Barriers to Solar Photovoltaic Adoption: Findings from Household Interviews in Four Towns in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel energy, but the uptake of solar PV systems is often constrained by perceived and actual barriers. Despite South Africa’s very high solar generation potential, solar PV adoption remains low, accounting for less than 10% of the country’s energy mix. Central to renewable energy debates is making sure that the transition is equitable, affordable, and inclusive. Yet, despite high levels of inequality, there is no empirical standing on the factors hindering solar PV adoption among a socially differentiated household gradient. Using household interviews, the study investigated barriers to solar PV adoption across an income gradient in four towns located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Results showed that significantly more high-income (82%) than low-income (63%) households had considered solar PV adoption, primarily to mitigate power cuts (89%). Both income groups were constrained by financial, institutional, and social barriers, but low-income households were disproportionately affected. While 86% of high-income households cited initial financial constraints, low-income households were nearly twice as likely to worry about high maintenance costs (48% vs. 26%) and system unfamiliarity (36% vs. 14%). High-income respondents were more concerned with institutional and technical barriers, such as a lack of supportive policies and grid-feed difficulties. Nearly all (98%) low-income households lacked knowledge regarding solar PV system capacity, compared to 60% for high-income households. Altogether, the results highlight that heterogeneity matters in our understanding of barriers to solar PV adoption and should be a key consideration in designing differentiated approaches to address barriers and ensure equity in renewable energy adoption.