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Factors Influencing Social Perception of Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Saudi Arabia

Author

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  • Khalid Alrashoud

    (Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Kanagawa, Japan)

  • Koji Tokimatsu

    (Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Kanagawa, Japan)

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has taken major steps to shift from an oil-centered to more environmentally-focused economy. One approach made recently is to enable households to possess and generate electricity by using small-scale residential solar photovoltaic systems (RSPSs). However, the number of applications to install this technology in residences is significantly low. Social acceptance of solar energy is essential for a successful energy transition. Hence, the present study aims to examine factors that may potentially motivate or impede individuals from purchasing RSPSs based on the diffusion of innovations theory. A cross-sectional, web-based survey is conducted including 1498 participants from the five main regions of Saudi Arabia. Results revealed a good cognition level in relation to solar energy, where the majority (64–83%) of respondents are aware of the benefits. An overwhelming proportion of the respondents (97%) associate RSPSs with a significantly positive image, with no significant variation in the acceptance or rejection rates among the five areas covered by the survey ( p = 0.1). The results also show high statistical significance for the differences between RSPS acceptors and rejecters in all innovation attributes ( p < 0.001). However, the perception of relative advantage has a higher correlation with acceptance RSPSs. These perceived advantages were of rather long-term nonfinancial benefits, such as environmental protection against global warming and provision of unlimited power , rather than the revenue related to direct costs benefits. The study also revealed that the installation cost was the most significant barrier to adopting the RSPS, which can be a focus for RSPS dissemination policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Khalid Alrashoud & Koji Tokimatsu, 2019. "Factors Influencing Social Perception of Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:19:p:5259-:d:270516
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