Rooftop solar adoption among populations and markets outside the US and Europe–A case from Pakistan

With substantial decrease in the cost of renewable energy technologies (RETs), governments around the world stepped up efforts to transform the ways energy is produced, and the manners it is consumed. Focusing on attainment of SDG-7 through clean energy transition, the aim has been to achieve energy security as well as energy equity while reducing dependence on energy imports. Although ongoing technological breakthroughs and maturity offers promising opportunities, many developing nations are grappling with intertwined socioeconomic dynamics and policy prioritization. Under the resource-constrained financial situation, Government of Pakistan adopted prosumers’ approach to harness year-round available solar energy. Regulatory measures were accordingly instituted, and the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) were instructed to facilitate people in becoming prosumers. The adoption rates were however well short of the desired outcomes. Besides cultural and socioeconomic dynamics, human interaction with technology, and their level of awareness about related policy parameters play critical role in the technology adoption. In part, this realization led Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Pakistan to conduct a survey on the consumers’ willingness for taking up the prosumers’ role and, on the parameters contributing to their decision e.g., economic conditions, energy quality and reliability, relevant government policies, and their level of awareness about going solar. Utilizing data from the IPS survey, this study explored the linkage between consumers’ inclination to install solar energy systems and their awareness about solar photovoltaics (PV) technology, the cost factor and relevant government policies. The study revealed significant correlation between target populace’s awareness level and their willingness to become prosumers, highlighting the need for taking policy measures to enhance public awareness on relevant aspects of roof-top solar (RTS) for their due contribution towards sustainable energy solutions in Pakistan.