To Adopt Rooftop Solar or Not along with Electric Vehicles? Exploring the Factors Influencing Co-adoption Decisions among Electric Vehicle Owners in California

Co-adoption of electric vehicles (EV) and photovoltaic (PV) technology can boost the environmental benefits of the two “green” technologies for society as well as the cost-saving benefits for co-adopters. This study contributes to the literature on this topic by investigating the factors influencing the co-adoption decision among EV owners in California, a leading market for the two complementary technologies. Analyzing data from a cohort survey of EV owners in California, using statistical analyses and logistic regression, we find that there are differences between co-adopters and EV-only households in terms of sociodemographic characteristics like dwelling type, income, and household size; economic factors like residential electricity rate plan; EV type, and electric range; and access to charging capabilities at home and work. Most of these factors also influence the intention of current only EV-owners to adopt PV or not in the future. These findings raise important policy questions regarding incentive needs to improve affordability and address equity issues as well as the need for pricing mechanisms at the utility level and by charging service providers to encourage co-adoption among EV owners.