Southwestern Sierra Leone has seen limited access to reliable electricity, affecting both economic growth and rural livelihoods. The study employed mixed-methods research including surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis to assess the effectiveness of solar power microgrids in enhancing energy access and stimulating local economies. Solar power microgrids have shown a significant increase (p < 0. 05) in household electricity usage by 40% compared to pre-project levels, contributing positively to livelihood diversification among rural communities. The implementation of solar power microgrids has successfully improved energy access and supported economic growth in Southwestern Sierra Leone, with notable improvements in lighting, water pumping, and small-scale agriculture. Further investment in grid extension and technology adoption is recommended to sustain and expand the benefits of solar power microgrids for rural communities. Solar Power Microgrids, Energy Access, Economic Growth, Sierra Leone Model estimation used =argmin_ᵢ (yᵢ, f_ (xᵢ) ) +₂², with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.
Koroma et al. (Fri,) studied this question.