Estimation And Comparison Of Carbon Footprint With And Without Use Of Solar Photovoltaic System And Their Social Acceptance In Islamabad

Abstract

Pakistan is dealing with a significant energy crisis and the problems of climate change, all while confronting rising fossil fuel prices. Meeting the rising demand for electricity becomes increasingly difficult. This situation emphasizes the necessity for research and development methods to apply alternative green energy solutions. By addressing these difficulties, Pakistan hopes to reduce the effects of the climate catastrophe while moving to a more sustainable energy future. The goals of this research are to: (i) give a comparison of a household's carbon footprint from grid energy usage against solar photovoltaic - grid electricity mix; and (ii) investigate the social acceptability of solar technology in Islamabad. Data from a selected family in Islamabad were collected to calculate the carbon footprint. These records contained power bills and information about the solar photovoltaic system placed in the home. To assess the social acceptability of solar technology in Islamabad, a specially constructed questionnairebased study was conducted in several residential areas of the city. The investigation showed a 95.29 percent reduction in carbon footprint at the consumption endpoint. As a result, installing solar technology for power generation reduces carbon emissions more effectively than using grid electricity alone. Although 85 percent of the selected families want to improve the city's environment and switch to solar technologies, they are hesitant to invest in solar technology due to financial and operational complexity. The thesis concludes by making policy proposals to address identified barriers.