Solar energy access in Ethiopia differs between urban and rural areas.

A national analysis using the World Bank Ethiopia Socio‑Economic Survey (2021–22) finds divergent solar adoption patterns: rural uptake is linked to older, male household heads and limited grid access, while urban uptake is more common among younger, better‑resourced residents; spatial spillovers are minimal.

A national study examines how household and community factors shape solar adoption across Ethiopia and why those patterns matter for equitable climate transitions. The analysis draws on the World Bank Ethiopia Socio‑Economic Survey Wave 5 (2021–22), collected through two‑stage stratified random sampling. Researchers use a multi‑level logistic regression to separate within‑ and between‑community determinants and a Spatial Durbin Error Model to test for spatial spillovers. The work is framed by the socio‑technical energy transition (STET) perspective and set against Ethiopia’s national electrification efforts. Key findings: - The study uses nationally representative household data (World Bank Ethiopia SES Wave 5, 2021–22) and applies multi‑level logistic regression and spatial regression techniques. - In rural areas, solar adoption is reported as more common among households headed by older, male individuals and in communities with limited access to the central grid, signaling need‑based uptake. - In urban areas, adoption is reported as more common among younger and relatively better‑resourced residents, suggesting elective investment patterns. - Spatial spillovers are minimal, which the authors report as indicating stronger roles for institutional programs and market interventions than for localized social diffusion. - The paper situates findings in Ethiopia’s broader context, noting a pronounced rural–urban gap in electricity access (reported as about 94% urban vs 44% rural access in 2023) and the National Electrification Plan aiming for universal access by 2025. Summary: The analysis indicates that rural and urban households follow different logics of solar uptake, with structural constraints and household resources shaping adoption in distinct ways. Because spatial diffusion effects appear limited, the authors report that institutional and market factors are influential; how policies or programs will respond is undetermined at this time.