India, April 17 -- In sun-rich South Africa, solar power adoption remains low despite its potential to cut bills and reduce reliance on coal, paraffin and diesel.

A study of high- and low-income households in Eastern Cape cities found that while most people see solar as a way to avoid power cuts.

Fear of panel theft, high costs and maintenance concerns are major barriers to installation.

South Africa would seem like the perfect place for widespread uptake of solar energy.

The country is sunny, with high solar generation potential. Solar is a clean, reliable source of power that can help people reduce their dependence on polluting fuels like paraffin and diesel. Switching to solar also cuts electricity bills, which have more than doubl...