Unpacking Solar Adoption, Habits and Attitudes by Generation

Using solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but few American households are currently doing it. A recent survey identified concerns about blackouts and higher electricity bills as the motivators behind switching to solar. The survey also revealed that younger generations worry more about their environmental footprint than older generations. However, Baby Boomers are most likely to take action by recycling and using reusable shopping bags. Still, most Boomers don’t consider themselves more environmentally conscious than their neighbors. Meanwhile, Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to have solar panels on their homes. While few Baby Boomers currently have solar panels, many would consider getting them.

Key Takeaways:

Most millennials and Gen Zers are worried about the environmental footprint that they are leaving behind.
Baby Boomers on the other hand aren’t very worried about it and think about it less than one time a month.
Gen Xers are in between both and think about their environmental footprint a few times a month.

“Gen Z and Millennials lead the charge on solar homes: 70% of respondents who currently have solar panels on their home are millennials or Gen Zers”