Assessing the Sustainability of Solar Energy Utilization in Students’ Hostel in Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of acceptance of solar energy technology on building energy utilization among off-campus students’ hostel in Nigeria. The study used quantitative methods based on the premises of the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (EUTAUT). Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model was adopted to measure 19 critical drivers of solar energy technology’s impact on energy utilization among 225 purpose-built off-campus students’ hostel in public universities in Nigeria. The study found that solar energy systems contributed to a 38% reduction in hydro-energy consumption in the total floor areas and a 100% increase in consumption in the total building surrounding (exterior) of students’ hostel. These were mainly driven by the behavioural intentions of students’ hostel owners toward the acceptance of solar energy technology as alternative to hydro energy. There have been limited studies on energy management in students’ hostel. However, this study determined critical areas of students’ hostel that require a high/low energy supply using solar energy technology.