Abstract

This study investigates the key factors influencing the social acceptance of solar energy technologies, aiming to develop a policy and practice framework from a socio-political perspective. While previous research has identified various factors, it has often overlooked the role of policy interventions. By employing Transition Management theory, this study maps these factors and emphasizes the importance of learning and policy adaptation in the energy transition process. Solar energy, known for its cost-effectiveness and potential to stabilize electricity costs, remains relatively unfamiliar to many at the local level despite its global technological maturity. This research consolidates fragmented findings from 46 articles published between 2013 and 2023, highlighting the primary determinants of social acceptance of solar technology. The key findings underscore the importance of environmental and economic concerns, as well as the roles of knowledge, information, awareness, and socio-demographic factors. This study contrasts with previous research that has predominantly focused on other renewable energy sources like biogas, wind, and hydropower.

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

9-1-2025

Volume

61

Publication Title

Energy Strategy Reviews

Publisher

Elsevier

School

School of Business and Law

RAS ID

83680

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Comments

Osei, J., Brown, K., & Nejati, M. (2025). Understanding the factors affecting social acceptance of solar energy technologies. Energy Strategy Reviews, 61, 101861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2025.101861

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1016/j.esr.2025.101861