An Empirical Study of Solar PV Adoption and Power Generation in Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

North-East Nigeria faces acute energy poverty despite its immense solar energy potential. While the theoretical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is established, a significant gap exists in understanding the actual adoption and power generation on the ground. This study provides a critical empirical assessment of the adoption trends, power generation levels, and factors influencing the deployment of PV systems in North-East Nigeria from 1983 to 2022. Using a snowball sampling technique, primary data was collected via questionnaires administered to 250 solar engineers and marketers, the key stakeholders with expert insight into regional installation and sales. The findings reveal a trajectory of delayed adoption followed by rapid growth. PV adoption was virtually non-existent for the first two decades (1983-2002) due to a lack of awareness and economic constraints. A modest uptake began in the third decade (2003-2012), culminating in an explosive growth phase in the fourth decade (2013-2022), reaching an installed capacity of 6.305 MW. Key drivers for adoption included the desire for energy cost savings, environmental consciousness, and the need for a reliable power source amidst an unreliable national grid. However, formidable barriers persist, primarily the high initial capital cost, prevalent technical difficulties, and a critical shortage of spare parts. This study concludes that while solar PV adoption has recently accelerated, signaling a shift in perception, its sustainable expansion is critically dependent on addressing these economic and technical constraints through targeted policy interventions and market support mechanisms.