An exploratory study of the public's views on residential solar photovoltaic systems in oil-rich Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The increasing demand for energy and fast depletion of fossil fuels have led Saudi Arabia to actively participate in developing and using renewable energy technologies. To address these challenges, Saudi Arabia has recently begun developing 150–200-GW solar energy project and allowing homeowners to install and integrate residential solar photovoltaic systems (RSPSs) to the power grid. However, the number of applicants is reported to be small. This study aims to explore the public's views in Saudi Arabia on the adoption of RSPSs. A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional web-based survey was employed, focusing on five aspects including basic demographic characteristics, residential status, energy consumption, environmental and energy cognition, and willingness to adopt RSPSs. Results show that using solar energy as an alternative source of energy is a highly preferable option among the respondents, with no significant variation in acceptance or rejection rates among all targeted areas of the survey. Among other elements covered in this study, a critical evaluation of electricity consumption and participants' preferences in addressing global warming were identified as the most important determinants for social acceptance of RSPSs in Saudi Arabia. Further, the majority of respondents (79.7%) were open to purchasing an RSPS if they could receive subsidies equivalent to 40% of the upfront cost. Positive attitudes toward RSPSs may act as a driving force but as of yet, it is not enough for adoption without introducing incentive schemes.