Determinants of solar home system capacity choice (80–700 W) among female-headed households in rural Tigray, Ethiopia

Expanding access to clean energy is essential to achieving sustainable development. Solar home systems (SHS) are a clean source of energy in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where energy poverty, deforestation, and gender inequality intersect. Previous studies have primarily focused on factors influencing the adoption of solar energy. This study, however, shifts the focus to the determinants of opting for higher-capacity SHS. In addition, this study focuses on female-headed households, who often bear a disproportionate burden in meeting their household’s energy needs. Hence, this study aims to examine the factors that determine the capacity choice of SHS by female-headed households in rural Tigray, thereby contributing to the achievement of Gender Equality (SDG 5), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Climate Action (SDG 13). Using survey data from 161 households and an Ordinary Least Squares model, the study finds that SHS cost significantly reduces, while income significantly increases, the likelihood of choosing higher-capacity systems. Age negatively influences capacity choice, while education and household characteristics show limited effects. The findings highlight that economic constraints remain the primary barrier to achieving meaningful energy access. Thus, rural energy policies should prioritize economic incentives, such as subsidies, micro-financing, and flexible payment schemes.