THE ROLE OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY USE: A CASE STUDY OF MKURANGA DISTaICT, PWANI (COAST) REGION IN TANZANIA

ABSTRACT

The study looked at the feasibility of adopting renewable energy technology such as Solar PV

system in rural household and the role of such technology on sustainable energy use in

Mkuranga district Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to determine the availability and

affordability of Solar PV system in Mkuranga district, to identify the uses of Solar PV system

technology and its advantages over available energy sources in Mkuranga district and lastly to

find out the constricting factors in the accessibility of the Solar PV in Mkuranga district. The

study was carried out in three (3) villages namely Mkuranga centre, Mwanambaya and Vikindu

of Mkuranga district from March 2012 to September 2012. Literature materials were sourced

from different sources. The literature include information pertaining the availability and

affordability of Solar PV, the uses of Solar PV and its advantages over other energy sources and

lastly the factors which hinders the accessibility of Solar PV in rural households. The study

involved a total of 100 respondents. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used

to select the respondents. Questionnaire, interview guide and group discussion were used to

collect data during the study. The results from this study indicate that 100% of interviewed

households in Mkuranga district are using biomass fuel as source of energy for heating and

cooking. Other sources of energy found were grid electricity, petroleum and other sources such

as dry cells. Solar PV was found to be used only by 17% of interviewed household in Mkuranga

district. Solar PV was seen to be used as source of energy to power up appliances such as radio,

TV, battery charging and lighting. The reason behind such lower percentage of Solar PV usage

was that some villages like Micuranga centre was connected to grid electricity and that most of

their household energy needs are met by grid electricity. Another being lack of information on

the cost of Solar PV systems and the technology itself. Generally, the study concludes that, to

promote short terms plans for grid electricity in rural areas may prove costly, emphasis should be

on promotion of affordable and environmentally friendly RETs such as Solar PV technology.

The supply of RETs such as Solar PV in rural areas will play a crucial role in raising the living

standards of rural population. It also argues that dissemination of renewable energy in rural areas

has a potential to protect the environment and may contribute to sustainable development in rural

areas.

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