Solar photovoltaic system: a case study of Akure, Nigeria

Erratic supply of electricity to residential buildings has led many occupants/owners to source for alternative sources to complement the epileptic supply from the National Grid. The sun produces energy expense-free, which is being untapped in this part of the country and thus the energy of the sun is being wasted. This energy can easily be converted to electric power for use in both in residential areas and industrial sectors through solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This paper assessed the level of awareness, adoption and barriers as related to solar PV system in Akure by assessing one hundred and fifty (150) residential buildings randomly with a structured questionnaire administered to the occupants/owners. The findings revealed that; a large percentage of the residential buildings make use of diesel/petrol generating set as an alternative to the National grid, that the level of awareness of solar PV is significantly low, the willingness to adopt is high but it’s hindered by cost implication of the system. The study’s findings contribute to the growing literature in the adoption of renewable energy for electricity generation, highlighted the major barriers hindering this for effective solutions to be proffer. It also provides a prospective market for those interested in the solar energy market.