Is the public interested in installing solar home systems in Ethiopia?

The government of Ethiopia in collaboration with development partners and private sector is promoting the distribution and installation of solar home systems to the rural communities. However, there is no clear data that shows the public is interested to install solar home systems.

Is Ethiopia a good place to invest in solar energy?

Ethiopia has a rapidly growing economy and offers tremendous opportunities to solar PV suppliers worldwide, having among the strongest solar resources in the world. In particular, the region offers excellent potential for off-grid energy systems with solar PV systems being promoted to replace fuel-based lighting and off-grid electrical needs.

How will the centralized grid work in Ethiopia?

With the expected expansion plan, the centralized grid will supply electricity to around 65% of the Ethiopian population and the rest 35% will be off-grid based. Off-grid energy systems such as the solar home systems are believed to be the immediate solutions by the policy makers.

How can Ethiopia achieve universal electricity access by 2025?

In order to increase the electricity access, the Ethiopian government has launched National Electrification Program laying out the country’s ambition towards universal access by 2025 through a combination of 65% grid-connected and 35% off-grid energy systems such as the solar home systems (SHS).

Are solar home systems effective for rural electrification?

Though there are several success stories on the impact of solar home systems (SHS) to electrify rural settlements, equally there are challenges and many rural electrification programmes using SHS has failed as per the study by .

How does energy access in Ethiopia affect public confidence?

These challenges hugely affect the market diffusion, sustainability of the systems, and the public confidence on the technologies. The current energy access in Ethiopia stands at 44% access rate, where 33% of access is provided through grid connections and 11% through off grid solutions .