The geography of sustainability transition and materiality: grid-tied solar photovoltaic technology in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The geography of sustainability transition (GeoST) literature views solar photovoltaic (PV) as an off-the-shelf, footloose, absolute technology for bringing about a technological shift in locations with highsolar irradiation. Herein, I argue against viewing solar technology in these ways, highlighting thatconsideration should also be given to the configuration of solar PV that suits the contextual conditions.To this end, I offer empirical evidence for the need to approach solar PV diffusion through a relationalperspective. Accordingly, different solar PV technology formats may become necessary for its successfulimplementation in diverse contexts. Supportive empirical evidence comes from Sri Lanka’s large-scalegrid-tied solar PV implementation. I conclude the paper with an analytical consideration of theinfluence of material factors as being as important within GeoST as that of intangible factors, and thattechnological shift should be pursued within a location’s contextual relational materiality.