Katharina Reindl, IIIEE, together with Eva Heiskanen from University of Helsinki and Salvatore Ruggiero from LUT University have published a new article focusing focusing on mainstreaming residential photovoltaics in Germany. The research shows that latent networks, involving homeowners and local businesses, has played a crucial role in transitioning PV practices from activist hubs to mainstream adoption. Additionally, the findings indicate a shift in motivations from initially heterotelic (e.g., political or ideological) to autotelic (PV as an end in itself) as sustainability practices became more widespread. In conclusion, the research points to that latent networks have a central role in shaping energy practices and the shift from heterotelic to autotelic motivations when it comes to PV adoption.

Read the article here (open access)