Exploring the correlation between cost perception and uptake of solar energy solutions in the Zambia Housing Sector

Sambo Zulu and Ephraim Zulu

AfRES from African Real Estate Society (AfRES)

Abstract: Purpose: Like many countries, Zambia is challenged to adopt clean energy solutions to meet its ever-increasing energy demand. The perceived cost of adoption is argued to be a potential hindrance to residential solar energy uptake. A review of the literature suggests that, while there is an increase in research on solar energy transitioning in sub-Sahara Africa, no such studies have been undertaken in Zambia. It is argued that solutions to promote the use of solar energy in the owner-built residential sector in Zambia are crucial to solve this energy dilemma, as over 50% of residences in urban areas are self-build housing. Considering that a significant proportion of houses are owner-built, households must clearly understand their financial commitments when considering solar energy solutions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the extent to which the perception of the cost of adopting solar energy solutions was an influencing factor in the uptake of solar energy in the residential sector in Zambia.Design/Methodology: Data was collected through a questionnaire survey from 83 households in the Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia.Findings: While the findings did not show a significant correlation between cost perception and adoption of solar energy solutions, the households who had adopted solar energy solutions had a relatively higher income than those who had not adopted solar energy.Limitations: The study focused on a small number of potential explanatory variables for solar energy adoption. Future studies should explore the inter and intra relationships between the variables and solar energy adoption.Practical implications: The findings have practical and policy implications as they help understand factors that can increase the uptake of solar energy solutions in the housing sector. Originality: The study contributes to the understanding of factors impacting on solar energy adoption in the Zambian housing sector

Keywords: Solar Energy; sustainable development, renewable energy, the housing sector (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-09-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr, nep-ene, nep-env and nep-ure
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:afr:wpaper:2021-005

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