Abstract

Author:
Md Mehedi Hasan Emon

Doi: 10.26480/egnes.02.2023.105.111

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Solar technology has gained significant attention as a promising renewable energy source to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and perception of solar technology among the general population. A survey was conducted among a diverse sample of respondents, and data were collected on their awareness, knowledge, perceived benefits, barriers to adoption, and factors influencing acceptance of solar technology. The findings revealed that while a considerable proportion of respondents had some level of knowledge about solar technology, there is room for improvement in increasing awareness and knowledge. Media was the most common source of awareness, but other potential sources, such as education, friends, family, and community-based initiatives, can play a significant role. The benefits of solar technology were recognized, but barriers to adoption, including cost, availability, and lack of awareness, were identified. Socio-demographic factors, such as age, education, and income, were found to influence perception and use of solar technology. Based on the findings, collaborative efforts among media, educational institutions, government, NGOs, and communities should be made to increase awareness and knowledge about solar technology, particularly targeting segments of the population with lower knowledge levels. Additionally, measures such as financial incentives, subsidies, and maintenance services should be considered to address the barriers to adoption. The study underscores the importance of increasing awareness, knowledge, and favorable perceptions of solar technology to promote its wider adoption for a sustainable energy future.