Analysis of the spatial variations in the adoption of solar energy technologies among households in rural and urban areas of Konoin sub-County, Kenya
Department of Geography, Egerton University, PO Box 536-20115 Egerton, Kenya.
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2024, 11(02), 099–105.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2024.11.2.0098
Publication history:
Received on 13 June 2024; revised on 24 July 2024; accepted on 27 July 2024
Abstract:
Globally, the overall demand and cost of energy and particularly, for fossil fuels is on the rise due to increasing population and overall development process. The increasing use of fossil fuels has significant ramifications to the environment, such as increase in carbon emissions. There is need, therefore, to adopt the use of green energy technologies like solar energy so as to minimize the negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment. Despite these, there is paucity of information on factors influencing the spatial variations in the adoption of solar energy technologies among households in the study area, which this study sought to investigate. The study was informed by the Diffusion of Innovation theory and Technology Adoption Model. A a descriptive survey research design was employed. A stratified random sample of 387 households was surveyed and data collected analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The findings reveal significant spatial variations in solar energy adoption rates. Proximity to renewable energy sources and fluctuations in energy costs positively influenced adoption levels. Also, social factors, including: household size; and community support had a positive influence in adoption of solar energy. Further, economic considerations, such as perceived installation costs and anticipated long-term savings, played a significant role in influencing adoption levels. Moreover, geographic variables, particularly access to areas with abundant sunshine, significantly influenced adoption levels.
Keywords:
Adoption; Solar energy; Bomet; Spatial Variation
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