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Title:
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Experience with solar home systems in developing countries : a review
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Author(s):
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Nieuwenhout, F.D.J.; Dijk, A.L. van; Lasschuit, P.E.; Roekel, G.M. van; Dijk, V.A.P. van; Hirsch, D.; Arriaza, H.; Hankins, M.; Sharma, B.d.; Wade, H.
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Published by:
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Publication date:
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ECN
Energy in the Built Environment
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1-1-2002
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ECN report number:
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Document type:
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ECN-RX--02-001
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Article (scientific)
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Number of pages:
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20
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Published in: Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications (John Wiley & Sons Ltd.), , 2001, Vol.9, p.455-474.
Abstract:
Solar Energy is widely perceived as a promising technology for electricitygeneration in remote locations in developing countries. It is estimated
that 1.3 million solar home systems had been installed by early 2000.
An estimated one-third of installed systems were backed by foreign donor
support in government programmes and two-thirds supplied by commercial
dealers. The estimated growth in the deployment of solar lanterns is
less than for SHS. One out of every 100 households that gain access
to electricity in developing countries uses solar power. In spite of
these successes, doubts have arisen about the effectiveness and suitability
of small PV systems for rural development. Many organisational, financial
and technical problems appear to present difficulties. A literature
survey has been conducted to make an inventory of experience with solar
PV applications for households in developing countries. The main finding
is that an adequate service infrastructure is required to make projects
viable. Household choice in system sizes is often too restricted in
donor-funded projects. Smaller systems sold for cash can be a good alternative
to credit systems by offering to increased affordability. Gaps in existing
knowledge have been identified, which could be overcome by field monitoring
programmes.
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