PV for rural electrification in developing countries – Programme design, planning and implementation

PV for rural electrification in developing countries
Programme design, planning and implementation

Authors: Parker, W.; Oldach, R.; Wilshaw, A. IEA-PVPS Task 9 report: PV for rural electrification in developing countries – Programme design, planning and implementation

Organization: Institute for Sustainable Power (USA), IT Power Ltd (GBR)

Reference: IEA PVPS T9-05:2003

Date of issue: September 2003

Details: 27 pages: figures, photos, tables

Type: Report IEA PVPS Task 9

Download: Open or download report as PDF document (1121 kB)

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) technology can supply reliable, relatively cost-effective electricity for basic needs in remote and developing areas. Photovoltaics can be used to better the lives of people in many ways, including supplying clean electricity to light homes or schools, running medical refrigerators, powering small businesses, and pumping or purifying water. Using the natural resource of sunlight, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people can be improved in ways that can range from local to regional in scale, depending on the size of the programme and the resources available to carry it out.
In order for a PV programme to be successful, it needs to be planned carefully. Many issues need to be considered before implementation can begin. As many programmes in the past were not entirely successful, it is useful to learn from past mistakes rather than repeat them.
The objective of this document is to provide input to those programme developers who are interested in implementing or improving support programmes for the deployment of solar photovoltaic energy systems for rural electrification.

This guide will lead programme administrators through the process of planning and implementing a PV programme, broken down here into the following phases:

the preparation phase;
the programme design phase;
the implementation; and,
the monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
The preparation phase of PV programme planning consists of the consideration of the overall policy objectives, a needs assessment, stakeholder consultation, social context analysis, and analysis of technical supply options. Within this phase, the goal or goals of the potential programme are identified, as are the various stakeholder groups and key actors. National and regional policy objectives are taken into consideration, addressing the question whether the programme fits the overall goals and objectives of the state and the society. In addition, this phase includes consideration of the benefits and costs or consequences of the programme – both social and financial. Different technological options available to meet the energy needs must be assessed (e.g. PV, hydro power, etc.) and the best solution for the particular situation needs to be found and then adapted to the particular constraints of the environment.
The design phase includes detailed planning to carry out the programme successfully, to address the different costs and benefits identified in the first planning phase, and to inform and train stakeholders and make provision for the ongoing performance of the programme. This section highlights a number of issues related to programme design which have to be considered by programme administrators during the process of planning a renewable energy programme.
Once thorough programme planning is in place, with time lines, logistics, budgets, and team roles delineated, the programme is ready to be implemented. In the implementation phase,quality control and supervision are critical to ensure the desired outcome.
Monitoring and evaluation should already start during the programme preparation and extend through to post-implementation. Even a thorough needs assessment and stakeholder consultation may fail to identify potential negative effects or challenges of renewable energy development. Therefore planning for on-going monitoring is important. Re-assessing the programme after its completion can also allow for unforeseen or unintended consequences to be identified and addressed.

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Authors:	Parker, W.; Oldach, R.; Wilshaw, A.
Organization:	Institute for Sustainable Power (USA), IT Power Ltd (GBR)
Reference:	IEA PVPS T9-05:2003
Date of issue:	September 2003
Details:	27 pages: figures, photos, tables
Type:	Report IEA PVPS Task 9
Download:	Open or download report as PDF document (1121 kB)
Abstract:	Photovoltaic (PV) technology can supply reliable, relatively cost-effective electricity for basic needs in remote and developing areas. Photovoltaics can be used to better the lives of people in many ways, including supplying clean electricity to light homes or schools, running medical refrigerators, powering small businesses, and pumping or purifying water. Using the natural resource of sunlight, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people can be improved in ways that can range from local to regional in scale, depending on the size of the programme and the resources available to carry it out. In order for a PV programme to be successful, it needs to be planned carefully. Many issues need to be considered before implementation can begin. As many programmes in the past were not entirely successful, it is useful to learn from past mistakes rather than repeat them. The objective of this document is to provide input to those programme developers who are interested in implementing or improving support programmes for the deployment of solar photovoltaic energy systems for rural electrification.
	This guide will lead programme administrators through the process of planning and implementing a PV programme, broken down here into the following phases: the preparation phase; the programme design phase; the implementation; and, the monitoring and evaluation of the programme. The preparation phase of PV programme planning consists of the consideration of the overall policy objectives, a needs assessment, stakeholder consultation, social context analysis, and analysis of technical supply options. Within this phase, the goal or goals of the potential programme are identified, as are the various stakeholder groups and key actors. National and regional policy objectives are taken into consideration, addressing the question whether the programme fits the overall goals and objectives of the state and the society. In addition, this phase includes consideration of the benefits and costs or consequences of the programme – both social and financial. Different technological options available to meet the energy needs must be assessed (e.g. PV, hydro power, etc.) and the best solution for the particular situation needs to be found and then adapted to the particular constraints of the environment. The design phase includes detailed planning to carry out the programme successfully, to address the different costs and benefits identified in the first planning phase, and to inform and train stakeholders and make provision for the ongoing performance of the programme. This section highlights a number of issues related to programme design which have to be considered by programme administrators during the process of planning a renewable energy programme. Once thorough programme planning is in place, with time lines, logistics, budgets, and team roles delineated, the programme is ready to be implemented. In the implementation phase,quality control and supervision are critical to ensure the desired outcome. Monitoring and evaluation should already start during the programme preparation and extend through to post-implementation. Even a thorough needs assessment and stakeholder consultation may fail to identify potential negative effects or challenges of renewable energy development. Therefore planning for on-going monitoring is important. Re-assessing the programme after its completion can also allow for unforeseen or unintended consequences to be identified and addressed.