Nepal has had a network of PV systems suppliers operating commercially since the early 1990s, but quality has been a problem. In response, a quality assurance programme for solar home systems has been introduced with support from the Danish development agency, Danida. Very few qualified companies manufacture components locally, with many products imported from South and East Asia. The programme includes basic training and certification of installers, the introduction of minimum standards for BOS components and modules, and random inspections of installations. Promotional activities now stress the importance of quality. These measures, together with diminishing subsidies – up to 50 % in the most remote areas – have resulted in steady sales growth to achieve 15 000 systems installed since the beginning of the support programme. An independent national solar energy test station (SETS) has been established in Kathmandu with strong local involvement. It performs quality control measurements on components, as well as providing installer training and qualification assistance for Nepali manufacturers. SETS has now been in regular operation since summer 2001, using QA procedures based on those of PV-GAP and Solar Energy Centre Denmark. As one of very few PV testing labs in developing countries, it is a model for other PV support programmes. SETS Technicians training on PV system design.

Project summary • Location: Nepal • Programme: Solar Energy Support Programme (SSP) • Funding: 90 % Danida Energy Sector Assistance Programme, 10 % Government of Nepal • Installed: 15 000 solar home systems (SHS) since 1999 • Scope: 25 000 SHS during phase I • Yearly inspection rate: 1 % of installed capacity • Contact: Ivan Katic, SECD, E-mail: ivan.katic@teknologisk.dk

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