Sociotechnical Analysis of the Development of Solar Photovoltaics in Nigeria (1980–2020)
Over the decades, Nigeria has faced a persistent lack of adequate electricity supply, significantly impacting the country’s social life and economic development. Additionally, electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, which are a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. As a result, Nigeria confronts a dual challenge of energy accessibility and sustainability. Therefore, transi-tioning electricity generation from fossil fuels to renewable resources, such as solar photovoltaics (PV), emerges as a viable alternative. This book presents a sociotechnical analysis of the development of solar PV in Nigeria, merging the perspectives of the multilevel perspective (MLP) with the techniques of strategic niche management (SNM). While numerous journal articles discuss the development of solar PV in Nigeria, none have applied sociotechnical theory, making this book the first of its kind. To fulfil the book's objectives, the sociotechnical analysis is conducted as research, formulating two key research questions: 1) How did solar photovoltaics develop in Nigeria between 1980 and 2020? 2) What are the barriers to deploying solar photo-voltaic technology in Nigeria? The research employs in-depth inter-views as the primary data source, with peer-reviewed journals and reports as secondary sources. The findings reveal an abundance of solar resources in Nigeria; however, its adoption remains constrained by insufficient government support, an overwhelming dual regime of grid electricity and backup generators, and the passive efforts of solar PV promoters. The book presents a comprehensive study and analy-sis of the development of solar PV in Nigeria, suggesting avenues for the accelerated adoption of solar PV technology.
Sample Chapter(s)
Abstract (114 KB)
Components of the Book:
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgement
  • Dedication
  • Abstract
  • Abbreviations
  • Chapter 1. Introduction
  • Chapter 2. Electricity Governance
  • Chapter 3. Research Methodology
  • Chapter 4. Sociotechnical System
    • 4.1 The Multilevel Perspectives (MLP)
    • 4.2 Strategic Niche Management (SNM)
    • 4.3 Contextualisation of Nigeria’s Electricity
    • 4.4 Elements of Sociotechnical Change
    • 4.5 Limitations of the Sociotechnical System
  • Chapter 5. The Growth and Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic in Nigeria
    • 5.1 The Growth of Solar Photovoltaics in Nigeria
    • 5.2 Adoption of Solar PV Technology
  • Chapter 6. The Metrics of Solar Photovoltaic in Nigeria
    • 6.1 Power and Politics
    • 6.2 Technical Know-How and Standardisation
    • 6.3 Agencies and Institutions
    • 6.4 Subsidies of Grid Electricity and Petroleum Products
    • 6.5 Adoption of Backup Generators
  • Chapter 7. The Sociotechnical Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic in Nigeria
    • 7.1 Answering the Research Questions
    • 7.2 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Research
    • 7.3 Recommendation
  • References
  • About the Author
Readership: Students, academics, teachers, and other people attending or interested in Solar Photovoltaics.
1
Preface
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (112 KB)

Acknowledgement
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (112 KB)

Dedication
biodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (127 KB)

Abstract
biodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (114 KB)

Abbreviations
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (136 KB)
1
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (179 KB)
5
Chapter 2. Electricity Governance
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (206 KB)
9
Chapter 3. Research Methodology
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (148 KB)
13
Chapter 4. Sociotechnical System
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (490 KB)

Chapter 5. The Growth and Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic in Nigeria
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (1337 KB)
37
Chapter 6. The Metrics of Solar Photovoltaic in Nigeria
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (161 KB)
43
Chapter 7. The Sociotechnical Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic in Nigeria
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (154 KB)

References
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (199 KB)

About the Author
Abiodun Adeola Akinola
PDF (110 KB)
Abiodun Adeola Akinola, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.
He earned a BEng in Electrical/Electronic, Power Option, from the Uni-versity of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, in 1999. He is a Schneider Elec-tric-trained Power System Engineer and founded Shombay Electric Limited in 2009. In 2019, Abiodun Adeola Akinola transitioned to ac-ademia, obtaining an MSc in Energy Policy from the University of Sussex. In 2021, he enrolled in a PhD program in Energy Development and Sustainability at Abertay University.

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