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Photovoltaic Rural Electrification
Author(s) -
Lorenzo E.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-159x(199701/02)5:1<3::aid-pip158>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - electrification , rural electrification , photovoltaic system , electricity , environmental economics , quality (philosophy) , investment (military) , business , control (management) , economic growth , engineering , environmental planning , economics , political science , geography , electrical engineering , management , philosophy , epistemology , politics , law
The history of photovoltaic rural electrification (PVRE) from the early systems installed at the end of the 1960s is reviewed and presented in three different contexts: developed countries, international aid and developing countries. The progression from community applications (school televisions, village drinking water pumps, health centres, etc.) to individual applications (domestic electrification) is outlined. Differences between the concepts of ‘basic’, ‘perceived’ and ‘standard’ electricity needs are discussed. Relative advantages of the different products comprising current PVRE are analysed in the light of potential user perceptions. Proposed large‐scale PVRE programmes based on solar home systems are analysed, paying special attention to two aspects that have become controversial issues in the PV community: the capabilities and role of the users; and the need for systematic quality control procedures. Finally, some economic figures related to investment and maintenance costs are proposed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.