Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Solar Energy Adoption: A Case Study of Chandigarh Region

Abstract

Purpose

As cities transition to low-carbon, rooftop solar has become a key pathway for urban growth. But the socio-economic implications of these transitions are underexplored. This study assesses the socio-economic impacts of rooftop solar adoption, identifies enablers and barriers, and provides policy recommendations for inclusive renewable energy planning, behaviourally informed governance and equitable urban sustainability.

Study Design/Methodology/Approach

Mixed-methods approach with bibliometric analysis, household surveys, expert interviews and Relative to an Identified Distribution (RIDIT) analysis. 534 household surveys across different income groups and multiple expert interviews to capture institutional and policy-level perspectives. Bibliometric analysis to establish theoretical grounding and research gaps in solar adoption studies, and thematic interviews to capture stakeholder narratives around behavioural and institutional challenges. RIDIT analysis to rank enablers and barriers and to highlight perceptual divides and adoption dynamics across socio-economic groups in the Chandigarh city region.

Findings

Community perception of solar technology and the availability of solar resource potential are the top enablers. Behavioural barriers like dependency on existing energy demand structures and reluctance to switch to new energy sources are the key constraints. Procedural delays, inefficiencies in subsidy delivery and socio-spatial inequalities are additional barriers. Despite high awareness across households, low-income and rental groups face access barriers. RIDIT values show perceptual divides across socio-economic categories and unequal opportunities in benefiting from renewable energy transitions.

Originality/Value

This study integrates RIDIT analysis with thematic stakeholder evaluation, providing a novel methodological framework for assessing the socio-economic dimensions of rooftop solar adoption. It provides region-specific insights into behavioural dynamics, social equity and institutional effectiveness in the Indian city-regional context and a replicable framework for other cities to achieve just and inclusive energy transitions.

Research Limitations/Implications

The study is limited to the Chandigarh city region and has a small sample size of expert interviews, which limits its generalizability. Future research should broaden demographic scope, include institutional audits and expand the comparative framework to increase transferability and robustness of findings.

Practical Implications

By showing inefficiencies in subsidy mechanisms and procedural delays, the study gives policymakers actionable recommendations to design interventions that increase adoption and reduce socio-spatial inequalities in renewable energy.

Social Implications

The study shows that perceptual divides and socio-economic inequalities need to be addressed in renewable energy adoption. Equitable transitions require behavioural awareness, community engagement and institutional changes to build a foundation for inclusive urban sustainability.