An Extended Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Households Response to Net Energy Metering Program in Urban Malaysia

Shazleen Ilyana Sharifuddin,Mohamad Fazli Sabri,Norzalina Zainudin

doi:10.6007/ijarbss/v12-i1/11853

Abstract

Malaysian government have seen solar Photovoltaic (PV) as one of the most promising renewable energy technology to combat climate change and decrease dependency of fossil fuels. At the end of 2016, Net Energy Metering (NEM) program has been implemented to encourage the use of solar PV to produce electricity in a greener way. However, the adoption rate for solar Photovoltaic (PV) under NEM Program among households still remain low. The factors of low participation of household in NEM program is an issue that need to be addressed. Therefore, in this research, the factors that affect household intention to adopt solar PV were studied, using Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (ETPB) which consist of four variables which were attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and perceived cost. This study was conducted in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The 500 questionnaires were distributed using non-probability stratified random sampling at the selected area in Klang Valley and yielded 410 respond rate. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results confirmed that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control have significant influence on intention to install solar PV. The findings also found that perceived cost has a positive influence on intention to install solar PV which differs from past studies. In the other words, perceived cost is not a barrier to the adoption of solar PV among household in Malaysia. Nevertheless, the findings have contributed towards the advancement of knowledge in the field of solar PV under the NEM program in Malaysia. Moreover, this study also contributes to the literature by adding new variable in TPB theory that are relevant to solar energy adoption. These findings also significantly contribute to those involved in the marketing of solar products.

Highlights

The energy sector is the catalyst of development for a country, especially a developing country such as Malaysia
Apart from that, this research is carried out in the urban area is based on the market importance of the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program which is more concentrated in the major urban areas in Malaysia
The issues have raise questions on the factors that lead to the lack of involvement of the Malaysian community, especially households, in the NEM program

Summary

Introduction

The energy sector is the catalyst of development for a country, especially a developing country such as Malaysia. For most countries, including Malaysia, non- renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas are the main sources of generating electricity The impact of this scenario has resulted in very serious consequences on the supply of natural resources as well as the declining quality of the environment. The International Energy Agency supports the energy-saving agenda and states that the energy sector is responsible for 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activities (International Energy Agency, 2014) Looking at these challenges, the government, through various ministries and agencies, has formulated and implemented policies and strategies to ensure the sustainability of energy resources and reduce the impact of this sector on the environment. The NEM program initiative has great potential in encouraging solar PV users at home and, in turn, contributing to efforts to conserve the country's energy resources

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion