In Australia, residential buildings account for 11% of greenhouse gas emissions. Most Australian homes were built before minimum energy efficiency requirements were introduced nationally in 2003 and have substantial scope for energy efficiency improvements. 

This report presents the findings of a 2023 survey to understand how Australians handle the decision to make a home energy upgrade, with a focus on rooftop solar panels. Understanding the capabilities, opportunities and motivations driving home energy upgrade decisions is the first step in identifying ways to increase uptake. The report provides insights to inform this discussion.

Home energy upgrades are a high-impact way for people to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills, and increase the comfort of their homes. Despite their benefits to households, the decisions around making home energy upgrades are not easy. They can be expensive, complex, inconvenient and time-consuming.

Key findings

• People often weigh present costs more highly than future benefits
• Bundled benefits offer greater perceived value
• Awareness is a critical pre-condition for action
• People are overwhelmed by complex, difficult tasks
• Some hard barriers reduce the feasibility of home upgrades.

The report is accompanied by a technical appendices document.