Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province

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dc.contributor.advisorTerblanche, Rolien
dc.contributor.authorChauke, Hlulani
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-19T09:59:29Z
dc.date.available2026-06-19T09:59:29Z
dc.date.issued2026
dc.date.updated2026-06-19T09:52:09Z
dc.description.abstractThis study explores the barriers to the adoption of solar energy technologies in the subtropical fruit producers operating in the Tzaneen region Limpopo Province South Africa. The objective of this study is to identify the barriers to solar technology adoption in agriculture. Fruit producers were used as a sample, and interviews were conducted with eight producers to provide qualitative data and validate the experiences and perspectives of the producers themselves. The findings also identify several significant barriers including substantial initial costs, insufficient technical support and lack of awareness about available subsidies. Moreover, socio-economic factors and reliance on the national grid inhibit movement to renewable energy sources. Producers acknowledge the potential long-term benefits of solar energy; however acute financial limitations continue to pose a substantial obstacle to its adoption. With this study, the knowledge of renewable energy usage in agricultural practices has advanced which will offer helpful information for decision-makers and rural extension services. This underscores some of the unique challenges faced by Tzaneen region producers and reflects the need for tailored supporting mechanisms that can promote sustainable energy use and ultimately strengthen agricultural resilience and sustainability.
dc.identifier.apacitationChauke, H. (2026). <i>Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province</i>. (). Unversity of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment ,Department of Construction Economics and Management. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43333en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationChauke, Hlulani. <i>"Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province."</i> ., Unversity of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment ,Department of Construction Economics and Management, 2026. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43333en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationChauke, H. 2026. Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province. . Unversity of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment ,Department of Construction Economics and Management. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43333en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Chauke, Hlulani AB - This study explores the barriers to the adoption of solar energy technologies in the subtropical fruit producers operating in the Tzaneen region Limpopo Province South Africa. The objective of this study is to identify the barriers to solar technology adoption in agriculture. Fruit producers were used as a sample, and interviews were conducted with eight producers to provide qualitative data and validate the experiences and perspectives of the producers themselves. The findings also identify several significant barriers including substantial initial costs, insufficient technical support and lack of awareness about available subsidies. Moreover, socio-economic factors and reliance on the national grid inhibit movement to renewable energy sources. Producers acknowledge the potential long-term benefits of solar energy; however acute financial limitations continue to pose a substantial obstacle to its adoption. With this study, the knowledge of renewable energy usage in agricultural practices has advanced which will offer helpful information for decision-makers and rural extension services. This underscores some of the unique challenges faced by Tzaneen region producers and reflects the need for tailored supporting mechanisms that can promote sustainable energy use and ultimately strengthen agricultural resilience and sustainability. DA - 2026 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - solar energy KW - subtropical fruit producers KW - Tzaneen region KW - Limpopo Province KW - adoption challenges KW - renewable energy KW - financial barriers KW - agricultural sustainability. LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - Unversity of Cape Town PY - 2026 T1 - Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province TI - Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43333 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/43333
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationChauke H. Examining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province. []. Unversity of Cape Town ,Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment ,Department of Construction Economics and Management, 2026 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43333en_ZA
dc.language.isoen
dc.language.rfc3066eng
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Construction Economics and Management
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
dc.publisher.institutionUnversity of Cape Town
dc.subjectsolar energy
dc.subjectsubtropical fruit producers
dc.subjectTzaneen region
dc.subjectLimpopo Province
dc.subjectadoption challenges
dc.subjectrenewable energy
dc.subjectfinancial barriers
dc.subjectagricultural sustainability.
dc.titleExamining the challenges to the adoption of solar energy technologies by subtropical fruit producers in the Tzaneen Region in Limpopo Province
dc.typeThesis / Dissertation
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMSc
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