Number of participants
3.4 Data Analysis Process and Summary
3.4.1 Coding
3.4.1.1 Data Reduction, Extraction and Collation
To facilitate the codification process, each transcript was read several times and key responses highlighted. These highlighted responses were based on comments which reflected the identification of an answer to any of the key interview questions relating to barriers and drivers. Extraneous information regarding personal information had already
been logged using the check boxes in the Interview protocol sheet. The extracts from each transcript where copied from the Microsoft Word document and pasted in a Microsoft Excel file. An initial collation of comments was done to group these comments based on perceived association. As shown in Figure 3.3 (barrier extracts), and Figure 3.4 (driver extracts) below, highlights from the original transcripts, were extracted to organize the data to specific and needed information which guided the codification process.
Figure 3.3: Results extracts from transcript suggesting a barrier of BIPV adoption
Figure 3.4: Results extracts from transcript suggesting a driver of BIPV adoption These extracts, from each of the 68 interview transcripts were grouped into separate Microsoft Excel files for each participant. Eight (8) different files were then created, one for each stakeholder group, within which different spreadsheets were used to collate separately the extracts related to barriers, and drivers. Figure 3.5 shows samples of collated extracts on barriers for the Other Consultants (OC) stakeholder group, while samples of collated extracts on drivers for the group are shown in Figure 3.6.
Columns represent different codes
Rows represent different participant comments All
Participants R01 to R68
Stakeholder Environmental Impact on BIPV
Knowledge and Awareness R32OCE The biggest challenge of
solar is soiling especially in the UAE. Initially we did monthly cleaning but we found that it was not sufficient because we did not get the expected output. So we increase to cleaning every 15 days.
The other issue is that when the rains come, the first comes with mud because of the dust and this makes it worse.
About using solar panels on walls, the technology has not
developed to that point yet. We have panels and flexible films but all is still in the research stage. In the future, yes, buildings will have solar panels on the walls and windows.
R33OCE …I have this idea that the dust can be a problem.
For big projects, the cost of maintenance is small compared to the cost savings. For small projects, maybe not.
Cleaning.
…No awareness of the best solution and new technologies which are needed for new building projects
Figure 3.5: Sample collated extracts on barriers for Other Consultants group
Columns represent different codes
Rows represent different participant comments All
Participants R01 to R68
Stakeholder Government Knowledge and awareness R18PVE We need codes and
regulations and then people will start to use it;
Let me also add that not here in the UAE but in all countries, we need to find different ways to reach people. We need awareness R22PVU Incentives. Take the
Shams Dubai project for example, they’ll put solar on your roof and then you’ll have incentives in your bill, to save in cost.
We also need to do awareness campaigns in schools and universities.
R23PVU Incentives are needed to encourage people to use it.
Another thing is awareness.
Figure 3.6: Sample collated extracts on drivers for PV Specialists group 3.4.2 Theme Building and Summary
Braun and Clarke (2006) wrote a detailed guide for the process of conducting a thematic analysis; noting this as the identification of patterns or themes within qualitative data. The goal is to identify important or interesting themes to address the research question while systematically seeking to make sense of the data collected.
The overall objective in qualitative analysis has been described as both a structured/linear and creative/iterative process which the coding facilitates by breaking the data into meaningful and manageable parts aimed at rebuilding it into a storyline (Stuckey, 2015). The steps taken to identify the themes and build the narrative presented next in Chapters 4 and 5, as well as the guiding questions, are tabulated as a detailed overview of the process in Appendix 4. The table is extracted from Braun and Clarke (2006). In summary, the focus is given to three core steps; these include, searching for the themes, defining and naming the themes, and finally, reviewing the themes.
The results of the theme building process produced multiple themes for barriers, and drivers respectively. The seven barrier themes were identified are:
1. Knowledge: this relates to issues which indicate or promote limited knowledge or its effects such as skepticism
2. Design: this relates to limitations of the PV technology, the design process and considerations, and the BIPV product, such as poor aesthetics
3. Economic: financial and cost-related concerns such as the high cost, and Return on Investment (ROI) are listed here
4. Social: broadly covers related aspects of UAE social life such as home ownership 5. Environmental: aspects of the weather due to the UAE desert climate such as the
impact of sand and dust, and its maintenance are listed here 6. Policy: covers policy setup, approval and regulation aspects 7. Industrial: covers issues which relate to the professional practice
The five driver themes include:
1. Knowledge: this relates broadly to codes and comments which indicate drivers which might promote knowledge such as awareness campaigns or built examples 2. Government: this broadly covers suggested actions which the Government may
take such as mandatory policies
3. Design: this relates to the design process, and the BIPV product design aspects such as improved aesthetics
4. Economy: relates to suggestions with the potential to ease the financial burden directly or indirectly such as cost reduction of the BIPV price
5. Others: these drivers do not fit in any specific theme such as after-sales services
Under each theme, for both barriers and drivers, multiple sub-themes were identified which frame the narratives based on comments made by study participants.
The use of numbers to count the frequency of comments was suggested by Hsieh and Shannon (2005) as a type of content analysis of qualitative data. In the current study, a simple count of the number of participants who commented on each driver and barrier was added as a secondary guide to deduce the emphasis on the themes. All barrier and all driver themes which were identified from the theme building process are shown in Table 3.3 and Table 3.4 respectively, along with the sub-themes under each theme.
Table 3.3: Identified barrier themes and sub themes
BARRIERS
ENVIRONMENTAL
Impact of sand, dust and humidity Maintenance
Impact of high regional temperatures Environmental impact
DESIGN
Technological complexities and limitations Poor aesthetics
Lack of available space Lack of examples Extra studies needed Nature of design practice
Safety concerns Architectural bias Lack of creativity
KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS
Limited knowledge and awareness Misinformation
Skepticism
Lack of necessary education Limited knowledge about design tools
ECONOMIC
High cost considerations Long ROI
Subsidized energy alternatives Priority of economic benefits
POLICY & REGULATIONS No BIPV Policy and codes
SOCIAL
Ownership issues Challenges of expat living
Competing alternatives Lack of interest
Conflict with heritage /local building styles Maintenance responsibilities
High energy demand High income level
INDUSTRIAL Conflicting PV versus Building industry drive Complexity of design team coordination
Table 3.4: Identified driver themes and sub themes
DRIVERS
GOVERNMENT Mandatory regulations
Incentives and support
KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS
Community examples and Peer effects Demonstration projects
Marketing and awareness campaigns Professional development PV-related research and development
Trail project
Formal/University education Social media
DESIGN-RELATED
Improved product design features and aesthetics
Early stage integration Personal interest
Improved product efficiency and output Ethical design motivation
Maintenance planning Manufacturer-led design solutions ECONOMIC
Reduction in electricity bills Cost savings
Cost reduction
OTHERS
Good business models Collaborations
Warranty Image and prestige After-sales services Long-term expatriate visa
Considering the volume of data collected under each theme, Chapter 4 focuses on the barriers identified, while Chapter 5 focuses on drivers identified. These two chapters present the comments of the study participants built into a narrative that explains the impact of each on BIPV adoption in the UAE.