Beyond energy: Power dynamics and energy knowledge in women entrepreneurs for the adoption of solar technologies in a peri-urban community in Mexico

Abstract

The adoption of solar technologies in vulnerable communities faces social, economic, and cultural barriers that limit their appropriation and sustainability. Evaluating these processes requires methodologies that capture not only the technical benefits but also their effects on daily life. This study applies the Most Significant Change (MSC) method to analyze the experiences derived from solar technology transfer among women entrepreneurs in a peri-urban community in central Mexico. A qualitative study was conducted by collecting narratives from women who received solar technology, their family members, and academic staff involved in the technology transfer. The most significant changes were analyzed in three domains: a) power dynamics, b) energy knowledge, and c) socio-technical transformation. An axial analysis was applied to identify intersections between domains and generate a scenario of technological appropriation. The findings revealed impacts on empowerment, energy literacy, and perceptions of solar technologies. There was an increasing interest in the technical aspects of these technologies, the reconfiguration of family roles, and the integration of sustainable practices. The MSC method is confirmed as an effective tool for evaluating the social impacts of technology transfer, providing key insights for designing strategies tailored to the energy and socio-emotional needs of communities.