Explaining the Factors Affecting the Possibility of Solar Energy Utilization in the Agricultural Sector from the Viewpoints of Agriculture Jahad Experts (Case Study: Maragheh County)

This research was conducted with the aim of studying the effective requirements for the application of solar energy in the agricultural sector from the viewpoint of agricultural experts in Maragheh to protect the environment and sustainable development of agriculture as one of the sustainability dimensions. The present research is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of data collection is non-experimental. The statistical population of the study consisted all of experts in Agriculture Jahad Organization of Maragheh county (N= 40). Professors of agricultural extension and education confirmed the validity of the questionnaire and its reliability calculated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In this research, the dependent variable includes the possibility of using solar energy in the agricultural sector and the independent variables including personal and professional characteristics of experts and information-support, policy, technology-cost, attitude, psychological, support and educational. Data analysis was done at descriptive level (percentage, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation) and inferential (correlation and regression). The results of the research show that there is a positive and significant relationship between work experience, information requirements, policy, educational, technology-cost, attitude, psychological and supportive with the possibility of using solar energy in agriculture. The results of multiple regression analysis show that variables of information, policy, and educational, technology-cost, attitude, psychological and supportive requirements have a positive role in the possibility of using solar energy in agriculture and 66% of the changes in the dependent variable are explained. According to the results of the research, it is recommended that the government support the adoption of appropriate policies, appropriate rules and financial resources, the provision of special facilities and low-cost loans for renewable energy projects in rural areas and agriculture.