Solar PV Adoption in Practice: Lessons Learned from Two Case Studies Towards Green Industry Practice

Industries worldwide are increasingly transitioning toward cleaner energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance operational sustainability, aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into electricity, generating neither emissions nor hazardous pollutants, making it one of the most practical alternatives to traditional fossil fuels for energy generation. Such technology offers cost-effective and decarbonising potential, making it relevant for green industrial practice. Malaysia has the potential to harness solar power due to its location near the equator, which allows for a high level of solar radiation throughout the year. Malaysia has announced its commitment to becoming a Low Carbon Nation Aspiration in 2040, and the effort towards promoting the use of renewable energy, including solar, has been extensively endeavoured. Various incentives, such as Net Energy Metering (NEM), have been introduced to promote the adoption of PV. However, a noticeable gap exists in the literature on solar PV adoption. Most studies have focused on residential usage and purposes, with little attention paid to uptake among business and industrial entities. Thus, this exploratory study addresses this gap by examining two real-world cases, a high-tech machinery manufacturing company and a family-owned rice milling business, both operating in energy-intensive sectors. Such findings are essential to shed light on why businesses initiate solar PV adoption. Through thematic analysis guided by the technology-organisational-environment (TOE) framework, the study reveals the key reasons behind solar PV adoption: top management as a critical driver of innovation, innovative personal traits of top management, strategic approach, perceived return on investment, and customer support. This research offers novel insights into the technological, organisational, and environmental drivers of solar PV adoption in the Malaysian business context. The study provides practical implications for policymakers and industry managers in shaping targeted strategies to accelerate solar PV adoption, promote industrial sustainability, and support Malaysia’s broader energy transition agenda.