Factors influencing the success of decentralised solar power systems in remote villages
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Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master Thesis
Master Thesis
Program
Publicerad
2011
Författare
Millinger, Markus
Mårlind, Tina
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This study investigates organisation and design factors of decentralised rural electrification through solar power in light of views from the World Bank, the Millennium Development Goals, Indian Governmental Policy and some additional complementary views. Choice and design of the technology as well as organisation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) are crucial factors, but illiteracy, poverty and remoteness add to the difficulties. In the state of Chhattisgarh, India, some interesting ways of O&M have been developed and are investigated in this study. Solar Home Systems (SHS) and photovoltaic micro-grids (SPVPP) are also compared. As basis for the investigations and assessments a field survey in eleven villages with 168 respondents was conducted. For SPVPPs, the O&M structure was found to work regarding the upkeep of batteries as the plants generally did not degrade over time. However, as florescent lights (CFLs) were normally replaced by incandescent lights, the hours of light and reliability decreased and users were found to no longer be able to rely on the supply. Provision of CFLs is therefore proposed to be included in the sphere of responsibilities of the implementing agency. Quality of installation for SPVPPs has been found to make a very large difference for the output, and an investment in better inverters is advised on both social and economical grounds. Technical problems were found to create social conflicts especially for the operators in the villages, and maintenance costs were large due to failed inverters. Efficiency of the SPVPPs was found to have been overestimated, and thus too little capacity installed, which contributed to the social problems. SHSs are cheaper per kWh, and a more suitable solution for villages with low homogeneity and social cohesion as no cooperation is required. The level of trust within the village and whether there is a presence of minorities is proposed to be investigated when choosing which type of system to install.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Energi , Övrig annan teknik , Hållbar utveckling , Energy , Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified , Sustainable Development