The use of solar photovoltaic (PV) for powering electronic devices such as radio and television can contribute to
increase access to information and entertainment in off-grid rural communities. However, there is a lack of
quantitative data on impact of solar PV electrification on television viewing and radio listening. This paper relied
on primary data from cross-sectional surveys of solar-electrified and non-electrified households in rural Ghana
using questionnaires which were developed into a database. The study results showed that solar-electrified
households could view television for 2.5 hours/day, while in non-electrified households it was 1.5 hours/day. The
avoided cost of television viewing using solar PV instead of car battery was US$ 1-3/month. The study found a
linear relationship between incomes above US$ 1.08/day and television ownership. Further, the results showed
that on average radio listening in solar-electrified households was 5 hours/day, while in non-electrified households
it was 6.3 hours/day. The avoided cost of radio listening using solar PV instead of drycell batteries was
US$ 1.08/month. We conclude that the difference in the results suggests an overall impact of solar PV on
television viewing and radio listening. Once quantitative data are made available, the decision to use solar PV for
off-grid electrification will be apparent.