Exploring the impact of solar community projects for remote communities in Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of the solar community projects (SCP) on households in remote areas in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study used a mixed-methods approach, combining a household survey with in-depth interviews. A total of 219 households were selected through purposive sampling across three remote communities in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. In addition, 19 key informants, including community members, local business owners, community leaders, government officials and energy experts, were interviewed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired-samples t-test to compare conditions before and after SCP implementation, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to contextualize and enrich the quantitative findings. Findings SCP implementation is associated with perceived improvements in household income, lower electricity expenditures and increased electricity use, particularly during nighttime hours. Beneficiary communities have also experienced broader benefits, including the vital role of electricity in supporting socio-economic activities, improved access to electricity, greater adoption of electronic devices and increased productivity. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in several remote areas where the findings may not represent other remote areas across Indonesia. The involvement of local enumerators to assist respondents with low or no formal education. It may have influenced the interpretation of questions and respondents’ answers. This paper relied on respondents’ retrospective assessments of conditions before and after the SCP implementation, which may be subject to recall bias. Future research is recommended to incorporate a wider range of locations, longitudinal designs and participatory qualitative methods to reduce bias and capture more nuanced community experiences. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by presenting empirical evidence that the implementation of SCP can enhance household economic well-being through reduced electricity expenditures and increased productivity. It also demonstrates how decentralized energy can contribute to household income, employment opportunities and community resilience. In practical terms, SCP delivers socio-economic benefits to communities in remote areas through energy democracy. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and researchers seeking to develop inclusive and effective energy policies to alleviate energy poverty. Furthermore, the study contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).