A photovoltaic solar home perspectives system dissemination model

Dissemination of photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation systems in developing countries faces a multitude of financial, technical, institutional and policy barriers. Demonstration of the system by appropriately selecting sites and users, providing an appropriate financial mechanism and technical support, and creating awareness among users can serve to trigger significant spontaneous propagation of PV systems. A strategy/approach adopted in promoting dissemination of solar home systems (SHSs) in Bangladesh is described, together with details of the methodology, including the planning, maintenance and training efforts undertaken. Progress in propagation of PV systems has been monitored since the installation of the demonstration systems; the success of the approach adopted can be gauged by the fact that since the installation of ten demonstration units in the selected area, a tremendous increase in the sale of PV SHSs has been observed. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.