The decision of using solar power in Phuket

Abstract

The study objectives were to 1) study the acceptance of solar energy usage 2) study the factors or reasons for the decision to invest in solar rooftop installation in household and business sectors  and 3) to be a guideline for planning and decision making to develop the use of solar energy as a renewable energy in the provinces in Phuket. This is a qualitative research for five key informants were represented by businesses and households with in-depth, focused interviews. The data collection in Phuket area between 1 March -5 June 2021 The results found that people have a positive attitude towards using solar energy. People see the benefits of switching to solar energy in reducing dependency on power plants and actually reducing costs but the factors or reasons for the decision were the expensive initial investment and concerns about the after-sales service of the installation company and the unclear and discrete policies of the government. As for the provincial approach to developing solar energy as a renewable energy. It has enough potential to develop alongside Smart City but requires good cooperation between the government and the private sector that may be involved in the whole system. The suggestion is should increase the study of funding sources for loans that offer low interest rates to encourage the private and household sectors to have access to electricity in emergencies In the next study and it should be studied what the appropriate rate of purchase of excess electricity should be find out the rate of purchase of electricity or methods of purchase that will benefit the society as a whole.