The global energy crisis disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa, with Maseru, Lesotho, facing rising urban energy demand, unregulated spatial growth, socio-economic inequalities, and reliance on imported electricity. Despite high solar potential, solar energy remains underutilized and poorly integrated into urban planning. This study employs a PRISMA-guided systematic review and VOSviewer bibliometric analysis to identify research trends, policy gaps, and best practices in solar energy and spatial planning. Findings highlight the potential of decentralized solutions, including rooftop solar and solar-powered public infrastructure, to enhance local energy resilience. The study offers evidence-based recommendations to inform policy frameworks aligned with SDG 7 and SDG 11, promoting renewable energy adoption and advancing a just and sustainable urban energy transition in Maseru.
Nthunya et al. (Tue,) studied this question.