Energy Sense Data Spotlight: Unpacking Solar Adoption, Habits and Attitudes by Generation

Between new bills in Congress and the recent United Nations conference, climate change is dominating the news cycle. Our planet is at risk but there are ways to take action to help make a difference. Using solar energy can reduce your home’s reliance on fossil fuels, but today only four percent of American households do so.

SunPower recently conducted a survey of American homeowners to understand the face of the home solar user and what motivates them to choose solar power. We learned how blackouts and rising electricity bills are driving purchase of solar power and energy storage, alongside a growing interest from the Midwest as the next most promising area for the adoption of solar energy. In response, SunPower recently announced the acquisition of Blue Raven Solar to better serve America’s heartland.

But the data also uncovered some interesting trends about different generations and their approaches to climate change:

How do different generations perceive solar power?

Which generation thinks they’re the most environmentally conscious?

Are Millennials more likely to recycle than Baby Boomers?

SunPower explored the data in our Energy Sense Index (ESI)* to look at answers from Gen Z to Boomers and everyone in between. By understanding each generation’s beliefs and preferences when it comes to environmental actions, we can work together to help reduce our carbon footprint and minimize the impacts of climate change. We’ve got the data — and some of it isn’t what you’d expect.

Millennials and Gen Z worry the most about the environment…

The survey asked respondents how often they worry about their household’s impact on the environment. The answers paint a pretty clear picture: Millennials and Gen Zers (those born in the early 1980s or later) are concerned about their environmental footprint, with 73% worrying about their impact a few times per month or more.

On the other hand, Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) aren’t as concerned, with 65% answering that they think about it less than once a month or never. Gen Xers (born between 1965-1976) and bridging the gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials, fall in the middle, with 56% worrying a few times per month or more, and 37% worrying less than once a month or never.

But Baby Boomers are more likely to take action.

Given the varying levels of concern, you’d think that the younger generation is taking far more action than Gen Xers and Baby Boomers to help the environment. Yet, the data was surprising: 83% of Baby Boomers recycle, 61% use reusable bags for shopping, and 26% compost — a higher percentage than any other generation for these actions.

Meanwhile, Millennials and Gen Zers have the highest percentages of those who donate to environmental organizations (40%), eat plant-based diets (31%) own electric vehicles (24%).

Surprisingly, it was the Gen Xers who had the highest percentage of those likely to take no steps at all (10%).

Though Boomers underestimate how much they’re helping…

Perception isn’t always reality. When asked whether they think they’re more or less environmentally conscious than their neighbors: 79% of Millennials and Gen Zers said they were somewhat more or much more environmentally conscious. Meanwhile, 57% of Gen Xers and just 37% of Baby Boomers think they’re more environmentally conscious than their neighbors. Based on their recycling habits, Baby Boomers might be selling themselves short.

Gen Z and millennials lead the way on solar energy.

Having a home solar system with storage can help you reduce your overall carbon footprint — for example, the average solar home in Connecticutoffers the same reduction in emissions as planting 150 trees per year! Gen Z and Millennials lead the charge on solar homes: 70% of respondents who currently have solar panels on their home are millennials or Gen Zers. By comparison, 18% of panel owners were members of Generation X, while only 12% were Baby Boomers. However, 52% of Baby Boomers answered that they would consider getting solar — a promising sign for the future.

Want to learn more about the state of solar power among American homeowners? Check out the full Energy Sense Index and be on the lookout for future deep dives into the survey’s findings.

Related Posts

Why Going Electric Pays Off in Ways Big and Small

Four Ways You Save More with SunPower

Solar + Storage Provides Energy Independence and Freedom

* SunPower Energy Sense Index is a survey that was conducted by Schlesinger Group, an independent research company on behalf of SunPower.

Original Source: https://us.sunpower.com/blog/2021/12/15/unpacking-solar-adoption-habits-and-attitudes-generation