Distributed Photovoltaic Adoption Intentions Among Small Businesses in Colombia and Implications for Energy Policy

The expansion of distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation offers new opportunities for small businesses, yet the mechanisms linking organizational conditions and managerial evaluations to PV adoption intentions remain poorly understood, particularly in emerging economies. This study examines PV adoption intention among Colombian micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) by integrating the Technology acceptance model (TAM) and the Technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. Survey data from 334 organizational decision-makers across industrial, service, agricultural, and hospitality sectors were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), complemented by out-of-sample prediction and importance–performance map analysis (IPMA). All hypothesized relationships were statistically significant, although the direct effect of senior management support was modest. Overall, the model explained 36% of the variance in adoption intention. Attitude toward PV systems was the strongest direct predictor of adoption intention (β = 0.58), while perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were key antecedents of attitude. Technological compatibility and energy cost pressure positively influenced perceived usefulness, whereas top management support had a smaller direct effect on adoption intention. Overall, the findings show that organizational and contextual conditions shape PV adoption through distinct pathways, suggesting that solar energy policies aimed at small businesses should complement financial support with measures that strengthen the perceived value, compatibility, and manageability of distributed PV systems.