Access to energy is crucial not only for well-being of people but also for the socio-economic development of a region. In the wake of frequent power outages, a large number of people in Swat have installed solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels for meeting their energy needs. As success and optimality of any system can be best gauged through user’s perception, this study analysed the offgrid solar system in terms of its affordability, practicability, sustainability and socio-economic benefits. The study also investigated barriers in the diffusion of solar energy. Case study method has been used in this research. Data was collected from three villages of Tehsil Babuzai, District Swat. Findings of the study shows strong social acceptance for the solar PV technology. Majority of respondents in this study considered the maintenance cost of the technology affordable nevertheless installation cost was cited as a major challenge. Proper market for solar energy appliances has developed in the region. People have shifted partial loads unto their PV system and still rely on conventional energy for using heavy load appliances. Significant positive social and environmental impacts of solar energy were found in this study however economic impacts were not very obvious. A large percentage of PV users evaluated the technology as sustainable. A higher satisfaction level and a desire to continue with solar energy has been indicated. Willingness for installing solar PV technology exists among the non- PV users but lack of government support and economic constraints were cited as major barriers in its adoption. The momentum toward energy access through solar electrification could thus be accelerated with the help of financial and fiscal supports such as subsidized provision of PV panels and access to soft loans for installation of the technology. Supervisor:- Dr Iftikhar Ahmad