TY - JOUR A1 - Scheller, Fabian A1 - Graupner, Sören A1 - Edwards, James A1 - Weinand, Jann A1 - Bruckner, Thomas T1 - Competent, trustworthy, and likeable? Exploring which peers influence photovoltaic adoption in Germany JF - Energy Research & Social Science N2 - Little is known about the role of active peer effects (interpersonal contact) compared to passive peer effects (noticing or seeing) regarding residential photovoltaic (PV) diffusion. Recent literature suggests that peer effects are determined by the perceived credibility of one’s active peer connections regarding PV and passive peer effects. Utilising data from a survey of German house owners who either own a PV or indicate purchase intention (N = 1,165), this paper explores the underlying mechanisms of active peer effects during different stages of PV adoption decision-making. Our findings suggest that the perceived credibility of peers on PV related issues is positively associated with the reported number of adopters in the decision-maker’s peer group (passive peer effect) and also with the progress in the PV adoption decision process. Furthermore, we find a relationship between the perceived credibility of peers regarding PV and the reported influence strength of peer interactions throughout the decision-making processes of German householders, suggesting that subjective evaluations of peers play a role in active peer effects. Finally, we observe an association between the rate of self-initiated peer interactions about PV for respondents with a higher reported number of peers that have adopted PV, suggesting that passive effects (knowing peer PV adopters) play a role in initiating active peer interactions. These results are significant for all sub-groups, regardless of the decision progress. From a policy-making perspective, “bottom-up” efforts such as peer consultation and community-led outreach should be promoted in Germany to empower potential adopters. Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2022.102755 SN - 2214-6326 VL - 91 SP - 102755 EP - 102755 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Scheller, Fabian A1 - Graupner, Sören A1 - Edwards, James A1 - Johanning, Simon A1 - Bergaentzlé, Claire A1 - Bruckner, Thomas T1 - Social Influence Throughout the Photovoltaic Adoption Process: Exploring the Impact of Stakeholder Perceptions JF - Energy RESEARCH LETTERS N2 - This paper explores the role of social interactions in residential photovoltaic (PV) adoption. Our survey data from Germany indicate that residential PV decision makers are influenced primarily by stakeholders to whom they ascribe beneficial attributes. The data further show that key attributes vary along the decision making process: integrity and likeability demonstrate the strongest association with influence strength at the awareness stage, while availability and trustworthiness have the strongest association at the planning stage. The perception of the competence of the stakeholder is associated with greater influence across all stages. Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.46557/001c.33903 SN - 2652-6514 VL - 3 IS - 4 ER -