Social acceptance of solar energy technology in India

Social acceptance is important for large scale implementation of new technologies such as renewable energy technology. Positive public opinion/participation is a must for adoption of technology such as solar energy technology and implementation of government policies. In this paper the public opinion of the people of three villages (Gajner, Kolayat and Nokha) on solar energy technology is discussed. The three villages are situated near Bikaner town of Rajasthan, India. These villages are in the proximity of number of solar power plants. The survey is based on “Qualitative and Quantitative” methodology to explore public opinion and impact of technology on their day to day life. The study concerned is about survey of 172 persons, who are residing near solar PV power plants in these villages. The questionnaire contains 14 questions to every person and answers have been obtained after interviewing them personally. This sample study shows that about 91.27% residents are in favour of establishment of new solar power plant near their agriculture fields and 91% respondents would like to install roof top solar panels for their domestic power needs. 89% respondents of these villages believed that this power plant provides electricity and job opportunities. However 7% opined that solar power plant is not beneficial for them.