Small economical PV power generation systems to provide lighting, communication and water supply to rural areas

Photovoltaic power generation (PV) using crystalline silicon solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity has become by now one of the most economic ways to provide electric power for rural communities off the electric grid. Today more than two billion people have no access to electricity, the majority living in rural areas with little chance in the next 10 to 20 years in obtaining grid-connection to fulfill basic services such as electric light, water, radio, TV and telephone communication that can be delivered most economical using electricity. It is in this huge field of application where small PV systems ranging in power from a few watt/peak to a few kilowatt/peak are already the most cost-effective power source using existing technology. For such systems to be installed globally on a scale of several millions per year no breakthrough in technology is necessary, but steady market growth, sound financing and development of the infrastructure for installation and maintenance. This paper provides an overview on Siemens Solar's perspective on promising applications and technology developments as well as experiences gained on stand-alone systems installed around the globe. In addition, recommendations will be given to successfully introduce PV systems in rural areas.