Decoding Solar Adoption: A Systematic Review of Theories and Factors of Photovoltaic Technology Adoption in Households of Developing Countries

This systematic review explores key theories and factors shaping the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems by households in developing countries. Following the PRISMA protocol, we reviewed 44 empirical and theoretical studies published between 2010 and 2024, selected from an initial set of 350 articles retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. Studies were included if they addressed household PV adoption specifically within developing economies, excluding review articles and conference proceedings. Due to varied methodologies across studies that do not allow for a homogenous assessment, a formal bias risk assessment was not conducted. Our results reveal frequent use of frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, Technology Acceptance Model, and Diffusion of Innovations. Despite their popularity, these models sometimes fail to fully capture the economic, infrastructure, and cultural realities specific to nonmatured markets. Key adoption barriers identified include affordability constraints, weak infrastructure, social norms, and inconsistent policy support. Geographic imbalance, particularly concentrated in Asia and Africa, and limited consideration of behavioral economics insights represent limitations in the current evidence base. These findings suggest the need for context-sensitive theoretical models and deeper integration of behavioral factors, providing practical directions for future research and policy to facilitate renewable energy transitions.