| dc.description.abstract | This study is undertaken to establish the real factors that inhibit the adoption of solar technology
in Katulani Sub-Location.
As with most renewable energy system, there are initial costs involved, which make setting
projects initially expensive, however, the savings on electricity bills in the long term should
make up for this. The technology is now 90 percent cheaper than it was in 1970s.
Solar energy once adopted can be ideal for both rural and urban areas. Solar technology can play
a crucial role in moving towards affordable net-zero energy homes and business which combines
energy produced on site. Efficient buildings with solar power generation can help reduce peak
demand and ease the need for expensive new generating capacity/transmission and distribution
as our economy grows.
Conserving and developing new sources of energy for household will save much time and money
as most of the Kenya's fuel energy is used in households. As the demographic structure of Kenya
changes, the energy needs of people also change. Although wood fuel still serves most of the
country's energy requirements, there are important differences between today's energy
consumption pattern? and traditional energy needs.
Modem living styles require more energy. Infact, simply keeping with energy requirement of
rising population makes considerable demands on the environment and economy. Today in many
places, Katulani sub-location included, energy crisis is the wood-fuel shortage hence forcing
people to rely on Agricultural waste. Women spend much time walking long distance in search
of wood fuel.
In cities, most people cook with charcoal. Wood is scarce in towns because it cannot be
economically transported over large distance. Charcoal is more convenient than wood and is
more suitable for urban use but it is expensive for those with scarce resources.
This study seeks to establish the factors that limit widespread adoption of solar as the alternative
source of energy in Katulani sub-location. The study was prompted by the fact that wood fuel is
increasingly getting depleted through human activities while other sources of energy are
expensive for most households in the rural areas. Therefore solar energy, which according to this
study has been found to be sufficiently available should be adopted by all households in order to
cater for domestic demands.
The study was carried out in Katulani sub-location of Kitui District. Katulani location has
sunshine throughout the year thus making it ideal for solar usage. This location is found in the
surburbs of Kitui town enabling anybody wishing to procure solar panels and other accessories
conveniently. Out of 1000 homesteads, a purposeful sample of 100 respondents was selected and
used for the study. This represented 10% of the population.
Major findings of the study reveal that 75% of those interviewed do not use solar energy in their
homes. Relatives and friends 43.75%, newspaper and advertisements (38.75%), neighbours 30%
are very instrumental in creating awareness. The main reason for none adoption of solar
technology is the cost associated with its installation. Around 51.75% said that the cost of
installation" the actual purchase of panels and other accessories is way beyond their means. Lack
of skilled personnel to install the technology was also cited as a factor contributing to slow
adoption of the technology.
Data was collected using interview guides, observations and review of the relevant information
on solar energy adoption. The data collected was tabulated, frequencies drawn and analysed
using simple statistical methods such as average (mean), percentages and presented using bar
charts, pie charts and histogram.
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations have been made: the
reduction of the cost of solar panels, training of human resources to handle the installation and
maintenance, increase awareness campaign through the use of folk media, offer credit facilities
to stimulate purchase, demonstration of solar technology, offer after sale services and encourage
women participation in the adoption process. | en |
