Methodological Assessment of Off-Grid Community Systems in Kenya: A Randomized Field Trial on Risk Reduction Evaluations

Off-grid community systems in Kenya have been implemented to provide renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power. These systems aim to reduce reliance on grid electricity and enhance sustainable development. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. Studies published between and were included, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the topic. The methodology involved assessing the outcomes of randomized field trials comparing off-grid systems with grid-connected alternatives. A key finding was that off-grid solar power systems demonstrated an improvement in system reliability by at least 85% compared to grid-connected systems over a two-year period, indicating enhanced performance and reduced risk of energy disruptions. The randomized field trials showed significant improvements in the reliability and cost-effectiveness of off-grid solar power systems in Kenya. These findings support the continued investment in such systems as a viable solution for sustainable development. Based on the review, it is recommended that policymakers implement incentives for further adoption of off-grid solar systems and encourage research into improving system longevity and affordability. Model estimation used θ̂=argminθ∑ᵢ(yᵢ,f_θ(xᵢ))+λθ₂², with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.