Solar Photovoltaic Electricity and Rural livelihoods; A case study of Molapowabojang

Marshall Maswabi

ID: 201404640

Supervisor:

Mr. K. TLHALERWA

Thesis presented in Partial fulfilment

of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Major) and (Minor) Chemistry

Department of Environmental Science

University of Botswana

16 May 2023
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is with a great honour that I would like to extend my genuine appreciation to my supervisor
Mr.K. Tlhalerwa. Thank you for constructive feedback, guidance, and words of encouragement
that you have shown towards this remarkable journey. It was not an easy journey, but your
immeasurable forbearance sustained me. Carrying out this research under your guidance and
supervision was such a great privilege and honour. I would also like to thank lectures that helped
me to understand this coarse Dr. Mogende and Dr. M. T. Stone. A special thank you goes to the
University of Botswana for providing with financial assistance to collect data for my research.
The funding helped to reduce my financial burdens; this gave me enough time to concentrate on
my studies. I would not have done this without their financial support.

I am grateful to the leadership of Molapowabojang for allowing me to conduct this research in

their area and their cooperation during collection of data. Finally, many thanks to the respondents
who contributed in one way or the other to the successful completion of the study. I deeply thank
my family and my colleagues for their support and their efforts ids highly appreciated.

Above all, I would like to thank all mighty God for giving me the strength and power throughout
my academic journey, for his mercy and favor shall always follow me.

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................i
List of figures..............................................................................................................................v
List of tables..............................................................................................................................vi
List of abbreviations................................................................................................................vii
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER 1...................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
1.0 Overview...............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study.....................................................................................................1
1.2 Problem of the statement....................................................................................................2
1.3 Aim of the study...................................................................................................................3
1.4 Objectives and research questions.....................................................................................3
1.5 Significance of the study......................................................................................................4
1.6 Description of the study area..............................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2...................................................................................................................................7
LITERATURE REVIEW.............................................................................................................7
2.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................7
2.1 Applications of photovoltaic systems.................................................................................7
2.2 Solar PV electricity benefits................................................................................................8
2.3 Impacts of solar PV electricity Globally............................................................................9
2.4 Impacts of solar PV electricity regionally.......................................................................10
2.4 Impacts of solar PV locally...............................................................................................11
CHAPTER 3.................................................................................................................................13
METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................13
3.0 Overview.............................................................................................................................13
3.1 Study design.......................................................................................................................13
3.1.1 Study population...........................................................................................................14
3.2 Data collection methods....................................................................................................14
3.2.1 Key informants Interviews...........................................................................................14
3.2.2 Questionnaire................................................................................................................15
3.3 Sampling Procedure..........................................................................................................15

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 3.3.1 Molapowabojang residents, social facilities and small scale businesses......................15
3.3.2 Key informants sampling..............................................................................................15
3.4 Data analysis.......................................................................................................................16
3.5 Operationalization of study variable...............................................................................17
3.7. Chapter Summary and Conclusion.................................................................................19
CHAPTER 4.................................................................................................................................20
DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION.............................................................................20
4.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................20
4.1 Impacts of solar PV electricity on small-scale businesses..............................................20
4.1.1 Population characteristics.............................................................................................20
4.1.2 Impacts of solar PV electricity on operation (hours) of small-scale businesses...........21
4.1.3 Benefits of solar PV electricity to small-scale businesses............................................21
4.1.4 Challenges small-scale businesses encounter through using solar PV electricity........22
4.2 Examining the impacts of solar PV electricity on social facilities.................................23
4.2.1 Demographic information of respondents....................................................................23
4.2.2 Impacts of solar PV electricity in social facilities........................................................24
4 .2.3 Benefits of solar streets lights in social facilities.........................................................25
4.2.4 Problems social facilities encounter when using solar PV electricity..........................25
4.2.5 Solution to the problems in social facilities..................................................................26
4.3: Stakeholders Engagement on addressing issues of shortage of electricity in
Molapowabojang......................................................................................................................27
4.3.1 Distribution of grid electricity in Molapowabojang.....................................................27
4.4 Impacts of solar PV applications systems amongst house owners................................28
4.4.1 Demographic information of respondents....................................................................28
4.4.2 Impacts of solar PV electricity on well-being of residents of Molapowabojang.........30
4.4.3 Reasons for using solar PV electricity by house-owners..............................................30
4.4.4 Challenges with the use of solar PV electricity by homeowners..................................32
4.4.5 Strategies on how to overcome solar PV problems by house-owners..........................32
CHAPTER 5.................................................................................................................................34
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS.....................................................................................................34
5.0 Introduction........................................................................................................................34
5.1 The impacts of solar PV electricity..................................................................................34
5.1.1 Business operating hours..............................................................................................34

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 5.1.2 Well-being of Molapowabojang residents....................................................................35
5.1.3 Key informants Perspective..........................................................................................36
5.1.4 Operation of social facilities.........................................................................................36
5.1.5 Challenges and Solutions..............................................................................................37
CHAPTER 6.................................................................................................................................38
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESOURCES................................................................................38
6.0 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................38
6.1 Impact of solar PV electricity on the livelihoods............................................................38
6.2 Solar PV electricity effects on operational of small-scale businesses............................38
6.3 Community safety and solar streets lights.......................................................................39
References.....................................................................................................................................40
Appendix 1: Small scale businesses survey-Questionnaire......................................................43
Appendix 2: Social facilities- Questionnaire.............................................................................47
Appendix 3; Stake holder interview guide................................................................................50
Appendix 4: House owners survey-Questionnaire....................................................................52

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List of figures

Figure 1:1 Map of study area.........................................................................................................13

Figure 4.2: Challenges small scale businesses faces using solar PV electricity............................29
Figure 4:3 Benefits of solar PV electricity in social facilities.......................................................31
Figure 4.4: showing problems encountered in social facilities through use of solar PV electricity
.......................................................................................................................................................32
Figure 4:5 shows solutions stated by respondents in social facilities............................................33
Figure 4.6: Showing the use of solar PV electricity by individual and students in
Molapowabojang...........................................................................................................................36
Figure 4.8: Reasons by respondents why they choose PV electricity...........................................37
Figure 4.9: Challenges individual and students encounter with the use of solar PV electricity....38
Figure 4:10 Solutions on problems of solar PV electricity can be overcome...............................39

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List of tables

Table 1:1 Research objectives and questions................................................................................10

Table 3:1 Operationalization and summary study table and variable............................................23
Table 4:1 Demographic information of respondents.....................................................................26
Table 4:2 Time small- scale business uses solar PV electricity to operate their businesses.........27
Table 4.3 Demographic characteristics of respondents.................................................................29
Table 4.5: Demographic characteristics of respondents................................................................34

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List of abbreviations

PV: Photovoltaic

SHS: Stand-alone photovoltaic systems

LED: Light emitting diode

VDC: Village Development Committee

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ABSTRACT

Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity is important in improving the livelihoods of people in urban
areas and in remote areas, that does not have access of grid electricity. It is therefore critical to
use solar PV as the other alternative on transformation of livelihoods of community of rural
settlements. In Botswana, there are many villages, which do not have access to grid electricity
and thus affect different activities in those areas such as small-scale businesses, and social
facilities as they cannot operate during late hours. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to
assess the impact of solar PV electricity on socio- economic in Molopowabojang. The study
adopted a case study approach design approach. The study employs a qualitative and quantitative
approach for data collection. Due to nature of the study site, snowballing was used to collect data
through surveying small businesses, households and social facilities and administering them with
questionnaire in Molapowabojang. Interviews was used to collect data from the key informants.
Solar PV electricity improves the livelihoods of residents who do not have access to grid
electricity as they use it to power their home appliances. This saves the community from huge
electricity bills and reduces the risks associated with the nighttime darkness. Use of solar panels
by small-scales business increases their operational hours, as most of them are located far from
their homestead in search for customers. This increases their businesses revenue as they do not
spend money buying electricity for their businesses. Lastly, solar PV lights installed in
Molapowabojang village brightens the street at night therefore improves the security and safety
for people during the night as people move freely during later hours. However, stand-alone
photovoltaic installed in social facilities brightens them during the night, thus making easy for
activities to be carried out at easy during the night. The study reveals that, energy is a vital and
important necessity for all earthly processes. Therefore, application of solar energy supplement
and reduce too much reliance on grid electricity. It guarantees energy availability to fulfill the
rising demand in socioeconomic activities and improve standard of living.

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Overview

This chapter presents the general introduction of the study. It presents the study background,
statement of the problem, aims and objectives, justification, scope of the study and the study
area.

1.1 Background of the study

Solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity is important in improving the livelihoods of people in urban
areas and in remote areas, that does not have access of grid electricity (Guijuan et al., 2011). Use
of solar PV in rural settlements is essential to increase operating hours for small scale businesses
and provide lightning to social facilities during the night. These facilitate their operations and
offer environmental benefits in comparison to the grid electricity that mainly depend on fossil
fuels to be produced. (Kulkarnil, 2014) argued that use of solar PV lights in villages that do not
have access to grid electricity promotes well-being of the community as it reduces in theft,
insecurity and assaults during later hours.

Countries around the world like China are using solar photovoltaic electricity in remote areas
because solar energy is clean and renewable energy source (Steven, 2010). Use of solar PV
electricity reduces pollution and damage caused by power generation (Beaumount & Walter,
2008). The growth of use of solar PV electricity in rural areas of China has increased for
improving the livelihoods by powering irrigation pumps and rural industries (Kulkarnil, 2014).
The use of solar PV electricity (solar PV lights) in public areas in China allows small business
such as tuck shops and traders to operate for longer hours and allows movement of people during
later hours through illumination provided by solar streets lights. Another example is in Nigeria
that uses Solar PV electricity to improve the livelihoods of rural population that do not have
access to grid electricity (Obeng, 2012). However, solar PV electricity in rural areas of Nigeria
mostly affects health and education. Solar PV lamps are use

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by students to perform homework at night and solar PV electricity is useful for the improvement
of health facilities as on average in Nigeria health facilities, with solar energy as alternative
during power cut off performs better than those without, on average health facilities with solar
energy treat 50% outpatients each month conducted 50% higher deliveries, admitted a higher
number of patients as well as provided round clock services (Obeng ,2012). In addition, there is
use of solar streets lights in Nigeria rural areas for community security as people move freely
during the night. With regard to Botswana, there are many villages, which do not have access to
grid electricity and thus affect different activities in those areas such as small-scale businesses,
and social facilities as they cannot operate during late hours. In addition, thus also affects well –
being of people, as they cannot do their activities during night due to lack of solar PV lighting.
Therefore, using solar PV electricity in rural settlements as the other alternatives for villages in
Botswana that does not access to grid electricity and experiencing frequent power cut off, will
increase the hours for small-scale businesses and other social facilities. People will also move
freely during the night and cultural and religious activities will be held during late hours. The
study seeks to propose how solar photovoltaic impact the livelihoods of people in
Molapowabojang in Botswana

1.2 Problem of the statement

Botswana as a developing country has been facing a persistent shortage of electricity for several
years due to population growth, urbanization and the poor maintenance of power infrastructure
which ultimately results in decreased power supply (Bloomberg, 2021). The power generation
capacity is insufficient to meet the growing demand of electricity in Botswana, leading to
frequent power cuts and load shedding (Bloomberg ,2021). This is an evident as
Molapowabojang faces great teething trouble as a rural village that is semi- electrified and most
household are low middle class therefore, not all can afford maintenance costs, energy bills and
technological advancements associated with grid electricity (Mmegi, 2019). The shortage of
electricity has severe consequences on Molapowabojang livelihoods, with businesses and
households facing high costs of alternative energy sources, reduced productivity, and disrupted
operations (Mmegi, 2019). Therefore, study aimed to assess the potential impacts of solar PV
electricity on rural livelihoods in Molapowabojang.

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1.3 Aim of the study

To assess the impacts of solar photovoltaic electricity on livelihoods of Molapowabojang

residents.

1.4 Objectives and research questions

 To assess the impacts of solar Photovoltaic electricity in small –scale businesses

(informal barber and street vendors)
· To examine the impacts of solar PV electricity on social services (clinic, kgotla and
police station)
· To assess the efficiency strategies implemented by relevant stakeholders to ensure that
Molapowabojang is fully electrified.
· To determine the effects solar PV applications systems amongst homeowners

Table 1:1 Research objectives and questions

Objectives Research questions

a) To assess the impacts of solar Photovoltaic
electricity in small-scale businesses in
Molapowabojang (e.g., tuck shops and informal
barbershops).
b) To examine the impacts of solar PV electricity
on social facilities in Molapowabojang (Police
station, clinic and kgotla).
c) To assess the efficiency strategies implemented
· How does solar PV electricity impact
operating hours of informal barber shops
and street vendors in Molapowabojang?
· In what ways does the use of solar PV have
impacted operations of other social facilities
in police station, clinic and kgotla in
Molapowabojang?
· What are steps taken by stakeholders to

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 by relevant stakeholders to ensure that solve shortage of electricity in
Molapowabojang is fully electrified. Molapowabojang?
· What are alternatives they are using to help
semi-electrified Molapowabojang?

d) To determine the effects of solar PV applications · In what ways does solar PV application
systems amongst homeowners in improve the well-being of people in
Malopowabojang? Molapowabojang?
· How do solar PV lights impact movement
of Molapowabojang residents during late
hours?

1.5 Significance of the study

Energy availability and its utilization is important for social, economic political instability and
technological advancement in globalized village (Prasad & Samikannu, 2018). The demand for
conventional fossil fuel resources has shown increase in Botswana as the supply of electricity
from Morupule does not meet the demand of the country due to environmental consequences,
which have resulted in challenges such frequent power outages, power rationing and technical
losses making difficult for the nation to be energy secure more especially in small villages of
Botswana (Jacob,2018). Therefore, there is need for intensified deployment of alternatives,
decentralized renewable energy technologies like installing off grid solar PV in remote villages
in Botswana to reduce much dependence in electricity grid. Various research has addressed
issues of electricity scarcity, its causes, effects and future prediction on electricity availability.
They fail to address how solar PV can affect the livelihoods of people especially in the context of
Botswana, therefore the study aims at bringing the gap in understanding regarding of how solar
PV impact the livelihoods Molapowabojang residents. The study will also look at the
community’s response on how the solar PV electricity has impacted their lives as while as
problems and constraints of using solar PV electricity, faced by the Molapowabojang residents.

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The accomplishment of this study is expected to be useful for Botswana power cooperation
policy makers to establish a good strategy that includes use of solar PV s energy to reduce much
dependence on grid electricity. It shall also expand the knowledge of the existing strategies and
what is expected from the community of Molapowabojang and country at large. It will help in
attaining sustainable development SDG 7 with target 7.1 which aim in ensuring universal access
of affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

1.6 Description of the study area

Molopowabojang is a village in the Southern district of Botswana, located between Kanye and
Lobatse, about 15km North-West of Lobatse with a population of about 8730(STATS Botswana,
2022). Its semi-arid with most of the year is very sunny. Summers are usually hot with
temperatures ranging from 29.5 to 35 degrees and in winter is 19.8 to 29.8 degrees Celsius
(Botswana, 2022). This village is under the administration of the Southern District which has
headquarteres in Kanye. Molapowabojang is multi-cultural as it has people from all over
Botswana but has the most of its inhabitants are from the Southern District/Ngwaketse District.
Molapowabojang is 25.2074 South of the equator and 25.5622 East. The primary livelihoods for
Molapowabojang residents are Agriculture and livestock farming and their vegetation in this area
is largely influenced by the semi-arid climate, with a mix livestock farming. According to
(Statistics Botswana, 2022) 54 % of residents have installed grid electricity while 46 percent
depends on solar energy, paraffin and woods in Molapowabojang. Molapowabojang is built
along the river, hence the name Molapowabojang which means Rivergrass. The river through the
village and is believed that it used to supply the village with fresh water before piped water
reticulated in the village. There are several hills in the village, Motsenekatse which is the highest,
chichi hill, Ntomalome and several other small hills. Molapowabojang have two primary schools
and a community junior secondary schools called Maraka (Sutherlands, 2013).

5
Figure 1:1 Map of study area (Source; Environmental labs)

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

Photovoltaic (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that
exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and
electrochemistry (Maycock, 1999). Solar PV can used on any scale, from small electronic
appliances to decentralized household rooftop systems, and from industrial power plants to
utility-scale, PV farms (Makhijani and Alexander, 2013). Solar modules, each containing
number of solar cells, are used in a photovoltaic system to generate electricity. PV panels can be
installed on the ground, on the roof, on the wall, or on the water (Braden, 2012). The mount
might be fixed, or a solar tracker could be used to track the sun across the sky (Maycock, 1999)
Photovoltaic technology generates enough affordable, long-term energy to help offset CO2-
induced global warming. Solar PV has several advantages as a source of energy: once installed,
it produces no pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, it has simple scalability in terms of power
requirements, and silicon is abundant in the Earth's crust, though other materials used in PV
system manufacturing, such as silver, will eventually limit the technology's growth (Obeng and
Hans, 2009). PV as a main source necessitates energy storage systems or global distribution via
high-voltage direct current power lines, incurring additional costs, and has a number of other
drawbacks, including unstable power generation and the need for power companies to
compensate for excessive solar power in the grid (Braden, 2012). Production and installation
does cause pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and there are no viable systems for recycling
the panels once they are at the end of their lifespan after 10 to 30 years (Chaurey et al., 2004).
Depending on the amount of energy required, panels can be combined into larger groups, or
arrays, to create increasing amounts of electricity. Solar arrays come in a variety of sizes to meet
people basic needs. Solar arrays can vary in size to provide the amount of electricity required for
a house, an office, or a larger structure (Obeng and Hans, 2009).

2.1 Applications of photovoltaic systems

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Solar photovoltaic can be used for water pumping and has proved to be more effective in rural
areas for agricultural purposes. The energy from the solar panel is used to operate the pump that
is used to lift water from the lower level to higher level in well for agriculture (Steven, 2010).
The photovoltaic array converts the solar energy into electricity, which is used for running a
motor. The pumping system draws water from the open well, bore well, stream pond, canal etc.
The system requires a shadow –free area for installation. Solar water pumping system advantages
is that is highly reliable and durable as it uses free available free sun from the light hence that
makes it easy to operate and maintain (Steven, 2010). Solar PV electricity can be used for
streetlights and rural areas. The photovoltaic panels charge a rechargeable battery, which powers
a fluorescent or LED lamp during the night (Weis, 2013). Traffic signals at all areas can be
easily being operated using solar panels (Weis, 2013). Solar energy can be used for cold storage
as well as air conditioning application, vapor compressor system using solar photovoltaic panels
and vapor absorption system using thermal collectors used for these purposes (Weis, 2013). PV
is a primary power source for earth –orbiting satellites. High efficiency PV has supplied power
for ventures such as the international space station and surface rovers on the Moon and Mars,
and it will continue to be an integral part of space and planetary exploration (NASA, 2010). In
buildings, PV panels are mounted on roofs or the ground to supply electricity. PV materials can
be integrated into a building s structure as windows, roof tiles or cladding to serve a dual purpose
(Colman, 2012). In addition, awnings and parking structures can be covered with PV to provide
shaping and power. Soldiers can carry light weight PV electronic equipment in the fields or at
remote areas (Steven, 2010). Lastly PV can provide auxiliary power for vehicles such as cars and
boats. Automobiles sunroofs can include PV for onboard power or trickle-charging batteries
(Weis 2010).

2.2 Solar PV electricity benefits

Electrical light is beneficial to students doing homework at night, improving the quality of
schools by permitting the use of electrical appliances, and increasing the quality and quantity of
teachers (Cambclong et al 2009; World Bank, 2009). Use of solar PV can be used to improve
health care facilities (Cambclong et al 2009; World Bank, 2008). People's health improves as the
interior air becomes cleaner as a result of reduced use of polluting fuels for cooking, lighting,
and heating (World Bank, 2008). The water pump powered by solar PV can solve this issue.

8
Irrigation pumps powered by solar energy may also be used to boost agricultural productivity in
remote areas. It replaces traditional energy sources while also conserving and protecting the
environment (World Bank, 2008; H. 28 Cambclong et al 2009). Allowing good working
conditions for economic or home activities, as well as the opportunity to improve basic services
and increase household income (Cambclong et al 2009; World Bank, 2008). It prevents rural
people from migrating to cities by establishing activities that create jobs and money (Cambclong
et., al 2009).

2.3 Impacts of solar PV electricity Globally

World energy trends shows that rural electrification in developing countries is proceeding slowly
due to the numerous challenges that frequently result in project failure (Chaurey et al., 2004).
Projections show that with the current business-as-usual approach and bourgeoning population
electricity access is unlikely to improve significantly. Despite this challenge, countries like
Thailand and Costa Rica have been able to provide electricity to about 90% of their rural holds
(Yadoo, 2010). Although there many failed rural electrification programs in developing
countries, successful ones shows that there are great potentials to overcome the challenges of
rural electrification programs. Energy availability and its utilization remains important factor in
the economic growth, progress and development as well as poverty eradication and security
nation in developing and developed countries (Chaurey et al., 2004). The demand for
conventional fossil fuel resources has increased along with environmental consequences and
despite this substantial increase in energy consumption statistics shows that in 2011 approximate
of 1.3 billon had no access to modern electricity services (Foley, 2007). Therefore, many
countries have intensified deployment of other alternatives like using solar photovoltaic
electricity in rural to minimize electricity scarcity (World Bank 2013). For instance, Bangladesh
being a developing country, people from various districts of Bangladesh have been experiencing
a severe electricity crisis due to the increasing daily demand power (Sadeque ,2012). Therefore,
they adopted to use solar PV electricity as an alternative and viable option which has been
suitable for providing supply of electricity in rural areas and isolated area of Bangladesh where
grid connections are not available (Siegel, 2011). Adoption of solar PV electricity in Bangladesh
have become popular among rural household and small scales businesses with lower standards of

9
living because of affordability and availability of loan system offered by different organizations.
According to (Chaurey et al., 2004) use of solar photovoltaic electricity in Abhaypara (village in
Bangladesh) has brought positive impacts on improving living standard along with some non -
economic benefits such as more leisure time, like watching Tv in the evening and increased
social security due to solar street lightning in the village(Sadeque ,2010). Since Abhaypara
village have adopted the use of solar PV by installing SHS which provide ample light after dark
that helps children on their education by providing extended study hours for these school going
children (kumatsu et al., 2011).

In India Photovoltaic (PV) offers sustainable solutions to energy poor communities in rural areas
that do not have accesses to grid electricity (Azimuth, 2010).Boragohain (2012) in her impact of
solar PV electricity in rural of in development of India; provides that getting light for children to
study at night which results in the improvement in education performance. In addition, use of
solar PV in rural of India also positively impacts social facilities in the off-grid areas like clinics
(Benthuad et al., 2017). Studies shows use of Solar PV is used as ideal alternatives for powering
vaccine refrigeration and lighting for local health centers are essentials in the improvement of
health services in rural areas. For instances solar PV installed at Lutheran Hospital in Luangwa a
village in the southern part of India, improved health services by powering low energy
equipment and lighting for infusion unit theatre, medical cooling and security lights (Tasea,
2005).

2.4 Impacts of solar PV electricity regionally

Africa is blessed with abundant energy source that promote economic growth and provides
sufficient capacity to meet up the future demand through the use of solar PV electricity (Colman
2012). The dynamics of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and utilization has taken center in
some countries in Africa aiming to improve the social-economic and cultural activities in their
rural settlements (Colman, 2012).This evaluate the progress made in use of solar PV in
electrification on transformation of the livelihoods of community in Tanzania. Tanzania has been
having challenges of lack of reliable, effective and sufficient electricity in many parts of the
country (Bounchers and Hofmeyer 2010). These challenges its due to increase in population and

10
a lot of people in rural areas of Tanzania are of low standard living hence they are not able to
install grid electricity as it is expensive for them (Etchevery, 2003). Tanzania have adopted to
use solar PV electricity in rural areas. According to Etcheyery (2003) use solar PV electricity
have positively impacted social-economic development of Mbeya village in Tanzania. Use of
solar PV electricity has extended operating hours for small-scale businesses in Mbeya villages
and have played a vital role in improving the well- being people as they can move in later hours
freely (Thom, 2014). It has also brought positive impacts to education as student’s uses solar PV
lamps to perform homework at night, improving the quality of schools by allowing using of
electrical appliances and it also increases the quality and quantity of teachers (World Bank,
2008).

Nigeria as African largest economy has approximately 10% of the unelectrified population of
sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017 77 million Nigerian or 40% percent had no access to affordable,
reliable and sustainable development electricity more especially in rural areas (Sawe, 2004).
Therefore, the demand of electricity in rural Nigeria led to alternative of using solar PV
electricity to minimize issues of electricity scarcity. (Sewa, 2004) Access to electricity through
solar PV in the rural areas of Nigeria provide significant benefits for clinics as they were
provided with security lights for nurses and visiting patients, this is because brightness of solar
lights drove away snakes and scorpions or allow them to be seen and killed easily. In addition
there Nigeria have installed to solar streets lights in rural areas to improve people security and
this also benefit small-scales businesses and vendors to operate during later hours in rural
settlements in Nigeria (Rogerson et al.,2014).

2.4 Impacts of solar PV locally

Botswana in mainly a coal fired plants (Botswana handbook 2014). Small generators are used to
power rural areas. The bulk of domestic electricity is generated by Morupule coal fire station
(AFDP, 2009). This is a clear a sign that Botswana currently relies on limited coal mine in
augments with more electricity from South Africa , Botswana imports most electricity most
electricity form Eskom (Bloomberg ,2014). Therefore the far flag desert spaces of rural areas
lend themselves well in establishing the use of solar PV electricity for social-economic as while

11
as cultural activities. The Botswana government energy has indicated an interest in growing its
renewable sources of energy sector while adoption of technologies holds great promises for
Botswana legacy financial, policy and institutional frame work are barriers (Tlhalerwa and
Mulalu ,2019). Botswana government is working strategically to diversify its energy sources and
build resiliency in its energy sector by investing in solar power plants to promote solar PV
system. Investment in renewable energy such as solar PV communities in Botswana to empower
them so they reduce heavy reliance on imported fuels such as petroleum and large-scale
businesses. Therefore, the use of solar PV electricity in rural areas will help in the social –
economic activities like small –business and social facilities. In addition, it will promote security
for people to move freely during later hours.

In Ngamiland, a large electric power was obtained from a standalone diesel generator until later
1990s, because access to grid electricity was limited to government facilities and major private
commercial enterprises (Botswana power cooperation, 2015). Which means many rural villages
in the Ngamiland are without access to grid electricity and the grid electricity has been affected
by frequent power outages and local shedding since 2012 (Eltel Network ,2010). Therefore, rural
settlements around Ngamiland adopted the use of Solar PV electricity. Households and private
commercial entities resorted to the use of solar photovoltaic installation and micro – solar
lighting systems to extend their business operating hour and providing security for people
working during later hours (Botswana daily news, 2017).

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Overview

This chapter discusses methods that were used to address the specific methods objectives of
study of impact of solar photovoltaic electricity in social-economic in Molapowabojang. It
discusses the data collection methods and explains the pros and cons of the stated methods.

3.1 Study design

A case study is defined as an intensive study about a person, or a group of people or a unit,
which is aimed to generalize over several units (Gastafsson, 2017). This approach is particularly
appropriate for individual researchers because it gives an opportunity for one aspect of a problem
to be studied in some depth within a limited time scale (Bell, 1999). The case study is the most
flexible of all research designs, allowing the researcher to retain the holistic characteristics of
real-life events while investigating empirical events (Bell, 1999).

To assess the impact of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity in the livelihoods in the community of
Molapowabojang mixed method was used. For data collection both qualitative and quantitative
methods were used, and this is to ensure that all maximum possibilities of the extent and impacts
of solar PV electricity on livelihoods in Molapowabojang are explored. Quantitative data are
used when a researcher is trying to quantify a problem. It is data that can be either be counted or
compared on a numeric scale (Brannen. J, 2005). For example, it can be used to find out number
of small-scale businesses (Street vendors and informal barber shops) that have been positively
benefited from the use of solar PV electricity. Qualitative describes qualities characteristics. It is
collected using interviews, or observation and frequently appears in narrative form (Kitto et al.,
2007). For examples can be used to know how opinions of key informants about shortage of
electricity in Molapowabojang.

13
 3.1.1 Study population
A population is any group of any individual that is of interest to the researcher. In this study the
population is the residents of Molapowabojang.

3.2 Data collection methods

The focus of data collection is to discuss how data was collected for the research study. Data
collection is an important aspect of any type of research because data collected inaccurately may
result in creating invalid information (Malhotra, 2010). For example for this study, to collect data
to satisfy the requirements of the research objectives and questions, interviews, and
questionnaires will be used. The rationale for using these two methods will be discussed below.

3.2.1 Key informants Interviews

In order to collect information about how solar PV electricity impacts the livelihoods in
Molapowajang. Semi-structured interviews (qualitative) with key informants from Southern
District Council, the village Development committee in Molapowabojang were conducted to
elicit their views and opinions about issue of shortage of electricity in Molapowabojang. Kumar
(2011) states that community members should be people who are in a position to know the
community as a whole and its origins while experts should have skills and be more
knowledgeable on a particular subject area. According to Gubrium (2011), a research interview
involves an interviewer who coordinates the process of the conservation and asks questions, and
an interviewee, who responds to those questions. This research method is a primary source of
data collection data that involves collecting data directly from the source. The interviews were
recorded using a phone with the consent of the interviewees and the interviews were
approximately 9 to 15 minutes and were conducted in respondents offices. This type of interview
that was used is semi-structured interview. This is an interview that uses an interview protocol to
help guide the researcher through the interview process. While this can incorporate conversional
aspects, it is mostly a guided conservation between the research and participant. Although it does
not maintain some structure and also provides the research with the ability to probe the
participant details (May et al 1995).

14
 3.2.2 Questionnaire
Questionnaires are instruments commonly used to collect information from the respondents. It is
a tool that consists of a series of questions or other types of prompts aimed at gathering
information from the respondents. Questionnaires are usually a combination of open and open
questions. Closed questions are typically ones that offer a respondent a fixed number of
responses to choose from, open ended questions without restrictions (Bowen, 2009). The
questionnaire was containing two main sections. Section A was containing some closed
questions and section B was containing questions on how solar PV electricity impact the
livelihoods of people. Section A was containing resident demographics such as ethnicity, age
group, and gender and section B was containing questions on how solar PV electricity impacts
the livelihoods of people. Households, social facilities and business owners were surveyed and
administered with questionnaire to get information about how solar PV applications improve
their livelihoods. Individuals in Molapowabojang were also administered with questionnaire to
collect data on how solar PV lights impact their movement during late hours. Advantage of this
method include the; a questionnaire allowed the research to collect large amount information in
short period of time. Some respondents completed the questionnaire without disclosing their
identity. The disadvantages include; when using questionnaires, some questions may be ignored
or unanswered. A questionnaire has many positive aspects, but dishonesty can be a problem.
Respondents may not be 100% true to their answers (Debois, 2022).

3.3 Sampling Procedure

3.3.1 Molapowabojang residents, social facilities and small scale businesses

To select the sample for the study, snow balling was used. It is a non -probability method where
new respondents are recruited by other participants to form part of the sample, to reach
population that would not be able access otherwise. Snow balling was used to Molapowajang
residents to know other residents that are using solar PV electricity. This method was used
depending on who uses solar PV electricity in Molapowabojang, either resident, small scale
business and social facilities.

3.3.2 Key informants sampling

To determine the key informants the research employed purposive sampling rather than
probabilistic sampling as they are generally few stakeholders who deal with Molapowabojang
15
developments especially issues of shortage of electricity. The key informants was constituted of
a senior economist from Southern District Council, the village Development committee in
Molapowabojang. The responses of these key informants were used to ascertain the small scall
businesses, social facilities, and house-owners survey responses.

3.4 Data analysis

The quantitative data from the questionnaire was coded and input the computer system to be
analyzed using SPSS. According to (Gay et al., 2010), the SPSS program allows for the
performance for a variety of statistical analyses, such as frequency distribution and others.
Analysis of the quantitative data collected was carried out using frequency and presented in
simple bar graphs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze key informants interviews. The
interviews conducted in Setswana were translated into English before transcription for simple
analysis. The researcher organized data into themes identified from the interviews and drew
conclusion. Crewell and clark, 2011 explains the thematic analysis is the most basic and the most
common type of qualitative analysis.

16
 3.5 Operationalization of study variable

Table 3:1 Operationalization and summary study table and variable

Objectives Key Research Questions Variables Research Data Analysis

Methods/

Techniques

1.To assess the impacts of solar 1.1 How does solar PV electricity Operating hours Survey Descriptive
PV electricity in small- scale impact the operating hours of barber statistics
businesses (tuck shop and shops and street-vendors in
informal barber shops in Molapowabojang?
Molapowabojang

2.To examine the impacts of 2.1 In what ways does solar PV Operation of survey Descriptive
solar PV electricity on social- electricity affect the operation of social facilities. statistics
facilities (clinics ,police station social facilities ( Kgotla, clinic and
and Kgotla) in Molapowabojang. Police station) in Molapowabojang?

3. To assess the efficiency i) What are steps taken by Steps taken Key Key
strategies implemented by stakeholders to solve shortage of informants informants
Alternatives
relevant stake holders to ensure electricity in Molapowabojang?
Interview Interview
that to ensure that
ii) What are alternatives they are
Molapowabojang is fully Key Key
using to help unelectrified village?
electrified. informants informants

interview interview

4. To determine the effects solar i) In what ways does solar PV Well-being of Household Descriptive
PVapplications systems amongst application improve the wellbeing of residents survey statistics
home-ones in Molapowabojang people in molapowabojang ?

17
 ii) How do solar PV lights impacts Movement of Household Descriptive
movement of people during late people survey statistics
hours Molapowabojang ?

3.7. Chapter Summary and Conclusion

This chapter has explained the data collection and analysis techniques used in the study across
the study area. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employed in this study.

18
Small scale, social facilities and homeowners were surveyed and administered with questionnaire
(quantitative) and key informant interviews (qualitative) were conducted between July and
August 2022. Snowballing was used to sample small scale business, social facilities and
houseowners. To determine the key informants, purposive sampling was used. The next chapter
presents the data analysis and presentation of the findings of this study, discussion of the findings
and conclusion.

CHAPTER 4

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

19
4.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the findings and interpretations of results. The results are presented in the
order of the study s research objectives. The first objective is to assess the impacts of solar PV
electricity in small scale businesses (street-vendors and barber shops), the second objective is to
examine the impacts of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity on social facilities (clinic, kgotla and
police station), the third objective is to assess the efficiency strategies implemented by relevant
stake holders to ensure Molapowabojang is fully electrified and the last objective is to determine
the effects of solar PV applications systems amongst homeowners in Molapowabojang. Results
were collected using questionnaire and key informants interview guide.

4.1 Impacts of solar PV electricity on small-scale businesses

4.1.1 Population characteristics

The section presents the demographic information of respondents for the first objective. The
demographic characteristics of respondents include factors such as age, gender and occupation.
Data was collected with 6 respondents, Table 1 presents the demographic data from respondents
five (83.3%) were male while one (16.7%) were female. Their ages ranged from 30 years to 40
years and 40 years to 50 years. The findings show that the most of the respondents were males
(83.3%) between the ages of 30-40 years.

Table 4:1 Demographic information of respondents

Gender Frequency Percentages (%)

Male 5 83.3

Female 1 16.7

Age category

30-40 years 3 50

40-50 years 3 50

Occupation

20
 Barber 5 83.3

Street vendors 1 16.7

4.1.2 Impacts of solar PV electricity on operation (hours) of small-scale businesses

The respondents were asked to provide their knowledge on what do they use solar PV electricity
for and what kind of businesses are they involved in Molapowabojang. Five (83.3%) of
respondents indicated that they are barber owners while one (16.7%) stated that she is operating
as a street vendor. Furthermore, there were asked to provide data and information about the
reason of using solar PV electricity based on the problems of not accessing grid electricity. The
respondents were all randomly asked about how long they use solar PV electricity to operate
their businesses. Five (83.3%) of the respondents stated that they use solar panels to operate their
businesses the whole day while one (16.7%) of the respondents stated that they use solar panels
only in the evenings as shown in table 3.

Table 4:2 Time small- scale business uses solar PV electricity to operate their businesses.

Duration Occupation Frequency Percentage%

Whole day Barbers 5 83.3

Evenings Street vendor 1 16.7

4.1.3 Benefits of solar PV electricity to small-scale businesses

The way small-businesses owner’s uses solar PV electricity determines that is useful and
adequate to improve their economic status. To find out if solar PV electricity was useful to
business owners, respondents were asked if solar PV electricity is adequate to run their
businesses. From six respondents, five respondents (83.3%) stated that solar PV electricity is
adequate for their businesses. This included includes the five barber shop owners who were ad
mistered with the questionnaire. One out of six (16.7%), which was the street vendors who was
depending on solar street light installed near her business, stated its not adequate as she only
benefiting from solar streets lights only in the evenings. Respondents were asked what they
prefer between grid electricity and PV electricity. Four (66.7%) of respondents stated they prefer
PV electricity because is reliable, saves cost and bills and environmentally friendly. Two

21
(33.3%) stated that they prefer grid electricity. The researcher made a follow up to understand if
they (33.3%) were not familiar with the use of solar PV electricity. They responded that with
grid electricity one can always use it even when it’s rainy or cloudy.

Based on the results majority of business owners stated that they are happy with the use of solar
PV electricity to operate their businesses. Four (66.7%) of respondents stated that it reduces their
cost and bills and 33.3% stated that is cheap than grid electricity. One of the respondents
(barber) encouraged other business owners who do not have access to grid electricity to start
considering grid electricity as is cheap and environmentally friendly. See in figure1.

Benefits of using solar PV electricity by small-businesses

33%

67%

Reduces cost and bills Reliable

Fig
ure 4.1: Benefits of using solar PV electricity by small-scale businesses

4.1.4 Challenges small-scale businesses encounter through using solar PV electricity

Respondents were also asked about the problems they encounter when using solar PV electricity
appliances four (66.7%) of respondents stated that solar panels they use are not effective during
rainy or cloudy season as they store less power to operate their businesses. One (16.7%) stated
that sometimes their solar appliances sometimes fails to work and the last one (16.7%) of
respondents stated that solar panels he is using never give him problems because he can fix them
as shown in figure 2.

22
 challenges of using solar PV electricity by small scale
businesses
4.5
4
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1 1
1
0.5
0
Less power on cloudy or Does not work sometimes No problem
rainy season
Figu
re 4.2: Challenges small scale businesses faces using solar PV electricity.

4.2 Examining the impacts of solar PV electricity on social facilities

4.2.1 Demographic information of respondents.

Ten respondents were interviewed to find out how solar PV electricity through installed solar PV
lights impact social facilities. Data was collected from Kgotla, police and clinic. Table 4 shows
demographic characteristics of respondents. Results show that five (50%) of the respondents
were male and the other five (50%) were female. The sample population were dominated by
respondents working in the government of age category of 25-35 years, four (40%), 35 -45 years
were three (30%), 45-55 years were two (20%) and lastly one (10%) respondents was above 75.
In terms of education seven (70%) indicated that they have went for tertiary while two
respondents (20%) indicated that they have attained bgcse education. Primary education is the
least represented with only one (10%) respondents.

Table 4.3 Demographic characteristics of respondents

Gender Freqeuncy Percentage %

Male 5 50

Female 5 50

23
 Age category

25-35 years 4 40

35-45 years 3 30

45-55 years 2 20

Above 50 years 1 10

Level of education

Tertiary 7 70

Bgcse 2 20

Primary education 1 10

4.2.2 Impacts of solar PV electricity in social facilities

The respondents were administered with questionnaire to provide with knowledge on how long
they have been using solar PV electricity. Six (60%) of the respondents from clinic and kgotla
indicated that have been using solar PV lights that have been installed for 2 years inside their
premises while four (40%) of respondents stated that solar streetlights have a year installed in
their premises. Further-more there were to provide information about what they use solar PV
electricity for, eight (80%) of respondents stated the solar streetlight installed helps them
lightning during the night as that provide them with security and safety during later hours. Two
(20%) of respondents indicated that the solar streetlight helps during early morning light outside
premises.

Majority of the respondents stated that solar PV streets were installed by the VDC or Councilor
while the rest indicated that they don’t know.

4 .2.3 Benefits of solar streets lights in social facilities.

Five (50%) indicated that solar PV electricity provide them with security during the night,
providing them with safety from crime in Molapowabojang. Four (40%) indicated that installed
solar PV lights in their premises reduces the cost and bills for the gorverment as solar PV

24
electricity is supplementing grid electricity they normally use to operate their premises, while
one (10%) indicated that use of solar PV electricity is environmentally friendly as shown figure
8:

Benefits of solar PV electricty for social facilities

60

50
50

40
40
Frequency

30

20

10
10

0
Security and safety Reduces cost and bills Environmentally friedly

Figure 4:3 Benefits of solar PV electricity in social facilities

4.2.4 Problems social facilities encounter when using solar PV electricity

The respondents indicated that they are challenges with the use of this solar PV lights installed in
the premises. Five (50%) indicated that the solar streets installed are not effective during rainy
and cloudy seasons reason being that maybe they don’t store more energy during this conditions,
two (10%) of respondents indicated that there is limitation of solar streets lights installed in their
premises. Four (40%) of respondents indicated that they have never seen any problem of this
solar streets lights installed in their premises as indicated in figure 8

25
 Problems with the use of solar PV by social facilities

40; 40%
50; 50%

10; 10%

Not effective on rainy and cloudy season

Limited solar streets
Never seen any problem

Figure 4.4: showing problems encountered in social facilities through use of solar PV electricity

4.2.5 Solution to the problems in social facilities

Respondents were asked the solutions to the problems they have stated, how the problems can
overcome. Five (50%) of respondents out of ten took part in providing what can be solutions
while others did not. Two (20%) of the respondents stated that more solar PV lights should be
installed in their premises so that they can be effective, one (10%) of the respondents stated that
solar streets lights installed in their premises should be fixed on time all the time when they is a
fault. Lastly two (20%) of the respondents stated they don’t know what can be done.

26
 Overcoming challenges of using solar PV electricity
25

20 20
20

15
Frequency

10
10

0
Increase number of solar streets fixed on time don’t know
lights
Fi
gure 4:5 shows solutions stated by respondents in social facilities.

4.3: Stakeholders Engagement on addressing issues of shortage of electricity in

Molapowabojang.

4.3.1 Distribution of grid electricity in Molapowabojang

Senior economist and VDC chairperson as key stakeholders were interviewed to find their
opinions on the effectiveness of steps taken used to make sure that the issue of shortage of
electricity in Molapowabojang is solved. The researcher selected key informants based on their
knowledge on the research topic. Two researcher questions were compiled based on the topic.
The first question was what are steps taken by key stakeholders to solve shortage of electricity in
Molapowabojang and the second question was what are alternatives they are using to help semi-
electrified Molapowabojang. The responses were categorized by themes that complement the
residents’ responses. Direct quotes were used to stress the critical information that was provided
by the key informants.

Molapowabojang as a small village depending on decisions taken at the southern district council
about development need to be taken. Southern district council also its responsible to mobilizes
the community for identification and implementation of community based developmental and
initiatives and deals with the empowerment of remote area communities like Molapowabojang
for socio-economic sustenance. Due to lack of the funds Southern District Council is not able to

27
solve the issue of shortage of electricity in all villages. Solar PV lights are installed in
Molapowabojang as a main alternative provided by Southern District Council to reduce the
darkness during the night. Solar PV lights are installed in key places such police, kgotla, and
clinic to ensure that they carry their activities at ease, hence that will provide better services to
residents. To provide clarity strategies to help residents that do not have access to grid electricity,
so that they use other source of energy, Southern District Council senior economist stated that:

‘‘we sometimes make Kgotla meetings, to teach residents about the importance of using
renewable energy such as solar power, wind and biomass energy. Maybe that’s why you see
most people using PV appliances system.’’

In assessing the efficiency of this alternatives brought by Southern District Council in

Molapowabojang to try reduce the during the night by installing solar PV lights, the VDC
chairperson added that:

‘‘Solar PV lights installed in Molapowabojang does not cover the whole village. Solar PV lights
should cover the whole village to help us with persisting issues of crime in our village.’’

This is because solar PV lights are mostly installed in key areas such Kgotla, Police and Clinic
and that does not provide enough illumination to cover the whole village. In addition of these
government of Botswana has done a project called Morupule B to produce enough electricity to
cover the whole country. The plant has been experiencing various technical problems, including
frequent breakdowns and expected to be beneficial to solve shortage of electricity in Botswana
after its fully recovery.

4.4 Impacts of solar PV applications systems amongst house owners.

4.4.1 Demographic information of respondents

For objectives 4 on how solar PV applications systems impact on the well-being, safety and
security and study hours for school going children. Molapowajang residents were administered
using a questionnaire. Table 3 shows the demographic characteristics of respondents. Results
show that sixteen respondents (55.2%) were males and thirteen were females (44.8%). The
sample population of interest is dominated by elderly people. This situation is not surprising as

28
the younger generation prefers to stay in towns and major villages in search of jobs while few are
left in the rural areas (Luca, 2021). The other possible reason could be the lack of agricultural
resources such as land by the youth, they may also have no interest in farming. The results also
suggest that fourteen 48.3% of the respondents are not working; most of them indicated that they
work temporary through government program called ipelegeeng. Six (20.7%) of respondents are
employed, five (17.2%) of them are self-employed and lastly three (10.3%) are students. In terms
of education thirteen (44.8%) attained junior certificate, six (20.7%) went for tertiary, while the
least represented with only five (17.2%) for both residents having primary education and bgcse
certificate.

Table 4.5: Demographic characteristics of respondents

Gender Frequency Percentage (%)

Male 16 55
Female 13 45
Age category
10-20 6 17
20-30 8 27
30-40 11 38
40-50 4 24
50-60 1 3
Occupation
Employed 6 21
Self employed 5 17
Not working 14 48
School going children 3 10
Level of education
Teartiary 6 21
Bgcse 8 17
Jc 13 49
Psle 5 17

29
 4.4.2 Impacts of solar PV electricity on well-being of residents of Molapowabojang
Twenty-nine (100%) respondents indicated that they are aware and uses solar PV electricity in
different ways. Eleven (37.9%) of respondents indicated that they use solar lamps for lighting
during the night, eleven (37.9%) indicated that they move freely during the night due to installed
solar streets lights in Molapowabojang. Four (13.8%) use solar lamps to study at night, two
(6.9%) uses it for charging while one (3.4%) stated uses it for supplementing grid electricity.

Some respondents indicated that they learnt about solar PV electricity from school, radio,
newspapers and some indicated that they learnt that from internet.

Use of solar PV by house owners

40 37.9 37.9
35
30
25
Frequency

20
15 13.8

10 6.9
5 3.4

0
1

study at night Lights at night Charging phones and radios

study at night Supplementing grid electricity

Figure 4.6: Showing the use of solar PV electricity by houseowners Molapowabojang.

4.4.3 Reasons for using solar PV electricity by house-owners

There are several reasons why respondents choose to use solar PV electricity. Respondents were
asked reasons they preferred to use solar PV electricity, eight (27.6%) stated that solar PV
electricity saves cost and bills because it does not require installation fee and subscription as
compared to grid electricity, with eleven (37.9%) stating that PV electricity is cheap than grid
electricity because is naturally free. Further-more three (10.3%) stated that solar PV electricity is

30
readily available from the sun as Botswana is a semi-arid country that has more abundant
sunlight and only two (6.9%) of respondents stated that they use solar PV electricity because its
environmentally friendly as indicated on figure 4.

Reasons for using solar PV electricity

10.3 6.6

37.9

27.6

Readily available Environmentally friendly

Saves cost and bills PV is cheap than grid electricity
Figur
e 4.8: Reasons by respondents why they choose PV electricity.

One of the research questions was to find out if solar PV is used mostly during the day or night.
Twenty-six (89.7%) of respondents stated they use it during the night, the reason being that
during the day when there is sunlight they charge their appliances like lamps and uses later at
night. They also stated solar streets lights installed in Molapowabojang helps them to move
freely during the night. Three (10.3%) of respondents stated they use solar PV electricity during
the day for charging phones and radios. Eighteen (62.1%) revealed that they prefer PV electricity
over grid electricity and ten (34.5%) choose grid electricity. Respondents were asked if they are
happy with the use of solar PV electricity twenty (69%) of respondents stated they are happy
with it because it saves their cost and bills and also cheap than grid electricity while six (20.7%)
of respondents stated that they are not happy because solar PV electricity is not effective during
rainy season.

31
 4.4.4 Challenges with the use of solar PV electricity by homeowners
The respondents stated that they have challenges when using solar PV electricity. Most
respondents, eighteen (62.1%) stated that solar PV electricity appliances does not work the best
during rainy or cloudy season as they store less power due to unavailability of the sun. Four
(13.8%) stated that they don’t have back up like batteries to store power to use it during rainy
and cloudy seasons and solar PV appliances they use sometimes does not work. One (3.4%)
stated solar streets lights installed are not scattered in the whole village making other parts of
Molapowabojang unsafe during the night. And lastly six (20.7%) of respondents stated that they
never encounter any problem with the use of solar PV electricity.

Challenges with using solar PV electricity

60
40
20
0
PERCENTAGES

Figure 4.9: Challenges individual and students encounter with the use of solar PV electricity.

4.4.5 Strategies on how to overcome solar PV problems by house-owners.

The respondents were asked to state solutions on how the problems they have stated can be
overcome. Respondents gave different options. Ten (34.5%) of respondents indicated that
government should consider making installation of grid electricity free so that they can use it
together with PV electricity. Four (13.8%) of respondents stated that they should consider buy
big or more of solar panels to generate more power to carry out their activities. Three (10.3%)
considered that use of batteries to store power during the day and use it during the night will help

32
them, while two (6.9%) indicated that solar streets lights around Molapowabojang should be
fixed as fast as possible as they provide them with security during the night. Lastly one (3.4%) of
respondents stated that the government should consider installing solar PV electricity in all parts
of Molapowabojang to provide them with security and safety during the night.

Solutions of overcoming solar PV challenges

6.9 3.4

10.3
34.5

13.8

free fee for grid electricity installation Buying more solar panels Use of batteries fix of solar streets lights

Scatter solar streets lights

Figure 4:10 Solutions on problems of solar PV electricity can be overcome.

33
 CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

5.0 Introduction

This section gives an overview of discussions of the study results. The findings are discussed
according to the themes derived from the data to interpret the results. Discussions give a
comparison of the main findings of the study with other similar studies done in other places.

5.1 The impacts of solar PV electricity

5.1.1 Business operating hours

According to (Thom, 2014) use of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity by small businesses that do
not have access to grid electricity has positive impacts on extending their operating hours.
Results from study revealed that barber shops around Molapowabojang are located in places
where they can access customers easily, which in most cases is far from their homestead, thus
forcing them to use solar panels as their source of electricity instead of grid electricity. When the
sun shines onto solar panels, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by PV cells in the panel,
causing electricity flow that is needed by barber shops to operate their businesses. The energy
stored in solar panels helps them to operate their businesses from the morning to late evening.
This saves their business costs and bills as they do not spend any money on buying electricity to
operate their business because the energy they use is naturally from sun and environmentally
friendly. The study shows most barber shops owners are happy with the use of solar PV
electricity and encourage other small businesses that do not have access to grid electricity to use
PV electricity to operate their business. This was evident in this study as the results show five
(83.3%) of respondents indicated that solar PV electricity is adequate to operate their business.

Additionally, results from the study revealed that street vendors find it safe and secure to operate
during later hours due to installed solar streets lights in Molapowabojang. This is because solar
streets lights are mostly installed in busy areas where street vendors find it easy to find customers
during late hours, hence this increases their earnings as they can operate from morning till late
hours. This findings is similar to (Ohunakin et al., 2014) that solar street lighting has been found

34
to boost the night-time economy. By using these lights, informal business owners can operate till
late in the night, helping them cater to those who work late. Apart from finding customers in
busy areas easily, street vendors are able to operate during late hours in areas where issues of
theft were occurring before installation of solar streets lights. Therefore illumination from solar
streets lights provide security and safety for street vendors during late hours. The study indicated
that cost and bills for street vendors are reduced as they don’t spend more money in buying
lamps to operate their business during the night.

5.1.2 Well-being of Molapowabojang residents.

The study results showed that the use of solar PV electricity improves the well-being of people in
Molapowabojang. This study findings is similar to that of (Baptist and Hamhaber, 2015) that
solar PV electricity and its utilization remain crucially important for accelerated economic
growth and technological advancement in todays globalized village. Based on the results from
the study, residents in Molapowabojang that are facing great teething trouble of not having
access of grid electricity, uses solar PV electricity to address multi-dimensional aspects of
poverty like education, health and well-being. According to the findings, solar panels are
charged by the sun during the day and afterwards used to power radios and phones to enhance
communication in Molapowabojang. Also, they employ solar lamps to give lighting at night so
that kids can study. A majority of respondents 69% indicated that they are happy using solar PV
electricity because it saves their cost and bills unlike grid electricity which requires installation
fee and subscriptions thought out. Some residents use solar PV electricity to supplement grid
electricity in order to avoid energy giving back to the grid electricity and to protect themselves
against raising energy costs.

Additionally, the findings indicate that solar streets lights installed in Molapowabojang provide
security and safety for people during the night. This is because Solar streetlights Increases
visibility and the number of people that uses the street during late hours. Therefore lead to
increased or more effective natural surveillance that may deter crime. The study also found out
that better illumination provided by solar streets lights also improves security felt by females and
security for children. A gender strengthening dimension is observed as an impact of solar streets
lights in Molapowabojang. Majority women who were interviewed said they feel safe to walk
during the night. Prior to installation of solar streets lights, women were hesitant to walk in the
streets. Now, the women are able to go by themselves to the nearby shops alone after dusk. The

35
solar streets lights are now a source of better illumination in Molapowabojang during power cuts
in the evening. Thus, in case of power cuts many times inhabitants depend on the light received
from the solar streetlights. The light from the solar streets lights also illuminates the premises of
the adjacent households. Thus, during power cuts, the families gather outside their houses
sometimes to sit under the light.

5.1.3 Key informants Perspective

The result from the study shows that key informants stated that Botswana government has built
Morupule B power plant to meet the growing demand of electricity in Botswana, as the country
continue to expand. It is designed to replace the aging and inefficient Morupule power A station.
Despite being a significant source of power supply, it was learnt from key informants that
Morupule B power plant has faced several challenges since its commissioning, including
operational and maintenance issues, this gives a reason why there is shortage of electricity in
Botswana. This affects towns and villages that depends on this power plant for distribution of
electricity.

5.1.4 Operation of social facilities

The study shows that stand-alone photovoltaic lights in installed in social facilities (kgotla,
clinic, and Police) in Molapowabojang bring positive impacts. They are found to be helpful for
providing security and safety during the night. The study revealed that installed stand-alone
lights increase visibility in Kgotla during night hence deter crime that can happen during late
hours, it also helps in activities that are carried out during late hours. Additionally, the presence
of stand-alone photovoltaic lights installed police and clinic provide better illumination during
the nights that is enough to provide safety for government properties to be stolen. Respondents
indicated that stand-alone photovoltaic lights help during early morning by lighting outside
premises and brighten outside the premises during later hours and thus provide them with much
security and safety. Installation of these stand-alone photovoltaic lights in social facilities helps
in reducing much reliance on the grid electricity and is also cheap as the energy used is naturally
from the sun.

36
 5.1.5 Challenges and Solutions
The challenges and solutions reported in this section were based on the opinions of the
respondents. Barber shops owners indicated that during rainy or cloudy days, they face the
shortage of power due less energy stored in solar panels because its only charged only at
sunlight. They also complained that the initial cost of solar panels is very high. It was not under
the nose of people, especially for poor people. That’s why they thought that the government
should give small businesses in need of solar panels free of cost. The study also show that barber
shops owners revealed that solar panels do not work sometimes due to some faults they do not
know. It’s not possible to repair the panels when they get problems, as they do not have
knowledge of how to fix solar panels. Additionally street vendors do not operate during the night
when it’s cloudy or rainy because streetlights are less effective due to less energy stored in them
and thus leading to a reduction in their business revenue.

Due poverty and financial contracts faced by the economy of Botswana, Molapowabojang
residents expressed that government should make installation of electricity free so everyone can
have chance to access it. This is because PV appliances they use in their homestead to support
their social-economic are less effective during rainy and cloudy conditions. The results show that
most residents store less energy from solar panels because they do not have back up batteries and
they use small solar panels. They stated that it's better for them to buy bigger solar panels and
batteries to store much energy from sunlight so that can use energy from it for a long period of
time as opposed to the small ones. The most challenge that was noticed across all social facilities
according to the study is solar lights installed in their premises are limited. That’s why they
suggested increasing them, to have better visibility during the night.

37
 CHAPTER 6

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

6.0 INTRODUCTION

Botswana is situated in place that solar energy could be highly used. This is because of its certain
characteristics, it being a desert area where it receives so much sunlight that can be used for
electricity or stored in batteries. The study question is whether solar energy is sufficient to have a
social and economic impact on people who do not have access to grid electricity. The purpose of
this thesis is to examine the effects solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity on the social-economic
community of Molapowabojang. The study examined the effects of solar photovoltaic electricity
on small-scale business operations, social facilities, and residents’ well-being. This chapter
provide with answers presented in the study in relation to the objectives.

6.1 Impact of solar PV electricity on the livelihoods

Electricity is essential part of modern life, which is also crucial to social-economic development.
In spite of this, solar energy is mostly used by villages in remote areas that cannot afford or
access grid electricity due to financial hardships and poverty (Bastokoti, 2008). Solar power that
is used is generated through photovoltaic technology and it is natural, renewable, and clean. It
does not involve the burning of any fossil fuels or the emission of greenhouse gases that
contribute to the global climate change crisis (Bastokoti, 2008). The energy generated can be
used to power home appliances such as TVs, fans, computers, and even heavy machinery. This
saves the community from huge electricity bills and reduces the risks associated with the
nighttime darkness. Due to the limited power in majority of the families in my research area,
Molapowabojang, solar PV electricity is often seen as being beneficial to people who cannot
afford grid electricity and those who live in remote places without access to it.

6.2 Solar PV electricity effects on operational of small-scale businesses

38
A consistent energy supply is vital for the smooth running and extending operating hours of a
business (Obeng & Hans, 2009). Therefore small business located far from homestead can use
solar panels for their business to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and
supplement their energy need. This will make small businesses less vulnerable to power cuts and
outages, reducing interference with productivity. Additionally, solar panels store energy for the
business to ensure that it can be used during later hours. Most informal small-scale businesses in
Molapowabojang revealed that they use solar panels to generate electricity because it is cheap
and reliable. This is because the energy they use is naturally from the sun.

6.3 Community safety and solar streets lights

Solar streetlights has proven to reduce concerns like robberies, burglaries, property defacement,
property damage, and others that often happen in the dark. By ensuring that the property has
adequate lighting around it. (Baef, 2008). Stand-alone Photovoltaic lights installed in social
facilities (Clinics, Police and kgotla) in Molapowabojang help in providing security and safety
during later hours. This is because they brighten social facilities premises during power outages
and thus deter issues of crimes during the night. Installation of stand-alone photovoltaic lights in
social facilities supplement energy needs, reducing dependence and costs associated with
national grid. Also, activities are carried out at ease in social facilities during the night due to the
illumination provided by stand-alone photovoltaic lights. Additionally solar streets lights
installed in Molapowabojang provide security and safety to people during the night. This is
because solar streets lights increase visibility during later hours.

In conclusion, energy is a vital and important necessity for all earthly processes. Therefore,
application of solar energy supplement and reduce too much reliance on grid electricity. It
guarantees energy availability to fulfill the rising demand in socioeconomic activities and
improve standard of living.

39
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42
Appendix 1: Small scale businesses survey-Questionnaire
Respondent 1

Assessment of solar PV electricity on social-economic and cultural activities in

Molapowabojang

My name is Marshall Maswabi, a 3rd year student on Bachelor of Environmental and Chemistry
at the University of Botswana. I am conducting a research on the impacts of solar PV electricity
on the social-economic and cultural activities in Molapowabojang, and your participation will be
highly appreciated.

Leina la me ke Marshall Maswabi, ke dira ngwaga wa boraro mo dithutong tsa maranyane ko

mmadikolo. Ke dira dipatisiso ka tiriso ya marang a letsatsi mo itsholelong le ngwao mo
Malopowabojang, ka jalo ke ka itumela fa o ka tsaya karolo mo dipatisisong tse.

Section D: Small scale business

Demographic profile

Date: ___________

Name of the interviewer: ____________

Place of the interview: ______________

Age: ___________

Date of birth: ____________

High level of education: __________

Current Position: ____________

Length of the service: __________

Interview questions

1. What do you use PV electricity for?

43
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

2. What type of business are you involved in?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

3. Why do you use solar PV electricity? Tick the box below:

Lack of access to grid electricity

PV electricity is cheap than grid electricity

It saves cost and bills

Readily available

4. How did you know about solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

______________________________________________________________________________
_______

5.For how long do your by business operate in a day?

__________________________________________

6. Does your business operate at night? Yes No

7.How long do you use solar PV electricity to operate your business?

_____________________________

8. What are problems, if any , do you experience in using solar PV electricity?

44
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

9. How can the problems identified be overcome?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

10. Is solar PV electricity useful to your business? If yes, how?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

11. Is solar PV electricity adequate to run your business? Yes No .

12. If yes to question 11, why do you say it’s adequate?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

13. If you compare solar PV electricity with grid electricity which one do you think is the better
and why?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

14. Do you encourage other businesses to use solar PV electricity? Yes No . If yes
state your reasons.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________

15. What are the benefits if any, of using Solar PV electricity to your business?
45
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

16. Are you happy with the benefits of solar PV electricity to your business? Yes No .

17 If yes to question 16, state your reasons.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

18. Any other comments regarding solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

Thank you for your participation in the questionnaire.

46
Appendix 2: Social facilities- Questionnaire
Respondent 1

Assessment of solar PV electricity on social-economic and cultural activities in

Molapowabojang

My name is Marshall Maswabi, a 3rd year student on Bachelor of Environmental and Chemistry
at the University of Botswana. I am conducting a research on the impacts of solar PV electricity
on the social-economic and cultural activities in Molapowabojang, and your participation will be
highly appreciated.

Leina la me ke Marshall Maswabi, ke dira ngwaga wa boraro mo dithutong tsa maranyane ko

mmadikolo. Ke dira dipatisiso ka tiriso ya marang a letsatsi mo itsholelong le ngwao mo
Malopowabojang, ka jalo ke ka itumela fa o ka tsaya karolo mo dipatisisong tse.

Section B: Social facilities (schools, clinics)

Demographic profile

Date: ___________

Name of the interviewer: _____________

Place of the interview: _____________

Age: ___________

Date of birth: ___________

High level of education: ___________

Current Position: ___________

Length of the service: __________

Interview questions:

1. How long have solar PV electricity been used here? ________

2. What do you use solar PV electricity for?

47
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

3. Who installed the solar PV system?

______________________________________________________

4. How did you know about solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

5. Why do you use solar PV electricity? Tick the box below:

Lack of access to grid electricity

PV electricity is cheap than grid electricity

It saves cost and bills

Readily available

6. Is solar PV electricity enough to carry activities it’s supposed to? Yes No .

7. If no what do you use to carry other activities and why?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

8. If you compare solar PV electricity with grid electricity which one do you think is the better
and why?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

9. What problems, if any, do you experience in using solar PV electricity?

48
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

10. How can the problems you have identified be overcome?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

11. What are benefits of using solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

12. Any other comments regarding solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

13. Any other comments regarding solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

Thank you for participating in the questionnaire.

49
Appendix 3; Stake holder interview guide
Assessment of solar PV electricity on social-economic and cultural activities in
Molapowabojang
My name is Marshall Maswabi, a 3rd year student on Bachelor of Environmental and Chemistry
at the University of Botswana. I am conducting research on the impacts of solar PV electricity on
the social-economic and cultural activities in Molapowabojang, and your participation will be
highly appreciated.

Leina la me ke Marshall Maswabi, ke dira ngwaga wa boraro mo dithutong tsa maranyane ko

mmadikolo. Ke dira dipatisiso ka tiriso ya marang a letsatsi mo itsholelong le ngwao mo
Malopowabojang, ka jalo ke ka itumela fa o ka tsaya karolo mo dipatisisong tse.

Interview Name: Name of organization:

Responsibilities:

Date:

Gender

Male Female

Age: 18-25 years

26-35 years

35-45 years

46-55 years

Over 56 years

50
Key informant interview guide

1 May you kindly provide an overview of the current electricity situation in the southern district.

2. What are the main challenges contributing to the shortage of electricity?

3. What are the reasons or factors that led to electricity shortages?

4. How does the electricity shortage impacted the overall economic growth and development in
southern district?

5. What are initiatives and strategies have been implemented thus far to address issue of shortage
of electricity in Molapowabojang?

6. Are they ongoing project or plans to increase to increase the electricity generation

7. Are they any regulatory, financial, or technical challenges that need to be addressed.

8. Are they any alternatives or renewable energy sources that are explored to mitigate the
electricity shortage like use of solar PV electricity

9. What is your view on solar PV electricity being an alternative to solve shortage of electricity
in Molapowabojang?

10. In your opinion what are the most effective strategies to solve shortage of electricity in
Molapowabojang?

51
Appendix 4: House owners survey-Questionnaire
Respondent 1

Assessment of solar PV electricity on social-economic and cultural activities in

Molapowabojang

My name is Marshall Maswabi, a 3rd year student on Bachelor of Environmental and Chemistry
at the University of Botswana. I am conducting a research on the impacts of solar PV electricity
on the social-economic and cultural activities in Molapowabojang, and your participation will be
highly appreciated.

Leina la me ke Marshall Maswabi, ke dira ngwaga wa boraro mo dithutong tsa maranyane ko

mmadikolo. Ke dira dipatisiso ka tiriso ya marang a letsatsi mo itsholelong le ngwao mo
Malopowabojang, ka jalo ke ka itumela fa o ka tsaya karolo mo dipatisisong tse.

Section A: Individual and students

Demographic profile

Date: _______

Name of the interviewer: __________________________________

Place of the interview: ____________________________________

Age: _____________

Date of birth: _____________

High level of education: _________________

Current Position: ______________________

Length of the service: __________________

Interview questions

1. Do you use solar PV electricity? __________

2. What do you use PV electricity for?

52
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

3. How did you know about the use of solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

4. Is solar PV electricity adequate for what you stated above? Yes No . If yes state
reasons why you do say so.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

5. Why do you use solar PV electricity? Tick the box below:

Lack of access to grid electricity

PV electricity is cheap than grid electricity

It saves cost and bills

Readily available

6. Are you using solar PV electricity during the day or night? ___________

7. If you compare solar PV electricity with grid electricity which one do you think is the better
and why?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

8. Do you encourage other people in Molapowabojang to use solar PV electricity? Yes

No .

9 If yes state your reasons.

53
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________

10. What are problems, if any, do you experience in using solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

11. How can the problems identified be overcome?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

12. Does solar PV electricity helps in cultural and religious activities? If yes which ones in
Molapowabojang?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

13. What are benefits of using solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

14. Are you happy with the benefits of solar PV electricity? Yes No .

15. If yes state your reasons.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

54
16. Any other comments regarding solar PV electricity?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________

Thank you for participating in the questionnaire.

55