The adoption of solar photovoltaic technology among Indian households: Examining the influence of entrepreneurship

Abstract

Across the globe, renewable energy sources are well-recognized essential components of the energy consumption mix. Over the years, India has strategically enhanced solar energy consumption to meet its electricity deficit and reduce carbon emissions. However, the pace of adopting solar photovoltaic technology among Indian households remains lower than alternate micro-technologies like generators and inverters. Since literature suggests that entrepreneurship invokes awareness of social responsibility, activism, and environmental concerns, the role of entrepreneurship in adopting solar photovoltaic technology cannot be undermined, especially in addressing the challenges of low adoption rates. Considering these facts, this study empirically investigates the role of entrepreneurship and household characteristics either as barriers or drivers of adopting solar photovoltaic technology. The study sample contains 1551 Indian households extracted from the 72nd round of the Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods survey of 2014–2015. The probit regression model with sample selection bias correction is estimated to examine the likelihood of adopting solar photovoltaic technology in relation to alternate micro-technologies at the household level. The results reveal that entrepreneurship has a positive and significant influence on the likelihood of adopting solar photovoltaic technology. The findings also indicate that the likelihood increases with the family size, residence in rural areas, and being in the casual workforce. Conversely, the likelihood decreases with an increase in age, income, and being in the higher caste category. Based on the findings, several implications are discussed to promote the higher adoption rates of solar photovoltaic technology among Indian households.