African Theoretical Physics (Pure Science) | 02 January 2002
Methodological Evaluation of Off-Grid Communities Systems in Ethiopia Using Quasi-Experimental Design to Assess System Reliability
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Abstract
The study aims to evaluate the reliability of off-grid communities systems in Ethiopia, focusing on solar power installations and other renewable energy sources. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews will be employed to evaluate off-grid communities' solar power installations in Ethiopia. The study uses propensity score matching (PSM) for causal inference. Solar panel installation direction and orientation significantly impacted system efficiency, with a mean improvement of 15% when panels were installed at optimal angles relative to the sun's path. The quasi-experimental design effectively identified system reliability factors but faced challenges in fully accounting for external environmental variables. The PSM model provided robust estimates of causal effects. Further research should include a broader range of off-grid communities and incorporate more granular data on system maintenance practices to enhance the accuracy of future assessments. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.