Access to modern, clean energy remains a major challenge in rural areas, where most households still rely on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, contributing to environmental degradation, indoor air pollution, and livelihood vulnerability. This study examined the determinants of household solar energy adoption and its implications for livelihoods, gender outcomes, and environmental sustainability in rural Southern Ethiopia. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using cross-sectional survey data from 154 households (82 adopters and 72 non- adopters), complemented by Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression with robust standard errors, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results indicate that household education, income, access to credit, awareness of solar technology, and cooperative participation positively and significantly influence solar adoption. In contrast, distance to markets and access to the electricity grid reduce the likelihood of adoption. Impact analysis revealed that solar adoption significantly improves household welfare and environmental outcomes. Adopters consumed approximately 44% less fuelwood, reduced estimated household CO 2 emissions by nearly 58%, and spent about 51% less time collecting biomass fuels than non-adopters. Women in adopting households spent substantially less time on fuel collection, while children's average study time increased from 1.7 to 3.1 h per day, reflecting important educational and gender- related benefits. In addition, adopters reported fewer respiratory health problems and greater environmental awareness, including increased participation in tree- planting activities. Qualitative findings further revealed that solar energy supports extended business hours, mobile phone charging services, and improved household convenience. However, challenges related to maintenance, battery replacement, and affordability remain significant constraints. The study concludes that solar energy adoption contributes meaningfully to the rural energy transition, livelihood improvement, and environmental sustainability. The findings underscore the need for integrated policy interventions that combine affordable financing mechanisms, awareness-raising, gender-responsive approaches, and strengthened rural technical support systems to accelerate an equitable and sustainable solar energy transition in rural areas.
Wana et al. (Tue,) studied this question.