Potential and Demand for Photovoltaic Systems in Rural and Urban Areas in 3 Selected African Countries
Abstract
Pollution, the growing global population and the increasing energy demand requires the use of renewable energies, especially in the very sunny regions of the tropics and subtropics. The potential and conditions for the use of renewable energies, especially photovoltaics, in the three selected African countries of Tanzania, Nigeria, and Madagascar are compared. Decentralized supply structures must be established to supply rural regions and above all, the poor people with energy. In particular, the strong population growth requires a parallel expansion of the energy supply, ideally with renewable energies. Photovoltaic power supplies have already been implemented, both small-scale systems and mini-grid systems. Some solar power plants already exist, and some are planned. Based on the very different structures in the countries, a comparison is made to determine what a future energy supply with photovoltaics could look like by 2035. The data, facts, and results presented here were obtained through research, analysis, and own investigations. These were identified during various short and long visits, gaining insight into the technical structures, and discussions with competent experts in the three countries. Madagascar (3 visits), Nigeria (10 visits), Tanzania (2 visits).
Keywords
Tanzania, Madagascar, Nigeria, Solar Home Systems (SHS), Microcredits, Pay as You Go (PAYG), Education, Africa