Transitioning to sustainable energy systems is vital to combat ecological decline and ensure long-term environmental health. Solar power, with its abundant, clean potential, is key in replacing conventional energy. Engineering students, as future innovators, must embrace solar solutions, their awareness and attitudes critically influence project success. Cultivating informed advocates within this group accelerates renewable adoption, driving industrial progress toward global sustainability goals. This study evaluates engineering students’ readiness to adopt solar energy projects at three Bahraini universities, identifying key motivators (environmental concerns, cost savings, technological interest) and barriers (high costs, limited awareness, curricular gaps). Findings reveal optimism about solar energy’s climate impact and emphasize social media’s role in raising awareness. Recommendations include policy reforms, curriculum integration, hands-on projects, and financial incentives to strengthen engagement. Broader engineering contexts highlight the importance of innovation competitions and accessibility initiatives. Addressing these elements can advance student participation and accelerate solar adoption in academic and community settings © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

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