Perceptions of households on the adoption on solar energy and tax

Climate change constitutes a significant challenge globally, affecting various aspects of society and the environment. With global temperatures rising by 1.1°C between 1901 and 2020, climate change encompasses more than just temperature increases; it includes rising sea levels and disruptions to weather patterns. Fossil fuel usage, a significant contributor to climate change, is prevalent globally, including in South Africa, providing 80% of electricity. Governments implemented policies, such as green taxes and incentives, to encourage renewable energy source adoption. South Africa, encountering electricity supply issues and volatile economic activity from power outages, delineated a vision for renewable energy adoption supported by strategies, such as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP). Despite progress, challenges persist, emphasised by apprehensions about the brief duration of incentives and restrictions on tax credits for solar energy systems. The study aimed to explore the renewable energy landscape while focusing on the effect of green taxes and incentives on adopting renewable energy sources, specifically solar.

This research aimed to investigate the effect of green taxes and tax incentives on renewable energy adoption in South Africa through a methodologically robust approach. Positivist and interpretivist perspectives were combined. The study used a mixed-methods design, employing quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data collection involved online questionnaires and diverse sampling techniques to collect insights from South Africans. The study's cross-sectional time horizon allowed for examining attitudes towards renewable energy adoption, contributing valuable insights for policy decisions. With a systematic approach and ethical considerations, this research attempted to provide a comprehensive understanding while informing energy policy and sustainability initiatives in South Africa. The data was collected by employing a public survey through the use of a questionnaire as data collection method.

Despite the moderate positive association observed in the symmetric measures, the chi-square tests indicate that this association is statistically insignificant. This discrepancy implies that solar system owners tend to express a more significant interest in investing in renewable energy technologies; however, the data alone may not definitively rule out chance as a factor. The findings emphasise the complex interaction between policy interventions and technological adoption in the renewable energy sector. While South Africa has progressed in promoting renewable energy, sustained efforts are needed to overcome barriers and maximise the benefits of diverse energy sources.