The Implementation and Adoption of Photovoltaics (PV) in the UK (2010)
Implementation and Adoption of Photovoltaics Dissertation – It has been recognised that the problems caused by energy pollution are threatening the earth’s environment and must be dealt with. Currently, UK is mainly using fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal, which represent a large part of the pollution. The introduction of renewable energy is seen as an important step in reducing pollution and the UK Government has adopted a strategy to try and increase the use of renewable energy within a specified timescale.
This dissertation focuses on the implementation and adoption of photovoltaics (PV) in the UK and examines the Government’s strategies. In determining whether the aims are likely to be met it general public opinions are considered and an opinion is taken from the professional sector.
The first part of the research was a desktop study, aimed to collect primary and secondary information from books, journals, Internet, Government reports etc. It was clear that because the general public are an important party in determining the success of PV energy, their views needed to be canvassed. It was therefore decided that the best method of determining public views about PV energy was a public questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted before the main questionnaire to test the questions. The public questionnaire was sent 220 people in London and the South-East.
It is clear that there are still many issues that have to be addressed and developed if the use of PV is to be a serious contender in the energy market. The main obstacles to the implementation of PV are cost related. Both in technical terms and financial feasibility, PV can be one of the future renewable energy sources in the UK. However, the Government still has some way to go before convincing the general public to adopt PV systems.
Dissertation Aim
To determine the role of PV energy systems in the provision of energy for domestic use in the UK. Is photovoltaic energy implemented successfully in the UK?
Dissertation Objectives
- To investigate the UK strategy for implementing PV
- To find out if the targets are being met and, if not, why not
- To investigate if there are any obstacles preventing PV from being fully utilised
- To find out if PV-energy makes a significant contribution to UK energy
- To investigate how the use of PV can be encouraged in the private sector
- To evaluate the public and professional awareness of PV technology and its implementation
- 11,000 words – 60 pages in length
- Excellent use of literature
- Good analysis of the subject area
- Ideal for construction, architecture and building studies students
Introduction
Renewable energy target
Nature of the problem
Aim and objectives
Research methodology
Dissertation contents
Definitions
Costs
Environmental issues
Review of the Sources
Implementation of PV in the UK and Government Policy
Government aims and technology banding
Local Planning
Promotion, Information and education
Barriers
Other countries’ incentives
Development, trends and potential
Summary of literature review
Research Design and Methodology
Results and Analysis
Raw data
Interview
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendation
References