POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SOLAR ENERGY AS A SUSTAINABLE AND RENEWABLE POWER SOURCE TO HELP END THE CURRENT POWER DEFICIT IN ZAMBIA

Abstract

Background and Objective: The study investigates the possibilities and limitations of solar energy as a sustainable and renewable power source to help end the current power deficit in Zambia. The study’s main objective is to investigate the possibilities and limitations of utilizing sunlight as a continuous inexhaustible power supply to supplement existing power generation to end the deficit.

Study Design/Materials and Methods: The basic design is the mixed methods research (MMR) design, a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods that provide solutions to research query(s) correctly and ethically. The MMR comprises data gathering using questionnaires and interviews, evaluating, translating, and providing both quantitative and qualitative information in one study. The study generates a generic hypothesis that if solar energy is fully explored, developed, and continuous systems implemented, the current power deficit will come to an end, boosting economic growth and national development.

Results: Once fully exploited and developed, solar power is likely to offer solutions to global and Zambian power challenges in particular.

Practical Implications: The current condition in the world concerns power challenges that need urgent solutions. The study results indicate that globally only industrialized nations have taken up the challenge seriously, whereas in Africa, where the energy problem is acute, very little is being done.

Conclusions and Summary: The governments of the world, Zambian included, must formulate a solar energy framework and make considerable investments in sunlight harvesting.