A new study indicates homeowners with children are demonstrably more receptive to innovative energy generation concepts. The findings, released by Statista on behalf of energy provider Eon Energie Deutschland, reveal a notable trend in the adoption of renewable energy technologies among families.
The survey suggests homeowners with children are more likely to have already implemented energy transition initiatives within their residences, or are actively planning to do so. Specifically, the proportion of households with children that possess solar photovoltaic (PV) systems stands at 37 percent, compared to 32 percent of those without children. This trend is even more pronounced with heat pumps, where households with children report a rate of 23 percent, against 14 percent for those without. The adoption of electric vehicles also mirrors this pattern, with 22 percent of families owning such vehicles, versus 12 percent among those without children.
Interestingly, while utilization of battery storage systems is roughly equal between families and childless homeowners (58 percent and 61 percent respectively), a larger proportion of families are considering retrofitting their homes with such systems (29 percent versus 22 percent).
“Parents are sending a clear signal in support of climate protection” commented Philipp Klenner of Eon, responsible for energy transition technologies.
Looking ahead, the survey reveals that families are also leading the way in potential future energy transition investments. Thirty percent of homeowners with children plan to install a photovoltaic system by the end of 2026 if they do not already have one, surpassing the 18 percent of homeowners without children. Furthermore, 19 percent of families intend to purchase an electric vehicle within the next 18 months, compared to 11 percent of those without children. Plans to switch to heat pumps are also more prevalent among families (16 percent) than those without (8 percent).
The study also flags considerable openness among families towards emerging technologies. Households with children report a higher rate of ownership of energy management systems (18 percent, compared to 15 percent in the comparison group) and a greater inclination to adopt flexible electricity tariffs, with 12 percent intending to switch by the end of 2026 (against 5 percent of childless homeowners) and 55 percent expressing open consideration, versus 46 percent for those without children.