Socio-economic Impacts of Photovoltaic Solar Installation and Use: a Case Study of Borabu Division in Nyamira County

Abstract

This project investigated and assessed the productive use and spread of solar PV (photovoltaic) systems among rural population of Borabu solar home systems and medium enterprises. It analyzed sustainability aspects of productive solar PV usage and the future prospects for this type of activities. As the situation is today there is a lack of electricity in a major part of the country and there is a big need for rural electrification. In recent years there has been a lot of effort and money put into the solar PV industry in order to achieve a higher quality of life for the rural poor. One of the goals except for producing electricity, has been to achieve a self-sustaining market where solar PV are used for generate income in rural areas, i.e. productive use of solar PVs. The main objective of the study was to assess social-economic impacts of photovoltaic solar installation and use. Specific objectives were to determine the impact of governmental organizations in Photovoltaic solar installation and usage in Kenya, Borabu Division; to evaluate the environmental impact of Photovoltaic solar installation and usage in Kenya, Borabu Division; to assess the climatic impact of Photovoltaic solar installation and usage in Kenya, Borabu Division; and to assess the impact of costs in the installation of PV panels in Kenya, Borabu Division. This research study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The study targeted a population of 58,079 persons in Nyamira County, Borabu Division. A sample size of 30 households was used for this study. Primary data was gathered directly from the households using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). From the findings, the study found out that persistent governmental impacts have significantly affected the installation and use of Photovoltaic solar system among household residents. It found out that existing environmental impacts have significantly affected the installation and use of Photovoltaic solar system among household residents. It further found out that changes of climatic conditions have significantly affected the installation and use of Photovoltaic solar system among household residents. It finally found out that high costs of installing PV solar system have significantly affected the installation and use of Photovoltaic solar system among household residents. The study concluded that the environmental impact had a great impact on the installation and use of PV solar system in the location. It also concluded that cost is a factor that has impacted the installation and use of solar in Borabu location, Nyamira County. The study recommended that a consistent PV strategy be in place on ambitious and long-term targets, a clearly defined implementation Programme and a well-conceived mix of instruments will become the groundwork for success. The basic requirement for each PV policy framework is its longevity and stability.