Barriers to household level solar PV adoption across an income and stakeholder gradient in South Africa

Abstract

The adoption of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, is important in addressing global energy crises and promoting sustainable energy consumption. Solar PV systems offer the potential to provide affordable, clean energy, with the capacity to reduce carbon emissions and ease pressure on energy demand. However, in developing countries like South Africa, household adoption of solar PV remains low and limited, contributing a mere 5% to the national energy mix. This brings the question of why households are not adopting solar PV, given its environmental and sustainability benefits. Most studies on solar PV adoption at household level are in developed countries and tend to narrate views from high-income areas, leaving Africa and low-income areas understudied. This study aims to close that knowledge gap by exploring the barriers and drivers influencing the adoption of residential solar PV systems in South Africa, with a specific focus on income-level disparities. Specifically, the study examined (i) research progress and conceptual insights on barriers to solar PV adoption in South Africa, (ii) key barriers to solar PV adoption and how they vary between income groups, (iii) key primary motivational drivers and experiences of solar PV use among South African households, and (iv) key informants’ views on the barriers to and policy options for solar PV energy adoption among households. Firstly, results of this study show that financial, institutional, personal, and societal barriers contribute significantly to the slow uptake of solar PV technologies. A notable gap in the literature exists regarding the intersection of these barriers with income inequality, which is crucial for promoting a just energy transition. Secondly, results indicate that while high and low-income households face similar challenges, low-income households are disproportionately affected by limited financial resources, insufficient institutional support, and a lack of information regarding solar PV systems. Additionally, access to reliable energy was found to be a significant driver of solar PV adoption, with social influences, such as neighbourhood behaviour, playing a substantial role in household decision-making. Despite this, barriers such as inadequate knowledge of solar PV systems and security concerns regarding solar panels hinder wider adoption. Thirdly, the current solar PV adoption policy in South Africa is restrictive and inconsistent thus it requires improvements. To address these challenges, the study recommends tailored strategies, including flexible financing options such as solar PV leasing and power purchase agreements, designed to cater to different income groups. From a policy perspective, the study recommends the standardisation of renewable energy policies across different provinces to assume uniform rates of adoption and the liberalisation of energy market to allow private companies to generate and distribute renewable energy. The study concludes that low-income areas should be incentivised to adopt solar PV and collaborative efforts between government and the private sector are essential for promoting a favourable environment for solar PV adoption. Targeted policies, public education initiatives, and improved infrastructure are key to ensuring a just and inclusive transition to renewable energy, enabling households across all income levels to benefit from cleaner energy solutions.