IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i3p1032-d1326298.html

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
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1032/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1032/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muntasser, M. A. & Bara, M. F. & Quadri, H. A. & EL-Tarabelsi, R. & La-azebi, I. F., 2000. "Photovoltaic marketing in developing countries," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 65(1-4), pages 67-72, April.
    2. Aqeeq, Muhammad Arsalan & Tahir, Muhammad Arsalan & Haider, Waqas Ali & Aqeeq, Farheen & Abdullah, Fahad Bin, 2023. "Energy transition for sustainable economic development in developing countries (DCs) – The case of utility-scale solar (USS) investments in Pakistan," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    3. Salari, Ali & Hakkaki-Fard, Ali, 2019. "A numerical study of dust deposition effects on photovoltaic modules and photovoltaic-thermal systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 437-449.
    4. Painuly, J.P, 2001. "Barriers to renewable energy penetration; a framework for analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 73-89.
    5. Dobrotkova, Zuzana & Surana, Kavita & Audinet, Pierre, 2018. "The price of solar energy: Comparing competitive auctions for utility-scale solar PV in developing countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 133-148.
    6. Zaman, Shah & Wang, Zilong & Rasool, Samma Faiz & Zaman, Qamar uz & Raza, Hamid, 2022. "Impact of critical success factors and supportive leadership on sustainable success of renewable energy projects: Empirical evidence from Pakistan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    7. Wamukonya, Njeri, 2003. "Power sector reform in developing countries: mismatched agendas," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(12), pages 1273-1289, September.
    8. Barroco, Jose & Herrera, Maria, 2019. "Clearing barriers to project finance for renewable energy in developing countries: A Philippines case study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    9. Muhammad Irfan & Zhen-Yu Zhao & Munir Ahmad & Marie Claire Mukeshimana, 2019. "Solar Energy Development in Pakistan: Barriers and Policy Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-18, February.
    10. Reddy, Sudhakar & Painuly, J.P, 2004. "Diffusion of renewable energy technologies—barriers and stakeholders’ perspectives," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 29(9), pages 1431-1447.
    11. Colak, H. Ebru & Memisoglu, Tugba & Gercek, Yasin, 2020. "Optimal site selection for solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants using GIS and AHP: A case study of Malatya Province, Turkey," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 565-576.
    12. Laktuka, Krista & Pakere, Ieva & Kalnbalkite, Antra & Zlaugotne, Beate & Blumberga, Dagnija, 2023. "Renewable energy project implementation: Will the Baltic States catch up with the Nordic countries?," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    13. Saqib Ali & Petra Poulova & Ahsan Akbar & Hafiz Muhammad Usama Javed & Muhammad Danish, 2020. "Determining the Influencing Factors in the Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Pakistan: A Decomposed Technology Acceptance Model Approach," Economies, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-20, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Su, Yi & Chai, Jiahui & Lu, Sichong & Lv, Ao, 2025. "Evaluation and obstacle diagnosis to renewable energy development: A multi-level framework with application to China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    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).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Qureshi, Tahir Masood & Ullah, Kafait & Arentsen, Maarten J., 2017. "Factors responsible for solar PV adoption at household level: A case of Lahore, Pakistan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 754-763.
    2. Yaqoot, Mohammed & Diwan, Parag & Kandpal, Tara C., 2017. "Financial attractiveness of decentralized renewable energy systems – A case of the central Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 973-991.
    3. Yaqoot, Mohammed & Diwan, Parag & Kandpal, Tara C., 2016. "Review of barriers to the dissemination of decentralized renewable energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 477-490.
    4. Karatayev, Marat & Clarke, Michèle L., 2016. "A review of current energy systems and green energy potential in Kazakhstan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 491-504.
    5. Karytsas, Spyridon & Theodoropoulou, Helen, 2014. "Socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence publics' awareness on the different forms of renewable energy sources," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 480-485.
    6. Murshed, Muntasir, 2019. "Trade Liberalization Policies and Renewable Energy Transition in Low and Middle-Income Countries? An Instrumental Variable Approach," MPRA Paper 97075, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Asante, Dennis & He, Zheng & Adjei, Nana Osae & Asante, Bismark, 2020. "Exploring the barriers to renewable energy adoption utilising MULTIMOORA- EDAS method," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    8. Arifa Tanveer & Shihong Zeng & Muhammad Irfan & Rui Peng, 2021. "Do Perceived Risk, Perception of Self-Efficacy, and Openness to Technology Matter for Solar PV Adoption? An Application of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-24, August.
    9. Punia Sindhu, Sonal & Nehra, Vijay & Luthra, Sunil, 2016. "Recognition and prioritization of challenges in growth of solar energy using analytical hierarchy process: Indian outlook," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 332-348.
    10. Martin, Nigel J. & Rice, John L., 2012. "Developing renewable energy supply in Queensland, Australia: A study of the barriers, targets, policies and actions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 119-127.
    11. Srinivas, Morapakala, 2011. "Domestic solar hot water systems: Developments, evaluations and essentials for “viability” with a special reference to India," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(8), pages 3850-3861.
    12. Kamil Lubiński & Magdalena Grębosz-Krawczyk, 2024. "Economical, Innovative, or Ecological? What Are the Green Energy Users?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-17, October.
    13. Ali Matin Nazar & King-James Idala Egbe & Azam Abdollahi & Mohammad Amin Hariri-Ardebili, 2021. "Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Energy Harvesting in Ocean: A Review on Application and Hybridization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-33, September.
    14. Woo, JongRoul & Chung, Sungsam & Lee, Chul-Yong & Huh, Sung-Yoon, 2019. "Willingness to participate in community-based renewable energy projects: A contingent valuation study in South Korea," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 643-652.
    15. Todd, Iain & McCauley, Darren, 2021. "Assessing policy barriers to the energy transition in South Africa," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    16. Chaiyapa, Warathida & Esteban, Miguel & Kameyama, Yasuko, 2018. "Why go green? Discourse analysis of motivations for Thailand's oil and gas companies to invest in renewable energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 448-459.
    17. Dalia Streimikiene & Tomas Baležentis & Artiom Volkov & Mangirdas Morkūnas & Agnė Žičkienė & Justas Streimikis, 2021. "Barriers and Drivers of Renewable Energy Penetration in Rural Areas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-28, October.
    18. Patlitzianas, Konstantinos D. & Doukas, Haris & Psarras, John, 2006. "Enhancing renewable energy in the Arab States of the Gulf: Constraints & efforts," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(18), pages 3719-3726, December.
    19. Abba, Z.Y.I. & Balta-Ozkan, N. & Hart, P., 2022. "A holistic risk management framework for renewable energy investments," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    20. Avri Eitan & Gillad Rosen & Lior Herman & Itay Fishhendler, 2020. "Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs: A Conceptual Framework," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-23, May.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1032-:d:1326298. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.