Photovoltaic solar energy and sustainability in higher education institutions: a multiple case study

Purpose: to identify which Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Metropolitan Region of Cariri (MRC) use photovoltaic solar energy, then analyze sustainability measures used by HEIs, correlating them with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
 Design/methodology/approach: a case study, where secondary data source and analysis technique is bibliographic documentary.
 Findings: four HEIs energy (22.22%) MRC from total 18 revealing predominance public (75%) over private (25%). The systems are new have been installed within last five years. simple average payback found 4.9 study showed that other universities worldwide, this period varies 3 14.29 Average monthly generation ranges 18,000 kWh almost 115,000 kWh. Goal 7 was observed all 1 using SDGs.
 Research, practical social implications: Results reveal major motivation for implementing these environmental social, not economic, also HEIs. Since it region high potential renewable results intended encourage debate among identified adopt solution.
 Originality/value: has an enormous capacity positive influence on society bridge between research, practice, knowledge dissemination. large educational structure, can significantly contribute meeting SDG. This article demonstrates structure impacts adopting HEIs.
 Keywords: Development; Universities; Renewable Energy;