Photovoltaic Energy Technology: The Perceptions of Architects in the Ghanaian Building Industry

Abstract

Photovoltaic energy conversion is widely considered one of the promising renewable energy technologies with the potential to contribute significantly to a sustainable energy supply and which may help to mitigate green house emissions. However, a number of factors including how the technology and its attributes are perceived by potential adopters influence the adoption decision. This study therefore investigates the perceptions of photovoltaic by architects in the Ghanaian building industry. It involved a survey of architects within the Ghana Institute of Architects. Results of the study showed a generally positive perception regarding photovoltaic except with a number of items such as initial cost of the technology. The few negative perceptions may however account for the low levels of actual photovoltaic adoption in the Ghanaian building industry.

Keywords: photovoltaic, innovation diffusion, adoption, Ghanaian building industry