Towards Consumer Acceptance of Residential Batteries

The widespread adoption of solar energy storage systems is transforming the global energy landscape, enabling more efficient use of renewable resources and enhancing energy resilience. The integration of residential batteries significantly enhances energy efficiency and sustainability by facilitating the storage of surplus renewable energy, providing reliable backup during power outages, and optimising energy consumption. This study explores the factors influencing end-user adoption of batteries, utilising the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) as a guiding framework to analyse adoption behaviours and determinants. This study employs a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with stakeholders divided into three categories: regulatory authorities, industry experts, and end-users. This study highlights key factors influencing battery adoption, such as energy independence, grid reliability, and environmental impact, while addressing challenges like regulatory inconsistencies and installer training. Study extends UTAUT2 to residential battery adoption, emphasising performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and price value in decision-making and makes a methodological contribution by validating deeper qualitative insights into renewable technology adoption. The practical implications emphasise the need for designing targeted policies, such as subsidies and net metering, alongside developing user-centric systems that enhance affordability, usability, and consumer awareness to facilitate residential battery adoption.