Geh, N; Emuze, F and Das, D K (2023) Drivers of solar photovoltaic deployment in South African public universities: A Delphi study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 12(2), pp. 407-434. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: Solar photovoltaic energy is the fastest growing renewable energy in South Africa, and deployment at public universities is critical in order to meet the high energy demand on campuses in a more sustainable manner. To promote and support deployment, it is necessary to know the factors that drive adoption of the technology. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the factors which engender deployment of photovoltaic energy in public universities in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: Through an extensive literature review, the factors which drive photovoltaic energy deployment were identified and a three round Delphi survey was conducted for panellists to rate the drivers. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 27, and the mean and inter-quartile range values were used to identify the significant drivers within the public university sector. Findings: The findings suggested that the deployment of photovoltaic energy is engendered by the direct and indirect benefits, social influences and the relative advantage of photovoltaic energy usage. For instance, universities install photovoltaic energy because of the financial gains that are made through reduction of energy cost. The deployment is also motivated by the reduction of energy-related greenhouse gases, enhancement of university sustainability performance, and the contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value: A significant contribution to the body of knowledge regarding the drivers of photovoltaic energy deployment has been made in the paper from the perspective of a public university. The contribution fills the knowledge gap in South Africa by contributing valuable information to enable decision-makers to gain better understanding of the key issues that call for more attention in promoting and supporting photovoltaic energy deployment in the sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | campus sustainability; Delphi study; drivers; renewable energy; solar photovoltaic; South Africa |
| Index terms: | methodology, body of knowledge, South Africa, greenhouse gas, renewable energy, energy cost, literature review, photovoltaic, sustainable development goal, public university, Delphi method, relative advantage, energy demand, Delphi survey, sustainability performance |
| Subjects: | educational institutions, cost management, sustainability assessment, research methods, Geography, sustainable design, data analysis and analytics, knowledge management, energy systems, data collection methods, climate science, innovation studies |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management, Sustainability, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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