. If you’re heating it in different ways, you don’t need radiators.
Glen: If you don’t have radiators you don’t drape damp washing over them to dry them out and put damp into the air.
Russell: They are nice for putting a towel on and trousers. I think I’d miss that.
Focus Group 3: Church group, King’s Lynn
This finding is interesting, as Devine-Wright et al. (2014) demonstrate that while low carbon heating systems may reach the required temperature deemed to be acceptable with a home, this may not satisfy residents’ personal experience of comfort for a range of reasons, also suggesting that Passivhaus homes may be unsatisfactory for many people due to the lack of a direct heat source. However, while most participants were not initially concerned about this new heating configuration, this may in part be due to the lack of personal experience with such changes.
In contrast to new low carbon energy and heating systems, as well as the Passivhaus concept, public awareness of current developments in smart and automated technologies or the concept of a Smart home was low. The idea that smart technology could increase personal control over home energy use was generally supported, with the idea
of controlling your heating while away from home seen as very appealing: Chris: I’ve got nothing against that. As long as it would be easier for me to use than the dodgy dial on the wall that doesn’t seem to do much.
Louise: Yeah, you can properly regulate things a lot more effectively.
Gemma: Yeah, there’s a new thing you’ve got on your phone. You can get an app where you can turn the heating on before you get home, which means you can make your house warm.
Focus Group 1: Postgraduate students, Cardiff
Attempting to make this technology more understandable, analogies were made to exist- ing technologies such as Economy 7 heating, energy monitors and online bank accounts, which although often helpful, could lead to misunderstandings. Most prominently, the common aim of removing control of home energy from the occupant and instead controlling heating systems and appliances automatically (as discussed in Chapter 6) was not guessed. This possibility was viewed with significantly more scepticism being seen not only as a concern in relation to personal privacy and security (discussed below), but also both as practically and financially infeasible, as ‘it would be hugely expensive to implement [as everything] would have to have its own little logic device’ (Mervin, Focus Group 5: Environmental group, Barmouth).