EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF OFF-GRID SOLAR POWER KIOSKS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR RURAL AREAS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Lack of access to electricity is one of the major impediments to the growth and development of rural economies in developing countries like Nigeria. Energy in particular is critical in achieving virtually all the sustainable development goals; it can be used to support important development like access to education, improved health, communication and empowerment. This research work will assess the direct and indirect linkages between energy efficiency, employment, and social welfare in rural areas using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches to carry out the analysis. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics method of data using pie and bar charts. The study shows that energy availability in rural areas generates employment for the rural inhabitants as well as improves the social well-being of the people living in the arrears. The work intends to scale up an inclusive business model based on a unique technology and building solution for modular energy supply, offering sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity products and services through solar-powered kiosks to rural areas in Nigeria. The result is in agreement with goal seven of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.