Investigating willingness-to-pay to support solar energy research and development in Myanmar

Solar energy is one of the most valuable renewable sources of energy for the socioeconomic development of a nation. Despite Myanmar has abundant solar energy resources, there are some obstacles that hinder the development of solar energy in Myanmar. To this end, this study uses contingent valuation method to estimate the public willingness-to-pay for solar energy research and development in Myanmar. Based on the survey of 550 respondents, this study indicates that, on average, Myanmar residents are willing to pay an additional 1500 kyat ($1) per month per household for research and development of Myanmar's solar energy. The total annual willingness-to-pay for the research and development of solar energy in Myanmar is estimated at 198 billion kyat ($132 million). Respondents' education level, monthly household income, knowledge of energy issues, degree of concern about energy issues, and awareness of the benefits of solar energy influence their willingness-to-pay decisions, while bid prices have a significant negative impact on their willingness-to-pay decisions. In addition to these factors, this study estimates willingness-to-pays for different geographic locations in Myanmar. This study provides Myanmar authorities with useful and important insights to develop more effective renewable energy policies for solar energy development across the country.