Abstract
This study focused on solar energy adoption in the business environment. The study examined the effect of solar energy adoption on competitiveness and resource preservation, the effect of solar energy investment on innovativeness, and the effect of ESG compliance on ecosystem protection, sustainable production, and environmental responsibility. The study applied a survey research design. Purposive sampling techniques were adopted. The study covered nine clusters illustrating the rural areas of the Niger Delta, with a sample size of 250 participants using a snowball sampling technique. The study used regression analysis to perform hypothesis testing. Findings showed that adoption of solar energy has a positive effect on competitiveness and resource preservation, and that solar energy investment has a strong, positive, and significant effect on innovativeness. Findings indicated that ESG compliance has a strong, positive, and significant effect on ecosystem protection, sustainable production, and environmental responsibility. The study recommended that policymakers and development institutions should focus on increasing the popularity of solar energy projects among small business enterprises, especially in rural areas.