Solar Energy

Photo by: Russell Watkins/DFID

Off-grid photovoltaic systems appear as an adequate technology for illumination, charging of electrical devices, and so on. The obvious benefits of this kind of modern technology are manifold, such as better illumination in rural dwellings at a reduced cost. The initial installation costs for a small photovoltaic system are fairly low. As they have no operating costs beyond the replacement of the batteries every few years, their initial costs set off the yearly costs of illumination from other sources such as fires, candles or oil lamps. They reduce the cost for the use of batteries for radios, etc., and for the charging of phones. The reduction of smoke-related diseases is significant, as well as the increase of study time for students. Communication also improves, be it by phone or access to the internet.

The introduction of these systems in private households as well as, for example, for public illumination, or for the running of electrical installations in schools, health posts, and other infrastructures, in many regions of the world, indicates the potential adequacy of this technology.

In many areas due to their geographical conditions, such as in vast regions of the African continent, or on islands, where fuel has to be imported and transported, the production of electric energy by generators and its distribution are very expensive. Even in areas where hydroelectric power is produced, the installation and maintenance of distribution networks may be extremely expensive, especially so in thinly-populated rural areas, which are typical for many African countries.

Yet, even where climatic conditions are favourable, solar technologies which have proven their value beyond any doubt, often are not introduced and adopted.

The initial questions that will guide the analysis include the following:

History and experiences

What are the local experiences – good or bad – with solar systems? What are the causes?

Needs

What are the needs at the individual or household level? What kind of energy does the household use? At what costs and to what ends? Which conditions prepare these household (non-)decisions?

Adequate technology in relation to needs

Is adequate information available?

Are there any cultural impediments to the introduction of solar systems? Is it a matter of initial investment, a lack of funding? What are the current market prices for solar systems in relation to disposable income? What are the opportunity costs? Are adequate systems available at affordable prices?

Supply

Is it a matter of trade? Do traders have adequate knowledge about the products? Are there importers and wholesalers who import the systems? What are the prices? Where do the products originate? Are there agents of the producers or international companies in the country? Do their outlets reach into the potential (rural) markets, or are they concentrated in the cities?

In general, what are the trade barriers?

Public policies

How do renewable energies figure in the overall energy policies? Are there import and sales taxes that increase the end user prices? What are the energy policies? How are they shaped? By whom, or under the influence of whom? Is there specific legislation concerning renewable energy production and distribution? Is there sufficient information about solar systems?

International intervention

Are there international and national agencies that try to introduce these systems? What are their strategies? How do they act on the policy, programme and project levels, and at the national, regional and local levels? Are there already successes or failures of their interventions? What kind of communication processes happen within the communities?

Media

Are there public discussions in the media or on social media? Who does the agenda-setting? How do the media treat the energy question? Do solar systems and other renewables figure in the public discourse? Is there an environment-related ministry or office in the country? Do international organisations have dedicated agencies in the country? What is the organisational landscape?