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.