Money, not morale: A study of the drivers behind investment in photovoltaic citizen participation initiatives.

We currently face the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to mitigate climate change. A transition towards renewable energy production is one proposed solution. In this regard, photovoltaic (PV) citizen participation initiatives (CPIs) are a cornerstone in fostering the diffusion of renewables and in promoting a transition towards a carbon neutral and adaptive society allowing for active citizen engagement. Based on survey data, this article investigates the drivers behind people’s decision to adopt in two selected Austrian PV-CPIs. In addition to commonly used indicators, we also include variables that allow us to assess both – people’s desires, (their ‘preferences’ with respect to energy autarky, environmental protection, financial aspects, etc.) and their beliefs in term of how likely they think their participation in a PV-CPI will help them achieve their goals. We find that joining a PV-CPI is predominantly driven by people’s financial beliefs.