TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR POWER IN OFF-GRID ENERGY SECTOR IN NIGERIA

Amidst the very low per capita energy consumption in Nigeria, Solar power has the potential to effectively tackle the energy difficulties in Nigeria's off-grid sector, however its adoption is impeded by multiple obstacles. This study examines the correlation between technology innovation and development of solar power in Nigeria's off-grid energy industry. We utilized a cross-sectional survey approach, following a positivist philosophical paradigm. We obtained data from 13 off-grid energy enterprises in Nigeria that are officially recognized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. We deployed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 23 to examine a total of 239 fully filled surveys. The study discovered a notable and favourable correlation between the many aspects of technology innovation (such as market, process and product) and the indicators of the development of solar power (such as consumer trust). The results indicate that the promotion of technological innovation is essential for the effective development of solar power in Nigeria's off-grid sector. Nonetheless, it is crucial to tackle the difficulties related to government incentives to guarantee the extensive acceptance of solar power and enhance energy accessibility in urban and rural regions. Off-grid energy companies ought to allocate resources towards research and knowledge initiatives aimed at cultivating the essential expertise required for the development, installation, and maintenance of solar power systems. The study contributed to knowledge, by deploying the advanced analytical tool -Analysis of Movement Structure to carry out in-depth analysis and empirical evidence of the relationship between technological innovation and the development of solar power.