Factors Influencing Performance Of Solar Energy Project

Abstract

Project failure in mainstream project management has received a lot more attention than project performance; there are quite some significant studies on factors that impact project performance. The objective of the study was to establish the factors influencing performance of solar energy projects: a case of Remba-Homabay County, Kenya. The specific objectives were be to establish the extent to which economic factors influences performance of solar energy projects in Remba-Homabay County, to determine how government involvement in renewable energy projects influence performance of solar energy projects in Remba-Homabay County, to examine the extent to which stakeholder participation influence performance of solar energy projects in Remba-Homabay County, and to determine how project management influence performance of solar energy projects in Remba-Homabay County. This study utilized descriptive survey research design. The population for this study was 400 respondents who included the three-project manager, community member, and ministry representative who are involved in the implementation and performance of projects in Remba-Homabay County. This study adopted the stratified sampling technique. The sample size will be 120 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive statistics data analysis method was applied to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Information obtained from the questionnaires was processed through editing and coding and then entered into a computer for analysis using descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study also employed a regression model to study the influence of project maintenance, government involvement, stakeholder participation, and project management on solar energy projects. The regression method was useful for its ability to test the nature of influence of independent variables on a dependent variable. The study found that economic factors influence the performance of solar energy projects. The study further established that there is limited policy support for solar energy projects as shown by minimum budget allotment to renewable which has greatly influenced the success of the projects. The study also established that establishment and success of any renewable energy technology is dependent to a great extent, on the government existing policy. The study found that any stakeholder engagement mechanism requires some form of common, transparent way of providing timely information to all sectors before policy decisions are final. On the extent to which economic factors influences performance of solar energy projects in Remba-Homabay County, the study concluded that solar energy projects as shown by minimum budget allotment to renewable which has greatly influenced the success of the projects. On government involvement in renewable energy projects influence performance of solar energy projects in Remba-Homabay County, the study concluded that establishment and success of any renewable energy technology is dependent to a great extent, on the government existing policy. The study recommended that The Government should consider zero rating tax on solar equipment so as to influence lower pricing thus making it more affordable for purchase and installation of solar system. This would be of assistance especially for the people living in the rural areas.