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International Journal of Renewable, Green, and Sustainable Energy

Open Access Peer Review International
Open Access

SOLAR ENERGY AND CLIMATIC CONSTRAINTS: ANY ALTERNATIVE FOR SUNLIGHT-DEFICIENT ENVIRONMENTS?

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/ijrgse-v03i02-02
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Emmanuel Iniobong Archibong 1 ORCID iD , Hilda Afeku-Amenyo 1 ORCID iD , Livinus Horsfall 1 ORCID iD , Emmanuel Damilola Aweda 1 ORCID iD , Aboi Mishael 1 ,
4 Ph.D., Department of Philosophy University of Uyo, Uyo
4 Department of Earth and Environmental Science Montclair State University, USA
4 MSc Construction Engineering Management University of East London
4 Department: Meteorology Regional Training Center, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Lagos
4 Independent Researcher

Abstract

In many regions across the globe, the transition to renewable energy is constrained not primarily by technological incapacity but by environmental limitations which is scarcity of direct sunlight. This engender the question: what alternative energy systems can effectively substitute for solar energy in sunlight-deficient environments? The principles of sustainable energy transition theory and that of resilience framework were employed to inquired into how climatic factors influenced the adaptability and integration of renewable systems. However, the problem emerges from the growing dependence on solar technologies in regions where persistent cloud cover, high latitude, and long winters reduce solar efficiency. A mixed-methods design, comprising climatic data analysis, comparative case studies in Nigeria, Kenya and Finland, and expert interviews helped in identifying viable alternative pathways such as wind, geothermal, tidal, and hybrid bioenergy systems as adaptive solutions. The findings of the study showed that hybrid systems that integrates wind and biomass can make up for low insolation levels, while geothermal and tidal power provided stable base-load potentials in coastal and tectonically active areas. The study concluded by emphasizing that the most sustainable energy strategies in such environments hinged on context-specific integration rather than replication of solar-centric models. It recommended a policy reorientation toward diversified renewable options with regional energy audits and adaptive planning.

Keywords

Renewable energy alternatives, solar limitation, hybrid energy systems, climate adaptation

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