The effect of information and subsidy on adoption of solar lanterns: An application of the BDM bidding mechanism in rural Ethiopia

The transition to solar energy to provide clean lighting for rural households in developing countries has been slow. Using a Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) bidding mechanism in a randomized field experiment, this study investigated the effect of information and subsidy policy instruments on the uptake of solar lanterns. The BDM approach used provides a more comprehensive and more transparent approach for eliciting willingness to pay (WTP), as our random draw is from a wide range of uniformly distributed prices, drawn in front of the subjects. We found that an increase in subsidy level increases the adoption rate. Provision of information about private and public benefits of the solar lantern did not have a significant effect on adoption rate and willingness to pay. Households with access to grid electricity have a lower WTP for the solar lantern and are thus less likely to adopt. Consistent with previous studies, the results suggest that universal electricity and clean energy access may not be achieved without subsidizing household-level solar lighting.

Automated summary

Using a randomized field experiment, this study explored the impact of information and subsidy policies on the uptake of solar lanterns by utilizing the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) bidding mechanism. The results showed that increasing the subsidy level can improve the adoption rate, while providing information about the benefits of solar lanterns did not significantly affect the adoption rate and willingness to pay. Furthermore, households with access to grid electricity were less willing to pay for solar lanterns and less likely to adopt them. This suggests that subsidizing household-level solar lighting is necessary for achieving universal electricity and clean energy access.