Determinants of Solar Energy Demand among Households in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the prospect of solar energy demand in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria, using primary data obtained through snowball sampling method collected between June and July 2022. The study employed descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Square, and logistic regressions to achieve its objectives. The result showed that 73% of the household heads are male, with 30% of them as businessmen. In addition, 80% are married; while 47% have a first degree. Most have income between N50, 000 and above. Most of them installed solar of N5, 00 000 to N 1, 000 000. The reasons for solar demand include poor electricity supply (32%), convenience (32%), comfortability (29%) and affordability (7%). About 70% of the respondents have been using solar for 2 to 4 years. Similarly, 75% and 80% reported that their electricity bills and generator maintenance cost have declined from N10, 000 and above to N5, 000 or less monthly after solar installation. The 95% of the respondents are satisfied with solar energy with the level of their Income, convenience and education on solar energy positively influencing their solar energy demand at 5%, 5%, and 10% respectively. In addition, the duration of solar power supply by the appliances, affordability of solar energy equipment as well as the comfort its provides coupled with the poor electricity supply in the study area positively and significantly influence solar energy demand at 5%, 5%, 10% and 5% respectively while reliability of the solar equipment negatively influences solar energy demand. Moreover, income is the most important determinant of solar energy demand with households that spent more on solar energy installation are more satisfied. Therefore, the study recommends policies that improve income, reduce the cost of solar installation and create more awareness of the advantages of solar power.