Abstract

Access to energy is fundamental for modern society and everyday life of all people. Many of the grand global challenges presented by United Nations (UN) like no poverty, good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action, have a strong interdependence with the target of universal access to clean energy for all. These global challenges need sustainable solutions. Interdisciplinary thinking that consider the several dimensions of sustainability beyond the often-used and insufficient indicators of economic development or technological diffusion. This study presents the case of decentralized renewable solutions in Karnataka India. The diffusion of solar home lighting systems has an environmental, social and financial positive impact. This study applies the interdisciplinary framework Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) to explain the structural elements and system dynamics that creates the enabling conditions for this diffusion. The findings are concluded into five key mechanisms that induces the systems overall performance: (1) A need-based approach that allows for the customization of solutions to the need of the customer. (2) The utilization of local knowledge and authority through local champions. (3) The relentless efforts to build and maintain the personal relations with the customers, partners and employees. (4) Having a strong network with high trust and well-established channels for communication enables the diffusion of learnings and innovations in the ecosystem. (5) The work to build partnerships that is unitized through a social mission to serve the underserved forms strong connections and increases the motivation among partners and employees. Vague national and regional policies, damaged reputation for solar technologies through substandard solar products and installations, and decreased engagement from banks are identified as the key blocking mechanisms for an increased diffusion of solar home lighting systems. The identification of both the inducing and blocking mechanisms has proved the value of investigating system dynamics. Evaluating the sustainability in the methods to diffuse sustainable technologies, and not only the technology in itself is also an interesting insight from this study. The holistic analysis of enabling conditions and system dynamics is to be used to further accelerate a sustainable transition and solution for the global challenges ahead.