Training and photovoltaic rural electrification

Utilizing small dispersed photovoltaic power systems for rural electrification has been an attractive idea for many years, bat has been hampered by a number of infrastructure and implementation issues. 'Training' is often hailed as an important part of the solution, and indeed properly trained installers and designers are essential for the successful growth of this industry, but any training activity must be viewed in the larger context of the realities that it is intended to influence. A well-intentioned training program may still not improve market growth or customer satisfaction. Careful selection of training candidates and accreditation for certification are important over all issues that should be dealt with by the inter national photovoltaic community, to allow 'Training!' to make the difference that it should. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.