Research Scholarship in Solar Solutions to Improve Energy Affordability

This scholarship provides financial assistance for a PhD student undertaking research in political economy and/or sociology. The PhD project of the successful applicant will compliment a broader ARC Linkage Project which will develop solar solutions that will improve energy affordability for low-income renters. This ARC funded project involves a form of action-oriented research to directly engage with low-income renters and many stakeholders involved in providing rental housing and residential solar systems. This type of collaborative research, sensitive to the needs of participants and with an emphasis on the practical application of results, is innovative for energy affordability studies. The research will reveal the barriers to renter solar access-rather than accept the notions of the homogenous household and ubiquitous owner-occupier to develop solutions suitable for all rental types across Australia, through an empirical, engaged, and reflexive process informed by commitments to social justice and consumer rights.