Exploring the Economic and Socioeconomic Factors that Influence the Adoption and Use of Renewable Energy Technologies Among SMEs in Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

This study looks at what makes small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Peshawar, Pakistan take up and use renewable energy tech. Even though there's a lot of sunlight and not enough electricity, less than 5% of these businesses use renewable energy because of money issues, how people feel about it, and the rules in place.
We used surveys from 250 SMEs and talked to 15 business owners, sellers, and people who make the rules to get our info. The numbers showed that big initial costs, not having enough money, and high-interest rates were the biggest problems. But knowing about renewable energy, thinking it’s useful, and getting training made businesses want to use it more. What people told us showed that wrong ideas, what others think, how hard the tech is to use, and slow rules also get in the way. SMEs that did use renewable energy said they saved money on energy and could stay open longer.
The study says we need to give money to businesses that want to use renewable energy, tell people why it’s a good idea, train everyone (including women), and make the rules easier so more SMEs use renewable energy and grow in a way that doesn’t hurt the planet.