PVPS Task 9 (Developing Countries) has released three new Recommended Practice Guides (RPGs) and a compilation of sixteen case studies.
![Planning for success: the new guides are intended to ensure future PV projects receive the ‘thumb up’. [Ph: IED]](../images/19_02a.jpg)
The new documents, and the others in the RPG series, are all intended to provide assistance to programme designers and project developers that are interested in implementing or improving support programmes for the deployment of PV systems for rural electrification. In particular they are focused at multi- and bi-lateral donors and development agencies, but also at host governments, project financiers, NGOs and other relevant groups.
Quality, certification and accreditation
Despite good intentions, many developing country PV programmes and projects have failed, and a large number of these failures can be attributed to lack of quality, both in terms of components and installation, as well as in the organization and management of implementation programmes. Report T9-04:2003 provides a much-needed insight into how quality assurance through-out the project process can improve prospects for delivering a reliable energy service that has real benefits for the end-use community. It also shows how quality protects those involved in the project implementation, particularly the financiers and beneficiary governments.
The document focuses on three key aspects, namely quality management (procedures), technical standards (hardware) and training (personnel), which can each provide some measure of assurance that organizations, staff and equipment used throughout the project chain are competent or ‘fit for purpose’. In each case an overview of international best practice and relevant certification systems and accreditation bodies is provided.
Programme design, planning and implementation
Report T9-05:2003 aims to lead programme administrators through the process of planning and implementing a PV programme, broken down into four phases, namely preparation, programme design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.
The purpose of the guide is not to provide an in-depth step by step ‘standard’ methodology, but rather to highlight the issues pertinent to rural energy programmes in developing countries. To a large degree, programme success or failure is governed by the early preparatory and design phases and the document emphasizes this. In particular it outlines the key considerations which should guide the programme development process, notably the national and local context and objectives, end-user needs and the engagement of all stakeholders. From this process issues such as capacity building and training requirements can be clearly identified, as well as the suitability of technical alternatives.
Institutional frameworks
Continuing the theme and building on other documents in the series, report T9-06:2003 aims to define the key components and mechanisms of the institutional framework needed to support long term sustainable market development and deployment of PV services. The report considers five fundamental functions – End-User Education, Regulation and Planning, Installation and Maintenance, Operation and Use, and Facilitation of Implementation – that must be accommodated within the programme’s institutional structure. The roles of critical stakeholders in meeting these functions are also presented.
In particular the guide looks at the role of regulation and the Public Authority as well as the creation of an enabling environment for mutual support between end-user groups, the service provider, and the facilitating agents. Again, the issue of quality of PV service over time is highlighted, along-side affordability of the service, financial sustainability and packaging of funding. This is complemented by a review of the range and applicability of instruments available for PV programme finance, including a brief assessment of risk mitigation measures to help mobilize private sector investment.
Case studies
Examples of the various design and implementation factors that have influenced successes and failures of developing country PV initiatives, highlighting the aspects raised in the RPG document series have been compiled in a case study document. The report T9-07:2003 describes 16 PV deployment programmes covering 27 countries and a range of applications, and high-lights the critical lessons that have been learned from these real-life projects.
All four reports are available for download from the publications' section.
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