Abstract:
Grid-based rural electrification has benefited about 800 million people over the last decade; about 1.5 billion people, however, still have no access to electricity. The current scenario is expected to remain unchanged if we continue to rely on the conventional electrification methods. This is due to the high cost of grid-extension to rural areas with a very small load. Solar energy is one of the most promising sources of electricity generation through solar cells and photovoltaics, and being decentralized in character, is suitable for remote-area applications. During the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of PV all over the world. A growth-rate of 15-30% per year is estimated worldwide. In Pakistan also, the use of PV for rural electrification has started. We are focusing here on the current development in the use of PV and hybrid technology for the socio-economic uplift o f the remote areas
Page(s):
59-63
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Development, Volume: 4, Issue: 0, Year: 2005