Solar electricity: A dimming ray of hope in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that education and awareness about the environment and renewable energy encourage people to adopt and use solar technology. They are willing to pay relatively expensive technology installments. But in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, a high level of education and awareness is not a condition for accepting a solar electricity policy. This study aims to determine perceptions and attitudes through the theory of innovation diffusion. Perceptions and attitudes of solar electricity users in Ngada are related to the sustainable use of solar electricity. Data is collected from in-depth interviews with solar power users. The findings show differences in adopter backgrounds where they are facilitated adopters rather than voluntary adopters. The state provides solar power facilities for the community. Even though it has the risk of expensive maintenance, the community does not refuse. It is driven more by socioeconomic motivation than knowledge and awareness. Positive changes in the social and economic conditions of society have made people's expectations of solar electricity even higher. Solar energy is the hope in Ngada, but that hope may fade when post-adoption services and access to components become unavailable.