Historical Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Technology Development in Iran: An Institutional Approach

This paper aims to analyze the historical evolution of solar photovoltaic technology development in Iran with an emphasis on the role of physical and hard Institutions in the period from 1991 to 2020. To this end, while examining the concept of Institution and its implications in the backgrounds and experiences of other countries. We have analyzed the role of physical (organizations) and hard Institutions (laws, policies, and regulations) and their effectiveness in the development of solar photovoltaic technology in Iran during the three main periods of development of this technology. The present study is of applied purpose and qualitative research method. Data gathering tools are semi-structured interviews and secondary data and the method of data analysis is through content analysis and axial coding. The statistical population for the expert interview is experienced in solar energy in Iran and 18 experts have been selected and interviewed by the snowball technique. Its temporal territory is between 1991 and 2020, and its spatial territory is Iran. According to the findings of this study, in the first period (1991 to 2006) the institutional focus was on familiarizing authorities with renewable energies and promoting this energy. While in the second period (2006 to 2015) the institutional focus has been shifted towards supporting the development of solar photovoltaic technology and in the third period (2015 to 2020) the institutional orientation has been directed towards creating a renewable and solar energy market in Iran.