Sustainable Energy And Social Engagement: An Analytical Study on Evaluating Surya Ghar Implementation in Rural Coimbatore
Abstract
This study explores the intersection of sustainable energy adoption and social engagement through an analytical evaluation of the Surya Ghar scheme in rural Coimbatore. The Surya Ghar initiative, launched to promote rooftop solar installations, aims to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources while fostering community participation in renewable energy transitions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates levels of public awareness, socio-economic factors influencing adoption, and the role of government incentives in shaping rural energy practices. Findings highlight both opportunities and challenges: while awareness campaigns have improved knowledge of solar energy benefits, barriers such as upfront costs, technical expertise, and cultural perceptions continue to affect adoption rates. The study underscores the importance of integrating social engagement strategies with policy frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable energy transitions in rural communities.
Keywords: Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Adoption, Public Awareness, Sustainable Development, Rural Energy Access, Surya Ghar Initiative
References
- [1] Balcombe, P., Rigby, D., & Azapagic, A. (2014). Investigating the importance of motivations and barriers related to microgeneration uptake in the UK. Applied Energy, 130, 403–418.
- [2] Bhattacharyya, S. C. (2012). Energy access programmes and sustainable development: A critical review and analysis. Energy for Sustainable Development, 16(3), 260–271.
- [3] Islam, T. (2014). Household level innovation diffusion model of photovoltaic (PV) adoption in developing countries. Energy Policy, 65, 675–683.
- [4] Painuly, J. P. (2001). Barriers to renewable energy penetration; a framework for analysis. Renewable Energy, 24(1), 73–89.
- [5] Rai, V., & Robinson, S. A. (2013). Effective information channels for reducing costs of environmentally-friendly technologies: Evidence from residential PV adoption. Environmental Research Letters, 8(1), 014044.
- [6] Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York: Free Press.
- [7] Sovacool, B. K., & Ryan, S. E. (2016). The geography of energy and energy transitions. Energy Research & Social Science, 18, 1–4.
- [8] Zhang, X., Wang, K., & Zhou, M. (2012). Determinants of residential photovoltaic adoption in urban China. Energy Policy, 43, 116–123.
- [9] Government of India. (2024). Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – Official Guidelines and Scheme Documents. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Explore Our Related Journals
Looking for the right journal for your next manuscript? Explore our international peer-reviewed journals covering engineering, management, computer science, artificial intelligence and multidisciplinary research.