Comparing Official and Public Attitudes towards Solar Energy in Botswana: The Case of Domestic Solar Water Heaters in Gaborone

Magdeline Cleopatra Nondo
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Magdeline Cleopatra Nondo: Department of Environmental Sciences, University Of South Africa

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2021, vol. 05, issue 10, 242-271

Abstract: This study set out to compare household attitudes towards the use of domestic solar energy with those of government officials, with specific reference to Solar Water Heaters (SWHs) in the City of Gaborone in Botswana. The specific objectives were; i) To establish household perceptions and attitudes towards SWHs ii) To find out official attitudes towards SWHs and iii) To analyze determinants of household attitudes towards SWHs. Data to address these objectives was generated using the mixed methods research design whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered simultaneously to determine attitudes of both officials and the public towards domestic solar energy. A sample of 400 households consisting of low and high-income residential areas was selected using the Taro Yamane’s formula, Old Naledi represented low income and Village represented high income. Approximately 264 households were interviewed in Old Naledi, and 136 in the Village. This was complemented by key informant interviews involving officials from the Department of Energy Affairs, Department of Environmental Affairs and distributors of SWHs involving solar power and solar hart. The key instrument for quantitative data collection was a semi-structured questionnaire, whereas interview guides were used to generate qualitative data. The key findings of the study are that that the public is aware of solar energy and its uses, and have a positive attitude towards its adoption in the form of SWHs on condition that they are reliable, cost effective and user friendly. Officials too had a positive attitude towards domestic solar energy but did not invest as much effort in promoting its adoption as they did in promoting conventional energy. The Government has taken good initiatives to promote solar energy, but they do not succeed due to apparent lack of commitment. The results of the study also show that SWHs are not adequately marketed by their distributors and this has contributed to the current adoption rate among the public. In conclusion, the results of this study support the need for awareness building and capacity building from both the government officials and distributors of SWHs for the adoption of domestic solar energy to meet the escalating demands for energy in a manner that does not harm the environment. Based on these results, the study has made recommendations for policy, the public and future research.

Date: 2021
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