What drives the solar energy transition? The effect of policies, incentives and behavior in a cross-country comparison

The development of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Southern Europe has been boosted by favourable sunshine levels but also by the policies implemented. Europe's ambitious plans for a green transition require new power to be installed but also new consumption habits that tend to be more responsible. The transformation of cities goes through the emergence of prosumers and the percentage of self-consumption is the variable that determines the profitability of PV systems. This work is based on an online energy survey conducted in two southern European countries (i.e. Italy and Spain), in which both expectations and behaviour of consumers with regards to solar energy are compared between countries. Among other things, interviewees were asked to quantify the introduction of a subsidy for self-consumption. Interestingly, results show an average of 4 cent€/kWh and 3 cent€/kWh for Italy and Spain, respectively. Additionally, the survey allowed eliciting the price subjects believe one ought to pay for both fossil fuel-based and renewable energy, resulting in a green premium of 10 cent€/kWh and 8 cent€/kWh for Italy and Spain, respectively. Finally, the crucial role played by policies in shaping consumers’ perceptions emerged as decisive in fostering the development of PV systems in European countries.