Use of Solar Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy in Zaria

Abstract

This study  examines the uses and factors that determine the use of solar energy as alternative source of energy in Zaria. Data sets were obtained from 120 purposively selected respondents cross metropolitan Zaria. The data sets were subjected to both descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The results identified calculators, flash lights and water pumping machines as the major solar energy equipments commonly used. It also revealed that higher income earners constitute a majority of solar energy users. The correlation analysis shows a significant relationship between educational qualification,  income and the choice of solar energy.  It was concluded that the various renewable sources of energy now being developed are likely to remain too costly to have much influence on the household fuel-supplies of the country’s rural and urban poor for a long time to come.