Overview of Opportunities and Challenges of Solar Photovoltaic Promotion in Uganda
Kassim Alinda *
Department of Accounting, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.
Mutumba S. Geoffrey
Department of Economics and Statistics, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda.
Muyiwa S. Adaramola
Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Science, Ås, Norway.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Solar energy, solar radiation, photovoltaic, electricity, feed in tariff, greenhouse gas emissions, Uganda.