<p>The traditional approach to energy generation and utilization is unsustainable and inequitable. With the adverse effects of climate change and increased energy needs, solar energy – a key pillar of renewable generation – features the capacity to be used at both residential and industrial levels. This study, using urban households of Punjab– the northern state of India, investigates their attitude and energy behaviour towards the adoption of the Solar Home Lighting System (SHS) by using a mixed methods research design. Primary data was collected using a survey-based questionnaire from SHS adopters (<i>N</i> = 250) and non-adopters (<i>N</i> = 250) across ten districts of Punjab. The chi-square test results indicate that age, gender, education, and monthly family income of urban households are significant socio-demographic attributes that influence the attitude for energy decision-making towards adopting SHS. The results identify the drivers and inhibitors for adopters and non-adopters, measuring their disposition towards SHS adoption. Mann–Whitney U test suggested that as compared to non-adopters, adopters are more positively disposed towards SHS as they rate it greater in performance expectancy (Z = -7.310, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.000), financial motivation (Z = -8.881, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.000), environmental concern (Z = -4.140, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.000) and social influence (Z = -5.598, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.000. The research traversed the energy-efficient behaviours among domestic urban households to reduce their carbon footprint. It recommends policy measures to address the identified barriers, such as low-cost SHS loans, timely subsidies, improved design of SHS for enhanced reliability, and responsible installation by vendors, which go a long way in SHS penetration in the state.</p>