Abstract:
In rural Ethiopian traditional fuels like kerosene and firewood are the main sources of energy used
for lighting purpose. They are a major factor for environmental problems and health risks that affect
the wellbeing of low-income rural households. However, Ethiopia has a vast potential for renewable
energy resources like solar energy that have not fully utilized. The main aim of the study was to
assess the determinants of household adoption of solar energy in the Gurage zone. In order to
achieve the objective of the study, data were collected from 384 households using a survey
questionnaire from Cheha and Ezha woredas. The collected survey data were analyzed by
descriptive statistics and econometric model (probit model). The result of the probit model reveals
that the adoption of solar energy has a positive and significant relation with household income,
remittances, education, marital status and ownership of cattle. But the adoption of solar energy has a
negative and significant relation with household size, sex, and age. Based on the findings, the study
recommends that the government should enhance in poverty alleviation program in rural areas and
improve rural household wealth, increase access to education and encourage women by giving
especial service like credit access and creating awareness, to increase the adoption of solar energy
technology.
