Sociological imagination on green technology: the influence of occupational and professional background on the architectural photovoltaic application

Clients with different occupational backgrounds may perceive green technology and systems differently. This study examines the impact of individuals’ occupational and professional backgrounds on their ability to perceive the benefits and advantages of sustainable technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV). In addition, it investigates the impact of occupational and professional background on the willingness to install and integrate PV technology in residential units in the future. The study focuses on professionals in the building industry, including those in the energy, construction, design, and architecture sectors and experts from other industries. A survey was conducted to gather participants’ knowledge, concerns, familiarity, and acceptance of PV systems. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, correlation analysis, and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings show that occupational and professional backgrounds influence individuals’ choices since they possess a foundation in their education and work experiences. Workers in the building industry recorded higher positive percentages toward PV technology. The level of knowledge is the most significant factor in the perception and desire for PV among professionals in the building industry. The impact of the concern, familiarity, and satisfaction levels was statistically negligible. Professionals’ knowledge and expertise substantially affect the energy and construction sectors. The analysis of the findings demonstrates variations among individuals according to their occupational backgrounds. The research has confirmed that professional background significantly influences how technology is perceived and embraced. This study provides insights into the impact of awareness on accepting and using green technologies.