A mixed-method approach to study the impacts of energy micro-generation combined with appliance-level feedback on everyday practices

Abstract

Energy feedback is recognized in energy literature as vital for altering and curbing energy usage. However, recent studies highlight the limitation of energy feedback, questioning its real capacity to promote energy-saving behaviours. Meanwhile, micro-generation, such as photovoltaic panels (PVs), is deemed more effective in reshaping daily practices by encouraging time-shifting of activities, as a way to reduce the load of energy consumed in the grid, while increasing the one from renewable resources. This study explores the impacts of appliance-level consumption feedback combined with micro-generation on everyday practices; it adopts a practice theoretical perspective, viewing households as practitioners rather than mere rational agents. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected between 2022 and 2023 in households with PVs on two islands located off the west coast of Ireland. Smart plugs were installed and connected to different home appliances to collect energy data and provide feedback on their energy usage through a webapp. Our analysis focuses on pre- and post- plugs’ installation and feedback delivery periods, to assess households’ responses both in relation to their practices and to PV usage. While appliance-level feedback showed potential in enhancing PV use and practice changes, heightened awareness does not guarantee change, and households’ responses to feedback depend on various influencing factors deeply embedded in everyday practices – including the (non) negotiability of practices, app design, household dynamics and previous experience with the PV system. Our findings suggest opportunities for energy research to develop more tailored strategies for cutting energy consumption, taking into consideration people’s practices.