PHOTOVOLTAIC RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

The history of photovoltaic rural electrification (PVRE) from the earl y systems installed at the end of the 1960s is reviewed and presented in three different contexts: developed countries, international aid an d developing counties. The progression from community applications (sc hool televisions, village drinking water pumps, health centres, etc.) to individual applications (domestic electrification) is outlined. Dif ferences between the concepts of 'basic', 'perceived' and 'standard' e lectricity needs are discussed. Relative advantages of the different p roducts 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 th at have become controversial issues in the PV community: the capabilit ies and role of the users; and the needs for systematic quality contro l procedures. Finally, some economic figures related to investment and maintenance costs are proposed. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.