ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC UTILIZATION FOR ENERGY SERVICES IN SELECTED HOUSING ESTATES IN AKURE, ONDO STATE

Abstract

This study assessed the current status of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) for energy services among selected housing estates in Akure, Ondo state. It also assessed the share of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) in the energy mix for various energy services as well as investigated the factors influencing solar PV utilization among selected housing estates in Akure, Ondo state. The study employed a survey research design. Three housing estates in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria formed the study areas. The study was conducted between June 2019 and July 2019. The study surveyed 292 households located in the three residential estates in Akure, Ondo State and 219 retrieved questionnaire were found usable for the analysis. Model for Analysis of Demand for Energy (MADE-II) was used to analyse the primary data for the first and second objectives. Mean ranking was used to analyzed data on factors influencing utilization. The results showed that the current contribution of solar PV in energy demand split for the estates was still very low with a total share of 7.3%. Its usage level constituted an insignificant share of 27.2%, 59.6%, 16.3%, and 6.9% for the total lighting, computing/internet, entertainment, and ventilation services requirement respectively. It also revealed that the highest ranking factor influencing utilization of Solar PV for energy services is that Solar PV is a good backup against power failure. This is as a result of the erratic power supply in Nigeria which has not only failed to meet the need of household but also hampered economic growth. However, the least ranking factor influencing solar PV utilization for energy services is Ability to sell electricity to the national grid. The study revealed that amount of CO2 emission saved ranges from 3.645 – 25.515 tons per hour. The study concluded that utilization of solar PV as an energy source for energy service ensure access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The research recommended that government support for solar PV intervention should be further encouraged. Cooperation between private enterprises and relevant government agencies supported by political will is required to promote the aforementioned factors influencing the solar PV utilization for energy services in Nigeria. Keywords: Solar photovoltaic; energy services; energy supply; renewable energy; residential; sustainable development.