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Barriers to Solar PV Adoption in Developing Countries: Multiple Regression and Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Mansoor Mustafa

    (Department of Engineering Management, Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad 444000, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Omer Farooq Malik

    (Department of Engineering Management, Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad 444000, Pakistan)

  • Ahsen Maqsoom

    (Department of Civil Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah Cantt 47040, Pakistan)

Abstract

The globe is transitioning from traditional methods of electricity generation to renewable resources in order to achieve sustainable goals. Solar energy is a promising and abundant renewable resource that shows great potential as a viable alternative to traditional energy. Furthermore, the production of electricity from solar energy is the most cost-effective compared to other kinds of renewable energy. Nevertheless, the execution of solar initiatives in underdeveloped nations is encountering several obstacles. Identifying the most significant obstacles in the execution of solar projects is of utmost importance. This study uses a linear regression model (LRM) and an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to determine the main barriers to the implementation of renewable energy projects in a developing economy, i.e., Pakistan. By conducting an extensive review of the relevant literature and consulting with experts, the most significant categories of obstacles were determined. A survey based on 429 responses was collected from the participants working at solar projects. Subsequently, the responses were subjected to processing and analysis using the relative importance index (RII), AHP, and linear regression modeling techniques. The linear regression analysis revealed several significant variables that hinder progress, including financial conditions, policies, technological awareness, institutional support, social and environmental awareness, market stability, and other miscellaneous factors. The AHP analysis revealed the key factors that have the greatest impact, which include effective policies, financial stability, technological expertise, institutional support, market stability, various aspects, and social and environmental awareness. The study’s conclusions are beneficial for all stakeholders and project managers in enhancing the project management of solar initiatives. It would also facilitate prompt decision-making regarding policy formulation and implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Mansoor Mustafa & Muhammad Omer Farooq Malik & Ahsen Maqsoom, 2024. "Barriers to Solar PV Adoption in Developing Countries: Multiple Regression and Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1032-:d:1326298
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Rafael Gilberto Zhindon‐Almeida & Jonathan Alexander Ruiz‐Carrillo, 2025. "Factors Influencing the Adoption of Renewable Energies in Developing Countries," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(5), pages 7222-7244, October.
    3. Li, Mengdi & Han, Chuanfeng & Meng, Lingpeng & Liu, Pihui & Shao, Zhiguo, 2025. "Spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of the coupling coordination between solar photovoltaic efficiency and installed capacity in China (2015–2023)," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    4. Razib Chandra Chanda & Ali Vafaei‐Zadeh & Haniruzila Hanifah & Davoud Nikbin & Mohammad Abu Sufian, 2026. "From Conventional Fuels to Green Energy: Exploring Farmers' Moral Commitment to Solar Photovoltaics Adoption," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S1), pages 821-847, January.
    5. Kevin Kiangebeni Lusimbakio & Tonton Boketsu Lokanga & Pierre Sedi Nzakuna & Vincenzo Paciello & Jean-Pierre Nzuru Nsekere & Obed Tshimanga Tshipata, 2025. "Evaluation of the Impact of Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant Integration into the Grid: A Case Study of the Western Transmission Network in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-26, January.
    6. Mandal, Dipak Kumar & Gupta, Kritesh Kumar & Biswas, Nirmalendu & Manna, Nirmal K. & Santra, Somnath & Benim, Ali Cemal, 2025. "Optimization of hybrid solar chimney power plants (HSCPPs): A review of multi-objective approaches," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 396(C).

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