| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to assess the impacts of after sales services on households’ energy systems
in Rwanda. Specifically, the study focused on the performance of households’ energy systems
that have got after sales services and the energy systems that have never had such services, also
to determined peoples’ perceptions towards after sales services. The study was intended to find
out what people currently believe in and the situation at the moment. The study was conducted
in five different districts of eastern province of Rwanda. Study population consisted of 30
households with biogas plants in operational mode, 20 households with non-operational biogas
plants and 60 households with solar home systems. The study adopted a census technique with
respect to the unit of analysis which is the households with energy systems in Rwanda. The
study relied on primary data collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Data gathered
from the questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively using statistical package for social
sciences (SPSS version 22) computer software, which generated both descriptive and
inferential statistics. The findings revealed that after sales services are very important in
mitigating possible break down of the households’ energy systems. Households that receive
after sales services for their home energy systems experience less frequent break down of their
systems compared to those that don’t receive. The results further showed that many households
bought solar home energy systems since provider offered after sales services more frequently
than provider of biogas energy systems. The findings also revealed that without after sales
services from qualified technicians, home energy systems would not operate efficiently. The
study concluded that home energy systems that received after sales services from their provider
performed better than those that did not receive such services. The study further concluded that
household energy systems break down is mainly caused by lack of adequate after sales services
from the providers. The study recommended utility, system suppliers and management of
renewable energy systems that don’t provide after sales services should consider providing
such services to buyers of their products while those that offer such service less frequently
should increase how often they offer those service to their customers. This will ensure that they
attract new customers and maintain the existing ones hence generating more profits, also this
will contribute to the sustainability of renewable energy systems in Rwanda. | en_US |
