A new two-part guide to assist policy makers in identifying critical factors in the successful implementation of small domestic PV systems (Solar Home Systems or SHS) in developing countries has been produced by IEA  PVPS Task 9.

PV has considerable potential to contribute to the energy needs of rural and remote communities in developing countries. However, as is often reported, the comparatively high capital cost of PV SHS means that they are often not affordable for many would-be users. New and innovative implementation models are essential for more widespread use of the technology.

The guide to implementation models, Report IEA-PVPS T9-02:2003, summarizes three different approaches; direct sales, credit sales (both from the dealer and end-user perspective, as well as hire purchase arrangements) and fee-for-service models. The first part of the guide presents the typical characteristics of the models, including the mechanisms, advantages, disadvantages, and associated risks of each, while part 2 provides practical experience of the alternative models through eight case-studies of such initiatives from around the world.

As the practicalities of implementing a SHS financing model are heavily dependent upon the local market conditions, the guide also presents an overview of the key factors that decision makers must consider when assessing implementation model suitability for a particular environment.

The report is available for download from the publications' section.

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