Community-Driven Sustainability: Investigating Social Engagement in Renewable Energy Adoption in Kuwait, Dr Altaf Albaho, Dr Ahmad Alsaber, Dr Ahmad Alansari, Amal Anbar, Dr Hassan AlFadhli, Dr Mohammad Aldekheel

Dr Altaf S. Albaho
Senior Civil Engineer, Ministry of Oil
Kuwait
ORCID: 0000-0002-9549-2081
Dr Ahmad R. Alsaber
Acting Director, American University of Kuwait
Kuwait
ORCID: 0000-0001-9478-0404
Dr Ahmad E. Alansari
Associate Professor of Interior Design, The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training
Kuwait
ORCID: 0009-0005-3836-8120
Amal Anbar
Executive Manager, Asia Consulting and Training Company
Kuwait
ORCID: 0009-0008-3508-1329
Dr Hassan M.G. AlFadhli
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Ministry of Interior
Kuwait
ORCID: 0000-0003-3824-0213
Dr Mohammad Aldekheel
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering & Petroleum
Kuwait
ORCID: 0009-0009-6193-5241

Background: The tremendous solar potential of Kuwait presents a chance to lessen the country's reliance on fossil fuels and to improve the country's more sustainable energy policies. Despite this, the general use of solar technologies is still limited due to the low cost of electricity and generous energy subsidies.

Objectives: With the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) serving as a guide, the purpose of this research is to investigate the factors that influence the intention of households in Kuwait to adopt solar energy.

Methods: This paper is a case study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire includes demographic details and details on six major constructs, i.e. social awareness, perceived economic benefits, subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention. The reliability assessment of the questionnaire was done using Cronbach’s alpha. Further, correlation analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were employed to examine the association between constructs and to compare the different demographic variables across study constructs, respectively.

Limitations of the Study: Collecting accurate household data on solar energy adoption in Kuwait presents several challenges. One major difficulty lies in the data collection process itself, as low response rates, cultural reluctance to disclose energy usage information, and the absence of centralized databases hinder the reliability of available data. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data introduces potential biases and inaccuracies, as respondents may misestimate their energy consumption, solar system performance, or cost savings due to limited access to precise monitoring tools. Furthermore, public understanding of solar energy varies widely across demographic groups, which can result in inconsistent interpretations of survey questions and misrepresentation of the actual barriers to adoption.

Originality of the Study: This research fills a critical gap by examining solar energy adoption in Kuwait’s unique socio-economic and climatic context, where electricity subsidies and extreme weather shape consumer behavior. Unlike broader regional studies, it focuses on household-level decision-making, offering targeted insights for local energy transition strategies. The use of a mixed-methods approach, centered on surveys, provides greater depth than purely quantitative analyses.

Implications: The findings of this study should be interpreted with caution, as reliance on self-reported and occasionally incomplete data may affect the overall validity and generalizability of the results. Policymakers and solar energy providers are advised to consider these limitations when developing awareness campaigns or incentive programs aimed at promoting adoption. To enhance data accuracy and reduce dependence on subjective responses, future research should incorporate objective measures such as smart meter readings and verified energy consumption records.

Results: The study results revealed significant positive correlations among constructs. ANOVA results indicated significant differences in behavioral intention and other constructs based on demographic variables. Gender differences were evident, with females reporting higher perceived economic benefits, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions than males. Participants expressing future interest in adopting solar energy reported higher scores across all psychosocial constructs compared to current users and those not interested.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that attitudes, perceived economic benefits, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are critical predictors of solar energy adoption intention among Kuwaiti households. Enhancing public awareness, promoting gender-sensitive interventions, and addressing post-adoption challenges are vital to accelerating the transition toward sustainable energy practices in Kuwait.

Keywords: Solar Energy, Theory of Planned Behavior, Hafiz Conservation Program, Sustainability, Kuwait.