ABSTRACT Solar electricity is a practical technology for rural Tanzania to get out of bio-energy crisis. This study identifies and describes effects of socio-economic factors for adoption of solar energy. The study involved 80 subjects randomly sampled. Data were collected by using questionnaire and in-depth interviews. SPSS 11.5 was used to process and analyse data. The study revealed that the more one is educated the more likely can use solar electricity. People with average income to rich are more likely to adopt solar power technology than the very poor ones. Common adopted type of solar energy technologies are solar lights and cookers. Factors limiting adoption of solar energy include economic constraints, housing type and size, conservatism, settlement instability, lack of incentives, cost effectiveness and high installation costs. It is recommended that special efforts should be done by all energy stakeholders for a remarkable shift from using biomass energy into solar electricity.