Abstract
Purpose Gaining independence from fossil fuels and combating climate change are the main factors to increase the generation of electricity from renewable fuels. Amongst the renewable technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV) is believed to have the largest potential. However, the number of people adopting solar PV technologies is still relatively low. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the household consumers’ acceptance of solar PV technology being installed on their premises. Design/methodology/approach To examine the solar PV technology acceptance, this study uses technology acceptance model (TAM) as a reference framework. A survey was conducted to gather data and to validate the research model. Out of 780 questionnaires distributed across Malaysia, 663 were returned and validated. Findings The analysis revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and attitude to use significantly influenced behavioural intention to use solar PV technology. Research limitations/implications This study contributes by extending the understanding of public inclination towards the adoption of solar PV technology. Also, this study contributes in identifying the areas which need to be examined further. However, collecting data from urban peninsular Malaysian respondents only limits the generalization of the results. Practical implications On the policy front, this study reveals that governmental support is needed to trigger PV acceptance. Originality/value This paper uses TAM to analyse the uptake of solar PV technology in Malaysian context.
Highlights
Decisions regarding fuels to be used for the generation of electricity have their ramifications in the global economy as well as the environment (Ahmad and Tahar, 2014a)
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the factors that influence the adoption of solar PV technology in Malaysia
Renewable technologies are deemed to play a major role in diversifying fuel mix for the generation of electricity
Summary
Decisions regarding fuels to be used for the generation of electricity have their ramifications in the global economy as well as the environment (Ahmad and Tahar, 2014a). Electricity producing technologies draw criticism for their reliance on the use of fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are environmentally harmful but are unsustainable. Among various technologies using renewable fuels, solar photovoltaic-based electricity production is dubbed as the most environmentally friendly and sustainable for electricity productions. A sharp drop in costs of solar modules and substantial financial support polices indicates a global shift towards renewable technologies for the generation of electricity. A drop of 60 per cent in the cost of solar PV systems was observed for the period 2008-2010 (REN21), while around a total of $214bn was sanctioned in financial support in 2013 for renewable technology (UNEP, 2014)
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