Community solar gardens have become a significant renewable energy source in South Africa's rural areas, offering sustainable electricity solutions for lighting and health outcomes. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to evaluate villagers' perceptions and experiences with solar garden installations. Solar garden installations led to a significant increase of 70% in household electricity use for lighting, with notable improvements in health outcomes such as reduced incidences of respiratory illnesses due to improved indoor lighting conditions. The findings suggest that community solar gardens not only enhance energy access but also positively impact public health through better lighting conditions. Policy recommendations include prioritising the installation and maintenance of community solar gardens in underserved rural areas, alongside educational programmes on safe use and maintenance to maximise benefits.
Nkosihla Maseko (Fri,) studied this question.