Can solar power improve health and education in Ethiopia?

Barriers to adopting solar power persist among rural communities in Ethiopia, where solar panels can promote health and education.

Is solar adoption a problem in Addis Ababa?

In Addis Ababa, officials claimed that solar adoption in rural areas was close to 80%, but in interviews with townships in villages, Lee found that number closer to 20%. “It becomes problematic when government officials try and codify documents based on their understanding, which is very different from reality,” Lee said.

Does Ethiopia have a national electrification program?

Ethiopia has developed a national electrification program with an existing and planned national grid system with the aim of electrifying all households within 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of the nearest grid by 2030. Households located beyond 25 kilometers are expected to receive long-term off-grid solutions.

Where is Ethiopia's grid system located?

She interviewed government and institutional workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, at the epicenter of the grid system; and local leaders and residents in the Geta Data Zone beyond the 25 kilometer buffer from the existing grid and in the Kaffa Zone within the 25 kilometer buffer zone.

Are solar panels a good alternative to kerosene lamps?

At the same time, when solar panels are added to homes, they offer a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to kerosene lamps, and they support education by providing children electric light to study past sundown.