Overview of Opportunities and Challenges of Solar Photovoltaic Promotion in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges of solar photovoltaic (PV) promotion in Uganda. The study followed a review approach of relevant scientific, technical and government papers. The review indicated that, for Uganda, rising energy demand and access, need to reduce carbon footprint, lack of grid extension to rural communities, and improved livelihoods by productive uses of solar PV systems, emerge as key drivers for solar energy uses in this country. However, the study found that high initial investment cost, inadequate research and development, lack of human capacity and training, lack of information and public awareness, and quality control of products are the main challenges facing mass adoption of this technology. Furthermore, this study fosters the understanding of solar energy uses and provides policy recommendations that could mitigate these challenges, in a least developed country Uganda.

Bayesian belief network modelling of the challenges associated with hybrid solar-diesel electricity from the end users’ perspective in Bugala Island in Uganda

“…Table 3 provides further evidence that cases of faulty electric meters resulted in a 25.8 percentage points increase (from 12.1-37.9%) in the level of changes. Results of both faulty meters and damage of electric appliances are not surprising, since there are inadequate enforcement mechanisms to monitor the quality of electric appliances including solar PV systems' components and kits on the Ugandan market [5]. This problem coupled with rampant corruption, lack of suitable trained professionals, and the necessary equipment to assess the quality electric appliances, has resulted in an in ux of dealers who import, smuggle and sell poor quality electric appliances to various parts of the Uganda including islands.…”

“…solar modules, solar chargers, control units, inverters, solar PV cables, and batteries among others) might also have prompted KIS to raise the connection costs. These taxes include import duty (25%), withholding tax (6%), value added tax (18%) and infrastructural levy (1.5%) [5]. Suppose such high taxes are not reduced or exempted, they will continue to act as additional and discouraging costs on solar energy investment and installation not only on Bugala Island but Uganda in general.…”

“…Cases of electrocution increased the level of challenges associated with the use of hybrid electricity by 2.4 percentage points (from 4.2-6.6%). This challenge could have been attributed to lack of information and public awareness [5] about the dangers of electricity. Meanwhile, load shedding also increased the level of challenges by 4.7 percentage points (from 31.4-36.1%).…”

“…In Uganda, about 70% of the population lack access to electricity and consequently, the country has to rely heavily on biomass and kerosene as main sources of energy for cooking and lighting [3,4]. The island communities of Uganda are also notably facing numerous energy challenges since there are far away from the mainland energy grid system [5]. Moreover, the disconnection of islands in Uganda makes it uneconomical and impractical to extend the utility grid to these geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas with dispersed populations [6].…”

Assessing the environmental health and safety risks of solar energy production

“…Assessing EHS risks in solar energy production is essential to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects on the environment, human health, and safety. The rapid growth of solar energy technologies, including photovoltaic systems and solar thermal collectors, necessitates a thorough understanding of their environmental and health implications (Alinda et al, 2021). Environmental considerations encompass aspects such as land use, water consumption, and the potential for pollution during the manufacturing, operation, and disposal of solar energy systems (Cao et al, 2023).…”