Motives for solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption in urban Nigeria

Abstract Microgeneration technologies like residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been shown to have immense potential for energy security and climate change mitigation. At over 50% private power systems ownership, the majority of urban Nigerian households rely on conventional self-generation utilising expensive petrol and diesel-powered generators. Despite the high upfront costs of a sizeable PV module, some households are choosing such sustainable alternative power. This paper investigates the motives for PV adoption in urban Nigeria following innovation diffusion and adoption theories. Using interviews, PV adopter data were collected on key drivers for uptake and results analysed. Field survey analysis established the key motives for uptake as power outages, energy cost-savings, including generator use fuel fraud, awareness and access to finance while key barriers include high capital costs and lack of finance. The results point to the need for regulatory and political intervention. Effective PV awareness creation campaigns and promotional strategies would also be necessary in the changing face of electricity supply in Nigeria.