Solar PV adoption in rural Burkina Faso

Energy is a rare commodity in Africa. Many households use unclean fuels for domestic activities. While more than 90% of rural households use fuelwood and kerosene as a source of energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, this study examines the determinants of energy diversity through solar PV adoption by rural household. Employing primary data on 105 villages from Burkina Faso, a sample of 6300 households is investigated. Performing the probit and using a sample selection bias correction technique, the findings show that rural households engaged in economic activities are more likely to adopt a solar PV system. The entrepreneurial spirit has a positive impact on the adoption of solar PV. Moreover, the use of solar PV technology is strongly associated with household head age, gender, family size, and education. The findings suggest that financial support and micro-credit must target more rural households.

Automated summary

Energy scarcity and the use of unclean fuels are common in Africa. This study explores the determinants of energy diversity through the adoption of solar PV systems by rural households. Findings from primary data collected from 105 villages in Burkina Faso, comprising 6300 households, indicate that rural households engaged in economic activities are more likely to adopt solar PV systems, and entrepreneurial spirit has a positive impact on adoption. Additionally, the use of solar PV technology is influenced by household head age, gender, family size, and education. The findings imply the need to target financial support and micro-credit towards rural households.