Acceptance of Solar Technology by Farmers in Vietnam

1. Introduction

Solar energy is becoming an attractive option for farmers worldwide, especially in developing countries like Vietnam. This development not only helps reduce environmental impact but also ensures energy security and promotes sustainable economic growth. However, most studies have focused on assessing the current status and potential development of the solar power market, without exploring the needs and technology acceptance of customers (Viet et al.. 2022). This is especially important for customers in rural areas, particularly agricultural producers, who represent a significant market segment in Vietnam. To succeed in the policy development of solar technology in rural areas, the acceptance of technology by farmers ma1ers. This article will summarize a study by members of Can Tho University aimed at explaining the acceptance of solar technology among farmers in Vietnam.

Photovoltaic tunnel for shrimp farming in Vietnam: Shrimp farming in closed systems on land is a promising approach to make optimal use of land and water resources in the region.

2. Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Solar Technology

This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), supplemented with new factors such as concern for the environment, trust in technology, and supporting policies, to explain the acceptance of solar technology among farmers in Vietnam. These factors include:

1. Perceived Ease of Use: If solar technology is easy to install, use, and repair, farmers' intention to use it will be higher. Previous studies have shown that consumers are more likely to accept renewable energy sources if they are simple and easy to use.

2. Perceived Usefulness: When farmers perceive the benefits of solar technology, their intention to use it will be higher. This includes reducing energy costs and protecting the environment.

3. Perceived Behavioral Control: The control that farmers feel they have over using the technology also affects their intention to use it. This includes financial and technical capabilities to install and maintain solar energy systems. 

4. Perceived Behavioral Control: The control that farmers feel they have over using the technology also affects their intention to use it. This includes financial and technical capabilities to install and maintain solar energy systems.

5. Attitude: A positive attitude towards solar technology will promote the intention to use it. Farmers with a positive attitude towards environmental protection also tend to accept this technology.

6. Concern for the Environment: Concern for environmental protection is a factor that promotes the intention to use solar technology. Previous studies have highlighted the positive relationship between environmental concern and the acceptance of renewable energy technology.

7. Trust in Technology: Trust in the efficiency and reliability of solar technology is a crucial factor influencing the intention to use it.

8. Supporting Policies: Government support policies significantly influence household investment in solar energy systems. These policies help households perceive the capability and express the intention to invest in solar energy technology.

A solar system with a 400-kW capacity is being installed above a freshwater basin where pangasius are bred 

3. Research Findings

The study used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 248 farmers in four provinces in the Mekong Delta region. The results showed that all the above factors positively influence the intention to use solar technology among farmers. Among these factors, trust in technology had the most significant impact.

4. Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research

Although the study provides valuable insights, there are some limitations. The quota sampling and limited sample size may affect the significance of the study. Furthermore, the explanatory power for the intention to use solar technology by farmers is still limited. Future research needs to include new latent variables such as household characteristics, household resources, weather conditions, and product characteristics.

5. Conclusion

Solar energy holds great potential for improving agricultural production methods by providing a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy source. Acceptance of solar technology not only helps farmers reduce energy costs but also contributes to environmental protection and ensures energy security. This report emphasizes the importance of integrating solar energy solutions into agricultural practices to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience to climate change.

Source: (PDF) Acceptance of Solar Technology by Farmers in Vietnam (researchgate.net)