Abstract
Saudi Arabia has taken major steps to shift from an oil-centered to more environmentally-focused economy. One approach made recently is to enable households to possess and generate electricity by using small-scale residential solar photovoltaic systems (RSPSs). However, the number of applications to install this technology in residences is significantly low. Social acceptance of solar energy is essential for a successful energy transition. Hence, the present study aims to examine factors that may potentially motivate or impede individuals from purchasing RSPSs based on the diffusion of innovations theory. A cross-sectional, web-based survey is conducted including 1498 participants from the five main regions of Saudi Arabia. Results revealed a good cognition level in relation to solar energy, where the majority (64–83%) of respondents are aware of the benefits. An overwhelming proportion of the respondents (97%) associate RSPSs with a significantly positive image, with no significant variation in the acceptance or rejection rates among the five areas covered by the survey (p = 0.1). The results also show high statistical significance for the differences between RSPS acceptors and rejecters in all innovation attributes (p < 0.001). However, the perception of relative advantage has a higher correlation with acceptance RSPSs. These perceived advantages were of rather long-term nonfinancial benefits, such as environmental protection against global warming and provision of unlimited power, rather than the revenue related to direct costs benefits. The study also revealed that the installation cost was the most significant barrier to adopting the RSPS, which can be a focus for RSPS dissemination policies.
Highlights
Both uncertainty over energy supply and the worldwide rapid population growth increase the tension and motivation to secure energy
For many countries of Middle East and North Africa, in general, and those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in particular, substantial revenues derived from oil and natural gas exports have been an essential element in the development and growth of these countries, which was reflected in maintaining high levels of infrastructures and welfare, besides expanding regional and global influence through large-scale investments and sovereign wealth funds
The purpose of this paper was to investigate the social perception of residential solar photovoltaic systems (RSPSs) in the oil-rich Saudi Arabia
Summary
Both uncertainty over energy supply and the worldwide rapid population growth increase the tension and motivation to secure energy. For many countries of Middle East and North Africa, in general, and those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in particular, substantial revenues derived from oil and natural gas exports have been an essential element in the development and growth of these countries, which was reflected in maintaining high levels of infrastructures and welfare, besides expanding regional and global influence through large-scale investments and sovereign wealth funds. This holds true for Saudi Arabia, which has one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Different ministries and commissions have been working jointly under the newly announced economic reform plan Saudi Vision 2030, launching several initiatives and projects to achieve this goal [1]
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