Challenges of Renewable Energy Distribution in Multi-Apartment Residential Buildings: Evidence from Armenia (2015–2024)

Abstract

The study investigates deployment and distributional challenges of renewable energy sources (RES) in multi-apartment residential buildings in the Republic of Armenia. Drawing on longitudinal data from 87 buildings across Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor (2015–2024), the study quantifies the gap between actual and potential RES adoption, measures distributional inequality using the Gini coefficient, identifies key adoption barriers through a mixed-methods survey instrument, and models predictors of distribution efficiency through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and K-Means cluster analysis. Results show that the actual RES adoption rate stands at 34,2% ± 6,8% against a technical potential of 78…85 %. The Gini coefficient (G = 0,47, SD = 0,12) reveals substantial distributional inequality. The regression model (R² = 0,61, F(6,80) = 20,9, p < 0,001) identifies automated control systems (β = +0,312, p < 0,001), resident awareness (β = +0,224, p < 0,01), and household count (β = −0,178, p < 0,01) as the dominant factors. Policy implications and a 2025–2027 Smart Building pilot are discussed.