Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Environmental Sciences
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
The rapid growth of cities in developing economies has resulted in the expansion of informal settlements, accompanied by increasing demand for energy. Although solar has been considered a viable source of energy for household energy needs, economic factors have been identified as a major constraint to its rapid utilization, particularly at the household level. In light of this, enhancing inclusive and participatory governance approaches in contemporary city planning is integral to overcoming this barrier. This study assessed the spatial suitability, economic viability, and community capacity of solar photovoltaics (PV) for household energy use in informal settlements. It employed the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) multi-criteria decision-making methodology (MCDM), Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, the Generalized Additive Model (GAM), Chi-square test of independence, Density, and Spider graphs, and Thematic Analysis methodologies to determine spatial suitability for solar PV, factors influencing how much a household is willing to pay (WTP) for solar energy, and community capacity for community solar PV investment. Findings from the study showed that overall, 40.56% of the total informal settlement area is suitable for solar PV investment, with 22.10% being suitable and 18.46% highly suitable. The study identified economic and knowledge-driven factors as the primary predictors of the amount households are willing to pay for solar energy. It also revealed that education, a history of community self-help projects, and membership in a community group were associated with a household’s willingness to participate in community solar. This study concluded by recommending policies to reduce financial barriers to entry for informal communities and increase knowledge of solar technology for informal settlements. It also recommends prioritizing investments in communities with high solar PV potential and highlights the need for community-led solar PV initiatives to encourage participatory governance and sustainable development.
Date
7-17-2026
Recommended Citation
Obeku, Keren-Happuch, "Assessing the Spatial Suitability, Economic Viability, and Community Capacity for Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Urban Informal Settlements" (2026). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 7167.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/7167
Committee Chair
Spencer, James H.
LSU Acknowledgement
1
LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment
1
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Energy Policy Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Natural Resource Economics Commons, Sustainability Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons