Pvpt Fact Sheet Rural Electrification

PHOTOVOLTAIC FACT SHEETS European Photovoltaic Technology Platform

You may have heard the statement “Solar PV is not appropriate for rural applications as only rich countries can afford it.”

The fact is: As photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity started 25 years ago, off-grid applications were cost competitive first in remote rural areas. Off-grid solar PV systems for professional and domestic use were the first terrestrial applications.

“We wage wars for oil and water whereas a still growing part of the world population does not have access to clean water and electricity. We have to admit our responsibility”

Development of the Various Market Segments (relative) Yearly installed PV Power: 1,2 GW

5 GW

30 GW

300 GW

650 GW

100% 90% n R  oW Off-Grid (incl. Consumer)

80%

Prof. em. Dr. Joachim Luther Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) Becquerel Prize Laureate for Outstanding Merits in Photovoltaics

70% 60%

n RoW On-Grid n USA n JP

Mass production and markets in developed countries such as Japan, USA and Germany allow for sinking production costs. In consequence the markets in developing countries will increasingly be able to afford PV Solar in near future.

50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

n EU

0%

2004

2010

2020

2030

2040

The figure indicates the trend to developing country markets as expected by the PV industry. One third of the world’s population lives in rural areas without electricity and thus without access to clean water and modern life. Due to the decentralized and modular character of solar PV these people can be provided with clean electricity for development, education and communication.

Source: SCHOTT Solar

Source: SCHOTT Solar (own estimates)

Therefore the correct statement is: “In many developing countries, solar PV electricity can provide least cost options for basic rural energy needs.” www.eupvplatform.org April 2007