A stakeholder-based framework for implementing solar home systems in public housing projects in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose This study aims to develop a stakeholder-based framework for successfully implementing solar home system (SHS) programs in the public housing sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. The literature published between 2010 and 2025 was reviewed to examine existing frameworks from various countries. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 56 institutional stakeholders involved in SHS implementation in the UAE to gather insights for designing the framework’s components. In addition, focused group interviews with 24 experts helped validate the data. Findings The proposed stakeholder-based framework highlights the central role of the government as the primary stakeholder in evaluating success through defined goals and performance metrics. It incorporates the unique success factors of each stakeholder, weighted by their significance, and uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for standardized success measurement. This study identifies 50 critical success factors (CSFs) categorized into seven key areas, providing a structured approach to optimizing SHS deployment. This framework enables policymakers and practitioners to effectively assess and compare SHS programs, ensuring alignment with stakeholder objectives and regional socioeconomic and environmental conditions. Originality/value The framework offers an enhanced understanding of measuring SHS implementation in the UAE, in contrast to the simple metrics often used in practice. It provides valuable insights for improving SHS strategies, with practical and theoretical implications that empower stakeholders to assess and compare program success based on regional factors. As one of the first frameworks tailored to the UAE’s public housing sector, it is potentially applicable to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with similar political, economic, environmental and cultural conditions.