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Assessing Enablers and Barriers to Off-Grid Solar Electrification in Urban Ghana

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Off-Grid Solar Electrification in Africa

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Abstract

Grid hydro-generated and thermal electricity are the main sources of electricity in Ghana. Yet the dynamics of population growth and the inability of the state to expand existing grid-electricity infrastructure has mounted pressure on existing systems. This has led to the inconsistent supply of electricity. Furthermore, with climate change concerns, there have been calls to adopt sustainable electricity technologies such as off-grid solar technologies that provide energy access while tackling environmental issues. This chapter explores the enablers and barriers to the adoption of off-grid solar technologies in urban Ghana. Using partial least squares (PLS) regression structural equation modelling, we reveal that several factors such  as the availability of solar products on the market, affordability, government incentives, product quality and recommendations from other users played a crucial role in people’s decision regarding adoption of off-grid solar technologies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China

    Wilson Kodwo McWilson

  2. Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, China

    Gloria Mensah

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  1. International Development Studies, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Nathanael Ojong

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McWilson, W.K., Mensah, G. (2022). Assessing Enablers and Barriers to Off-Grid Solar Electrification in Urban Ghana. In: Ojong, N. (eds) Off-Grid Solar Electrification in Africa. Energy, Climate and the Environment. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13825-6_10

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