Methodological Evaluation of Off-Grid Communities Systems in Senegal Using Panel Data for System Reliability Analysis

Off-grid communities in Senegal rely on various systems for power supply, including solar panels and wind turbines. These systems often face reliability issues due to environmental factors and maintenance challenges. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative panel data with qualitative insights from focus group discussions was employed. Panel data were collected over a two-year period to analyse the reliability of solar systems in off-grid communities across Senegal, including KPIs such as power availability, maintenance frequency, and community engagement levels. Panel analysis revealed that approximately 30% of solar-powered systems experienced technical failures during peak usage hours (12 PM), with a higher proportion in rural areas compared to urban settings. This variability was attributed to differences in infrastructure quality and maintenance protocols. This study provides robust evidence on the reliability of off-grid community power systems, highlighting the need for standardised system specifications and improved community engagement strategies to enhance overall system performance. Policy recommendations include developing guidelines for standardising solar panel configurations and enhancing community education programmes to promote effective maintenance practices. Future research should focus on long-term sustainability metrics in similar contexts. The empirical specification follows Y=₀+^ X+, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.