Awareness level and the adoption of solar power home systems among the residents of Kipkelion West Sub County, Kericho County, Kenya

Solar energy is a source of energy that has recently seen an increase in use and adoption by Kenyan consumers as a source of clean and climate-friendly energy. The purpose of this study was to understand the awareness level on the adoption of solar power home systems among the residents of Kipkelion West Sub County, Kericho County, Kenya. The study was guided by diffusion innovation theory and utilized explanatory sequential research design. Multistage, purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select a sample of 407 from a target population of 24688 households. A semi-structured questionnaire and interview schedule was used to collect data, and quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques with the help of SPSS software, version 24. Qualitative data was analyzed using verbatim and summarized according to themes. The analyzed quantitative data was presented in the form of tables, bar charts and graphs. Findings from the study revealed that, increase in adoption rates is directly associated with heightened awareness, which is achieved through the implementation of campaigns, seminars, and workshops. Additionally, the availability of solid local support played a crucial role in facilitating the decision-making process. According to a local resident, the adoption of solar energy appeared to be the most viable remedy for their home due to the recurring power outages and escalating electricity expenses. The study findings may be used by Energy Solution companies and by Kenya Power Company as they seek to understand how to bridge the existing energy gap. The study can also be of importance to the Ministry of Forestry and Environment who may be looking at the ways of finding alternative sources of energy from bio-fuel to protect the environment. Keywords: Awareness level, Solar energy, home systems, clean energy, climate friendly energy