Do Subjective Norms and Willingness to Overpay Have an Effect on the Intention to Use Renewable Energy Sources?

Abstract

In this study, the behavior of using renewable energy sources (RES) has been investigated in the concept of planned behavior theory (PBT), taking into account the knowledge level and external concerns of environmental issues and RES. The willingness to overpay for energy demand by RES was also investigated. To this aim, a questionnaire was created and applied to 337 public officers from different sectors in Turkey. The questionnaire results were then analyzed by Structural Equality Modeling (SEM). In conclusion, it has been determined that the knowledge level on environmental issues has significant effects on environmental issues, which forced people to learn about RES. So, the intention of using RES is affected positively. Another important result obtained in the study is that the knowledge about RES affects the willingness to overpay. In addition, subjective norms have an impact on the attitude towards the use of RES.