Photovoltaics for Rural Electrification in Developing Countries A Road Map [Hardcover]

The evidence suggests that many solar programs are being designed and implemented in isolation and without reliance on published guidelines or the experience gained by others. The conclusion is obvious: the likelihood of a program being successful would be greatly improved if program implementers were made more aware of best practice guidelines and of the lessons and experience learned by others in implementing previous programs. Furthermore, the best practice guidelines not only need to be readily available but need to describe the stages, issues and the stakeholders roles in designing and implementing a SHS program. This book showcases a detailed road map that has been developed for the implementation of rural electrification projects in developing countries using solar PV. Features of this book will be case studies derived from personal participatory observation of the authors on Solar Home Systems, their impact, their advantages and disadvantages and their operation.

This guide will greatly improve the success rate of solar energy projects in remote communities in developing countries, drawing on the authors own case studies to generate comprehensive, step-by-step procedures that replicate proven real-life strategies.

Introduction-Rural electrification, Energy Poverty and Quality of Life.- Solar Home Systems Components, Applications and User Interface.-? Overview of Financing Mechanism used in Different Programs.- Success and Sustainability Criteria and Issues for SHSs Programs.- SHS Project Evaluation  Based on Success Criteria.- Program Development Issues and Output.- Conceptual Framework for Successful Implementation of SHS Program.- The Road Map  Choosing the Right Path.

Tania Urmee has been directly involved in renewable energy research and development from 1996 to the present. She started her career working for Grameen Shakti (GS), a non profit organization in Bangladesh that was established to promote thelS²