Abstract

This study examined the acceptability of off-grid renewable energy systems and the viability of business models for rural electrification in North-Central Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted, covering selected states and relevant institutions. The study population comprised 1,150 respondents, from which a sample of 291 participants—including lecturers, entrepreneurs, ministry personnel, and community leaders—was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis H test at a 0.05 level of significance, with Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc analysis applied where necessary. Findings revealed a moderate to high level of acceptability of off-grid power solutions across all stakeholder groups, with community members showing slightly higher acceptance. The Kruskal–Wallis test indicated no statistically significant difference in perceptions of acceptability among respondents, suggesting a shared consensus. The study also found strong agreement on the viability of business models such as Pay-As-You-Go, mini-grids, Energy-as-a-Service, and public-private partnerships. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in perceptions of these models, with lecturers expressing stronger agreement than Ministry personnel. The study concludes that off-grid renewable energy systems are widely accepted and represent a viable solution for rural electrification. Based on the findings, it is recommended that stakeholders leverage the high level of community acceptance by actively involving local communities in the planning, implementation, and management of off-grid projects to enhance sustainability. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen alignment between policy actors and other stakeholders by addressing institutional concerns through improved regulatory clarity, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building to increase confidence in the viability of off-grid business models.