Barriers for Implementing solar energy initiatives in Nigeria: an empirical study

Abstract

Purpose Despite the abundant renewable energy potential in the Nigeria, power sector stakeholders have not paid attention to the prospect of natural resources that can be utilised when it is properly harnessed. Although, a very negligible fraction of the population has invested in solar photovoltaic (PVs) for home solution, the initiative was only made public commercialised under the public private partnership (PPP) and the objectives of the Power Sector Reform Act. 2005. It is, therefore, aimed to investigate the causes and insight of the barriers that are responsible for the slow implementation of the solar energy initiative in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was performed in Nigeria. The study was conducted qualitatively, through semi-structured face-to face interviews of 25 participants. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, interpreted, coded, categorised into themes, and analysed by content analysis. Findings The study reveals technological, financial, political, and social barriers have been the reason for slowing down solar energy development in Nigeria. While the technical barrier is a challenge to the solar energy implementation, socio-cultural issues have also been an obstacle to the implementation process. It is suggested that the stakeholders of the initiatives, to proffer sustainable policies to enable public and private promoters to be able to generate, and distribute electricity through solar PV, to complement the inadequate conventional electricity sources from the grids. Originality/value The paper provides a richer insight into the understanding and awareness of barriers for implementing solar energy strategies in Nigeria.