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Abstract
Energy insecurity remains one of the most pressing developmental challenges in Nigeria, with frequent power outages, high dependence on fossil fuels, and escalating environmenta degradation undermining economic growth and sustainable living. Solar energy, as a clean and renewable source, presents a viable alternative to the nation’s unreliable electricity supply. This study therefore examines the determinants of solar energy adoption in Benin City, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates the economic, environmental, technical, social, and policy-related factors influencing adoption, as well as the level of awareness, affordability, and perceived long-term benefits among residents and businesses. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, using stratified random sampling to select two hundred (200) respondents across different parts of Benin City. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions, while descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including multinomial logistic regression, were used for the analysis. The study revealed that although awareness of solar
energy and its environmental benefits is relatively high, actual adoption remains moderate due to economic constraints, limited access to financing, and inadequate technical support. The study further established that income level, cost of installation, access to credit facilities, government incentives, and product quality are among key determinants of adoption, collectively accounting for a significant variation in solar energy adoption in Benin City. The model fit validates the findings, with a high Nagelkerke R² value (0.885), indicating that the identified economic, environmental, social, and policy factors collectively exert approximately 89% influence on solar energy adoption in Benin City. The study recommends increased government intervention through targeted subsidies, lowinterest solar financing, and effective awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding and affordability. Strengthening technical capacity, ensuring product quality, and improving policy frameworks are also recommended as crucial to scaling solar energy adoption in Benin City. By addressing these barriers, solar energy adoption
can serve as a sustainable pathway toward achieving energy security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability in Benin City and by extension Nigeria.
energy and its environmental benefits is relatively high, actual adoption remains moderate due to economic constraints, limited access to financing, and inadequate technical support. The study further established that income level, cost of installation, access to credit facilities, government incentives, and product quality are among key determinants of adoption, collectively accounting for a significant variation in solar energy adoption in Benin City. The model fit validates the findings, with a high Nagelkerke R² value (0.885), indicating that the identified economic, environmental, social, and policy factors collectively exert approximately 89% influence on solar energy adoption in Benin City. The study recommends increased government intervention through targeted subsidies, lowinterest solar financing, and effective awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding and affordability. Strengthening technical capacity, ensuring product quality, and improving policy frameworks are also recommended as crucial to scaling solar energy adoption in Benin City. By addressing these barriers, solar energy adoption
can serve as a sustainable pathway toward achieving energy security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability in Benin City and by extension Nigeria.
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