SOLAR POWER AS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TO DRIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION IN NIGERIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COST EFFECTIVENESS OF SOLAR OVER THERMAL ENERGY (SOLAR ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL GENERATORS)

Developing nations have been awash with the concept of digital divide. One of the key factors drawing back internet diffusion and associated technology in Nigeria is the absence of good electricity power. Many schools of thought have proposed green energy in form of solar power as a veritable alternative to increase diffusion particularly in remote communities of Africa where Information Technology infrastructure such as electricity, telephone lines are yet to be put in place. We shall exclude the issue of high cost of PCs, computer literacy level and dwell on whether or not solar energy will proffer low energy costs in the short and long run when compared to Industrial generating sets. The results of this study will inform additional analytical assessment of the cost of public electricity generation and solar power. The first study is critical because most industries have either closed shops for non provision of good electricity or resorted to the use of industrial generators which demands huge maintenance costs. These costs are passed on to consumers with its concomitant inflation dynamics. This study is expected to inform government and individuals to develop tactical and long term strategy for solar energy development particularly in Africa.