Assessment of solar energy access and the disposal of end of life solar materials In Kamuli municipality, Kamuli district.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Busitema University
Abstract
Kamuli Municipality has experienced a steady increase in the use of solar energy technologies, especially Solar Home Systems (SHS) and Pico PV lanterns among households, small businesses, institutions, and service providers that depend on off-grid or supplementary electricity solutions. This growth reflects wider national efforts to expand clean and affordable energy access in Uganda, where the Energy Transition Plan places strong emphasis on off-grid solar as a key pathway toward universal electricity access. National electricity access stands at approximately 45% with rural and peri-urban rates significantly lower yet off-grid solar solutions have bridged critical gaps with 61% of households in Kamuli Municipality relying
on solar for lighting. However, the expansion of solar energy also creates an emerging environmental challenge because batteries, panels, controllers and related components eventually become waste that requires safe handling and disposal. This study assessed the relationship between solar energy access; patterns of solar system use and the disposal of end-of-life solar materials in Kamuli Municipality. Specifically, it determined the level of solar energy adoption among households and businesses, examined how solar systems are used in everyday practice and assessed the current management and disposal practices of solar waste. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used.
Quantitative data was collected through a digitalized questionnaire administered to 103 respondents. Key findings revealed that 82.5% of respondents use solar energy with Solar Home Systems (SHS) being the most popular (69.9%). Primary uses were lighting (92.7%) and phone charging(69.5%). Batteries were the most frequently worn-out component (96.7%). The most common disposal method was selling to scrap dealers (45.0%) followed by returning to suppliers (26.7%). Only 47.0% were fully aware that solar waste contains harmful substances and 87.9%
did not perceive solar waste as a serious environmental problem. The study recommends the establishment of solar waste collection points, targeted public awareness campaigns, government regulation and technician training programs to address the growing solar waste challenge in Kamuli Municipality. The findings contribute to the limited local evidence base on solar energy access and e-waste management in Uganda.
Description
Undergraduate research report
Keywords
Citation
Kamoga, D. (2026). Assessment of solar energy access and the disposal of end of life solar materials In Kamuli municipality, Kamuli district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.