This study applies opinion mining, chat generative pre-trained transformer, and generalised aggregated lexical tables methods to analyse the acceptance and sentiment of solar power at different levels. The findings and the original contribution involve highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence to study general acceptance.
What are cultural and societal attitudes towards solar energy?
Cultural and societal attitudes towards solar power vary across regions. In some countries, solar energy is embraced as a means of achieving energy independence and reducing environmental impact. In others, cultural norms, economic factors, and government policies influence the pace of solar adoption.
The utilization of renewable energy as a future energy resource is drawing significant attention worldwide. The contribution of solar energy (including concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic (PV) power) to global electricity production, as one form of renewable energy sources, is generally still low, at 3.6%.
The share of fossil fuels in the global energy mix have typically exceeded 60%, but the future of solar energy is looking bright.
What is the contribution of solar energy to global electricity production?
While the contribution of solar energy to global electricity production remains generally low at 3.6%, it has firmly established itself among other renewable energy technologies, comprising nearly 31% of the total installed renewable energy capacity in 2022 (IRENA, 2023).
Is solar a determinant of a low-carbon energy transition?
Public acceptance and support for solar are important determinants of the low-carbon energy transition. Opinion polls tend to indicate that solar energy enjoys a high level of socio-political acceptance and is preferred to other renewables.
What is the relationship between solar energy and culture?
Ancient Egyptians associated the sun with their god Ra, while the Inca civilization held Inti, the sun god, in high esteem. These cultural attitudes highlight the sacred connection between humanity and solar energy. As the Industrial Revolution dawned, a paradigm shift occurred.