Smart energy systems in private households: Behaviors, needs, expectations, and concerns

This paper presents findings from a qualitative study on people's attitudes, needs, and expectations towards smart energy systems. Based on interviews with individuals, both consumers of energy and those who have an energy-producing plant installed at home, energy consumption behavior is summarized and several issues are identified that impact the introduction and acceptance of smart energy and demand-management systems in households. The issues are analyzed in context and examples of user expressions are given to illustrate each. The findings can already be used as a rudimentary design space, to inform the design of smart energy systems for using and producing energy in domestic environments.