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Quantitative Impacts of Solar PV on Television Viewing and Radio Listening in Off-grid Rural Ghana

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  • George Obeng
  • Ebenezer Kumi

Abstract

The use of solar photovoltaic (PV) for powering electronic devices such as radio and television can contribute to increase access to information and entertainment in off-grid rural communities. However, there is a lack of quantitative data on impact of solar PV electrification on television viewing and radio listening. This paper relied on primary data from cross-sectional surveys of solar-electrified and non-electrified households in rural Ghana using questionnaires which were developed into a database. The study results showed that solar-electrified households could view television for 2.5 hours/day, while in non-electrified households it was 1.5 hours/day. The avoided cost of television viewing using solar PV instead of car battery was US$ 1-3/month. The study found a linear relationship between incomes above US$ 1.08/day and television ownership. Further, the results showed that on average radio listening in solar-electrified households was 5 hours/day, while in non-electrified households it was 6.3 hours/day. The avoided cost of radio listening using solar PV instead of drycell batteries was US$ 1.08/month. We conclude that the difference in the results suggests an overall impact of solar PV on television viewing and radio listening. Once quantitative data are made available, the decision to use solar PV for off-grid electrification will be apparent.Â

Suggested Citation

  • George Obeng & Ebenezer Kumi, 2014. "Quantitative Impacts of Solar PV on Television Viewing and Radio Listening in Off-grid Rural Ghana," Energy and Environment Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 4(1), pages 1-62, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:eerjnl:v:4:y:2014:i:1:p:62
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cabraal, A. & Cosgrove-Davies, M. & Schaeffer, L., 1996. "Best Practices for Photovoltaic Household Electrification Programs: Lessons from Experiences in Selected Countries," Papers 324, World Bank - Technical Papers.
    2. Camelia Minoiu & Sanjay G. Reddy, 2008. "Chinese Poverty: Assessing The Impact Of Alternative Assumptions," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 54(4), pages 572-596, December.
    3. Obeng, George Yaw & Evers, Hans-Dieter, 2009. "Solar PV rural electrification and energy-poverty: A review and conceptual framework with reference to Ghana," MPRA Paper 17136, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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