Key Stakeholders’ Perception about Adopting Solar As Primary Energy Source at Household Level: A Case Study of Peshawar City in Pakistan

Abstract

Exponential increase in population and rapid growth of urbanization has subsequently increased demand for more energy mainly being produced from fossil fuel resources that is the primary catalysts of environmental degradation especially in developing countries. Energy crisis situation coupled with the catastrophic impacts of climate change already visible, has set high time to pay due attention to making buildings self-sustained, energy efficient and with minimal dependence on fossil fuels for energy needs. The construction industry and the resulting built environment has prominent environmental impacts on global climate including high consumption and depletion of natural resources especially for building sector, which are very resource-intensive. The way buildings consume energy today has drastic direct and indirect impact on environment. Energy efficient buildings are designed for the potential to result in effective reduction in energy use by utilizing all or maximum energy from renewable energy sources thus reducing energy consumption and both direct and indirect GHG emissions. Worldwide leading green building certification systems including Pakistan GBC considers energy as the main catalyst of change. Focus on energy aspect of buildings shift to reduce emissions is possible at the least cost thus minimizing climate change and its impacts. This study examines the perception of key stakeholders in Peshawar city in adopting solar as renewable energy source at household level. Relevant data in this regard was collected through questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. Data collected was analyzed using different descriptive statistical analysis techniques such as frequencies, cross-tabulations and multi response analysis. The research questionnaire comprised of five distinct yet closely interconnected thematic areas of individual’s awareness level namely policies, initiatives, incentives & subsidies; investment and adoption of renewable energy technologies; access to information; and public choice, acceptability and reliability. xii Solar photovoltaic (PV) cell has been identified as the first preference and most common choice of solar energy application among stakeholders at household level. Solar home lighting is given second preference while solar water heater has been given has third preference. With over 98% of the people are convinced that solar energy use as renewable energy at household level can contribute to greener and cleaner lifestyle with evident socio-economic benefits. Around 94.7% of respondents believe that solar energy technology at household level is an adoptable option. More than 95% of the respondents believe that compared to fossil fuel based energy, solar energy based technologies have much lesser impact on biodiversity and environment. Based on the results critical interventions on part of different stakeholders were identified that are required for making the shift from fossil fuel based energy production to solar as renewable energy source at household level. Existing barriers are addressable and can be reduced with a coordinated effort from all key stakeholders including provincial government, public & private sector and public/community.