Factors influencing adoption of Solar technology in Lakipia North constituency, Kenya
Abstract
Solar Energy is the energy from the Sun. The Sun is a big ball of heat and light resulting from
nuclear fusion at its core. In one day, the sun sends 10,000 to 15,000 times more energy to the
earth than we can all collectively use (Msafiri 66, 2009). Solar power is the conversion of sunlight
into Electricity, either directly or using Photovoltaic panels, a method of generating electricity by
converting the suns radiation into direct current electricity using semi conductors. Kenya
envisions transforming itself into a newly-industrializing, middle-income country by 2030, with a
globally competitive and prosperous economy and high quality of life in a clean and secure
environment. To achieve this vision, energy is identified as one of the foundations and enablers of
the socio-economic transformation envisaged in the country. Only 44% of Kenyans have access
to Grid Electricity meaning Solar energy provides Kenyan government with the opportunity to
address energy challenges without the need for expensive power generation projects, transmission
and distribution networks. This objective of this study is to assess the extent to which the level of
knowledge and awareness of solar technology influences adoption of domestic solar technology,
to investigate the extent to which the level of income of households influences adoption, it also
seeks to establish the extent Education of house hold head influence adoption of solar technology
and finally to which extent the availability of substitute power source influence adoption of solar
technology in laikipia North constituency This study aims at establishing the factors that influence
the adoption of solar technology in Laikipia North constituency, a descriptive survey design will
be used in the study, a stratified random sampling was used to identify a sample and data was
collected using questionnaires and structured interview schedules. A sample of 365 households
was be studied from a target population of 6733 households; only 300 household heads responded
which represented 82,2% of the targeted. The findings indicate that the community has not
adopted much to solar technology with only 32% using solar in the region. The findings of the
study may be of use to the Ministry of Energy, to the government in general and to most Energy
Solution Companies including Kenya Power and Lighting Company as Kenya looks to achieve
vision 2030
Citation
Keriri,I.K.,2013.Factors Influencing Adoption Of Solar Technology In Lakipia North Constituency, Kenya.Publisher
University of Nairobi College of Education and External Studies
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5962]