AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS ON REDUCING RELIANCE ON THE NATIONAL GRID IN URBAN AREAS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Electricity is a crucial foundation for fostering economic growth, facilitating social development, and generating employment opportunities. Catalysts play a crucial role in various aspects of human activities and the manufacturing industry. The socio-economic activities of contemporary cultures are centred around the core aspect of energy accessibility (Billy, 2018). Electricity must be extended to and reach remote locations, including both rural and urban areas. It also includes methods for implementing, making accessible, and ensuring availability for the benefit of everyone. With the growing worldwide concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability, there is a clear and urgent need to shift towards renewable energy sources (Newell, 2021). Within this particular framework, solar power emerges as a highly promising and viable alternative, as it effectively captures and utilises the copious and environmentally friendly energy emitted by the sun. Urban locations, which have a high demand for energy and limited space, pose both obstacles and opportunities for incorporating solar power systems (Rice et al., 2018).

Nigeria, the country with the highest population in Africa, continues to confront ongoing difficulties in its power industry. Although the country possesses ample energy resources, it faces challenges in providing sufficient electricity because to frequent power outages and grid breakdowns (Punch, 2024). Nigeria's electricity distribution system relies on the national grid, which is facing significant challenges including deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate generation capacity, and substantial transmission and distribution losses (Jimmy, 2020). The aforementioned difficulties have led to an erratic power supply, which impedes the progress of the economy, industrial expansion, and the overall well-being of millions of Nigerians. The Nigeria National Grid (NNG) serves as the primary electrical distribution network utilised in Nigeria. An electric grid is a network of interconnected energy generators and users, supervised by one or more control centres, and linked by transmission and distribution lines (Akinola, 2019). The power grid, also known as an electricity distribution network, is utilised to provide customers with electric power. The power system comprises of power producing stations, transmission towers, and distinct consumer distribution lines. The generator produces energy for gearbox and transforms it into high voltage (Samuel et al., 2019). 

Nigeria has had several occurrences of grid collapse due to the grid's inability to promptly adjust to various system dynamics. Despite Nigeria's economic growth, the power infrastructure in the country has been unable to meet the electrical demands of households and enterprises (Itina, 2020). Due to the ongoing lack of dependability of the national grid, it is increasingly necessary to broaden Nigeria's energy sources in order to improve energy security and reliability (Justin, 2019). The high sun irradiation in Nigeria makes solar energy a tempting choice due to its great potential. Solar energy projects have the potential to decrease dependence on the national power grid by offering decentralised and sustainable sources of electricity. This is especially beneficial in urban areas with high energy consumption and where power disruptions have a significant impact (Bassey et al., 2023). Nigeria is located in the tropical region and experiences an average solar radiation of 5.5 kWh/m²/day. The substantial solar capacity allows for the practical utilisation of solar energy for the production of electricity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which directly convert sunshine into electricity, are highly suitable for urban areas since they can be easily adjusted in size and do not require much space (Bassey et al., 2023). This study aims to evaluate the influence of solar energy projects on diminishing dependence on the national power grid in urban regions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The adoption of solar energy holds a substantial prospect for diminishing dependence on the national power grid and enhancing energy stability in urban regions of Nigeria. Nevertheless, there is a requirement for thorough investigations that evaluate the influence of solar energy initiatives on diminishing reliance on the power grid and the wider socio-economic and environmental advantages. Although solar energy has the capacity to be widely implemented, its acceptance in Nigeria is hindered by various obstacles.

A major obstacle to the widespread use of solar energy is the significant upfront expenses associated with installation (Sunny, 2023). The initial expenses associated with solar PV systems, such as the purchase of panels, inverters, and batteries, can be a deterrent for numerous households and businesses. 

According to Bassey et al. (2023), a significant obstacle in the shift to solar energy is the lack of awareness and technical expertise. The lack of public awareness and technical experience poses substantial obstacles to the successful implementation and integration of solar energy projects in metropolitan areas of Nigeria. To fully use the promise of solar energy in lowering dependence on the national grid and improving energy security, it is essential to tackle these difficulties. According to Solomon (2022), a significant number of Nigerians lack comprehensive knowledge on the advantages and practicality of solar energy. There is a general dearth of knowledge on the economic benefits, environmental advantages, and reliability of solar energy as a substitute for grid electricity. Moreover, the dearth of proficient experts in the solar energy industry has a detrimental impact on the caliber of installations and maintenance services. The scarcity can result in incorrect installations, frequent system malfunctions, and higher maintenance expenses (Bassey et al., 2023). Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the impact of solar energy projects on reducing reliance on the national grid in urban areas. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the level of public awareness and understanding of solar energy as a source of power.

To assess the extent of adoption of solar energy projects in urban areas.

To evaluate how solar energy contributes to the stability and reliability of the National grid.

To examine factors that affect the adoption of solar energy

To provide solutions to overcome barriers and promote the widespread adoption of solar energy.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the level of public awareness and understanding of solar energy as a source of power?

What is the extent of adoption of solar energy projects in urban areas?

How does solar energy contribute to the stability and reliability of the National grid?

What are the factors that affect the adoption of solar energy?

What are the solutions to overcome barriers and promote the widespread adoption of solar energy?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The level of public awareness and understanding of solar energy as a source of power is low.

Ha: The level of public awareness and understanding of solar energy as a source of power is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

The significance of this study rests in its capacity to influence policy reforms, strengthen energy security, encourage economic and environmental advantages, and facilitate technological and social progress. The study intends to comprehensively evaluate the effects of solar energy projects in metropolitan areas in terms of lowering dependence on the national grid. Its objective is to offer practical insights and recommendations to promote the general acceptance and effectiveness of solar energy initiatives. The study will provide benefits to policy makers, the general public, students, and intellectuals.

The study highlights the significance of solar energy in facilitating sustainable urban development through the promotion of renewable energy sources and the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels. Urban regions can effectively decrease their carbon footprint and support global initiatives to battle climate change by using solar energy, thereby creating a cleaner environment.

Additionally, the study's results can provide policymakers with valuable insights into the advantages and difficulties linked to solar energy initiatives. This can facilitate the creation of more efficient rules and regulations that promote the adoption of renewable energy. The study's findings can inform the development of more effective incentive programmes, subsidies, and tax benefits aimed at promoting investment in solar energy by both individuals and enterprises.

Moreover, the study has the potential to enhance public consciousness on the advantages of solar energy, resulting in increased community endorsement and approval of renewable energy initiatives. By advocating for the widespread use of solar energy, the study can allow communities to assert authority over local energy sources, resulting in increased energy autonomy and durability.

Furthermore, future scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current body of literature. Consequently, other students with an interest in studying this subject will have the opportunity to utilise this work as reliable knowledge that can be thoroughly evaluated. 

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the impact of solar energy projects on reducing reliance on the national grid in urban areas in Nigeria. Specifically, this study seeks to assess the level of public awareness and understanding of solar energy as a source of power, assess the extent of adoption of solar energy projects in urban areas and evaluate how solar energy contributes to the stability and reliability of the National grid in Nigeria. 

Further, this study will focus on examining factors that affect the adoption of solar energy and it also seeks to provide solutions to overcome barriers and promote the widespread adoption of solar energy.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavors, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for an assessment of the impact of solar energy projects on reducing reliance on the national grid in urban areas in Nigeria. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. 

Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Nigeria. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Voltage collapse: Voltage collapse is the partial or complete loss of end users' or customers' access to the electrical power grid

Power outage: an interruption or failure in the supply of power, especially electricity. the period during which power is lost

National grid: The national grid is an interconnecting system that comprises all generation stations, transmission substations, and distribution substations.

Renewable energy: Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished.